We just returned from a great trip to Netherlands and Spain, with AMS serving as our gateway airport. I just wanted to share our experience as arriving and departing AMS changed a bit since we last used the airport. As most know, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is up and running. At arrival, as you approach passport control, a clearly marked queue appears so you can provide electronic fingerprints and other biometric data. For us, there were no lines and that took no more than 3 minutes. At conclusion, you are given a “Route”, which is essentially your assigned line as you walk into Passport Control. I was given Route 1 while my wife earned Route 2. My Route 1 line had just a half dozen people in front of me while my rule following wife went to the back of the much longer Route 2 line. Still, both lines in passport control were shorter than I have previously experienced but it took nearly 20 minutes to get through my very short line while my wife’s line took nearly an hour, even though her line was relatively short compared to prior years of traveling through AMS. So, it would appear that they may still be working through some issues with the EES per our experience and my brief discussion with one of the border control staff.
Departing AMS changed a bit as well from past experience-for the better. (We usually fly Delta/KLM direct to MPLS). In the past, after going through passport control, we have always had to have another supplemental security screen with Delta/KLM employees to enter into your assigned gate. However, there was no supplemental security screening for our gate so we were free to get some steps in before our 8 hour flight. Not sure when that process changed at AMS but I figured I would mention it. Have a nice day!