Transit through Netherlands AMS with a 9hr layover

Transit through Netherlands AMS with a 9hr layover - Ethnic driver in taxi with partition

I will be travelling from the UK to South Africa, but transiting through Netherlands AMS airport, with a 9hr layover at the airport. From my research, I can tell that I am allowed to transit through Netherlands without a transit visa (I am a Zimbabwean citizen) as long as I remain in the "international transit zone" for those 9 hrs - willing to do that.

What I am not sure of, though, is whether catching my next flight, which will be a Kenyan Airways, would by any chance require me to leave the transit zone? And hence get me into trouble of needing a transit visa. This comes as a result of not knowing in detail how the AMS airport is structured and operates. Would anyone know the specifics of the airport to advise on this?

Well appreciated.



Best Answer

Basically you can go from every 'non Schengen' gate to every other 'non Schengen' gate in AMS without having to leave the international zone. Whether you can use that fact depends on whether you travel on one ticket or have to leave the airport to check in on your new flight. If that last you are out of luck, you would not only need a transit visa but a full Schengen visa.

You may get security or even a passport check (in some rare cases) but you do not need to leave the area unless you have to check in anew.
The airport in name has 4 terminals, but in fact they are one big building which has connections both airside and landside, as well as a separate walkway connecting the 'within Schengen' gates.

It is my local airport and I have used it to leave and arrive, never to transfer, but others have confirmed this in earlier questions about the airport.




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Can you transit through Amsterdam airport Covid?

No negative COVID-19 test result requirement If you transfer/transit in the Netherlands, or if the Netherlands is your final destination, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival in the Netherlands.

What can I do with a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam?

Things to do in Amsterdam
  • Check out the Anne Frank Museum. The Anne Frank Museum was the highlight of my recent visit. ...
  • Walking/Photography Tour of Amsterdam's Canals and city centre. ...
  • Visit an Amsterdam Caf\xe9 ...
  • Visit the Amsterdam Centrale Bibliotheek (central library) ...
  • Visit an Amsterdam coffee Shop. ...
  • Rent-A-Bike in Amsterdam.


Do I need a transit visa for layover in Amsterdam?

If you are travelling to another Schengen country via the Netherlands, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa. Airport transit visas are not valid for this purpose.

What can I do with a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam?

With only a 6 hr layover, a canal boat ride would take up all your time. My recommendation would be to visit Anne Frank's house, then walk to the main square. You will see canal houses, ancient bldgs and might even have time to stop in at a diamond "factory" where you can watch the polishers.



Amsterdam | During 3.5 hour Layover | Quick Things To Do On the Go




More answers regarding transit through Netherlands AMS with a 9hr layover

Answer 2

As Willeke mentioned, you can make this connection without a transit visa. You also don’t have to be uncomfortable. Schiphol airport has a couple of airside hotels; you can get some rest without having to clear immigration. As I recall, the Mercure is reasonably priced (unusual for an airside hotel!) and convenient.

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