Hi. I'm going to be in Amsterdam starting the last Sunday in February. I've never been to Amsterdam (or Europe) before. Can anyone tell me what to expect when I go through Amsterdam's Customs inspection? Thanks!

Usually it's completely eventless,the most you get is a waive. However some young people do get stopped and searched. I know of someone who was actually arrested at the Schiphol airport but that was a long while ago.

Thanks, DAX.

I assume you are not carrying any contraband which includes plants, meat etc!

We've travelled JFK-AMS-JFK four times and only had one problem getting through customs at JFK. That was the year my husband and I (at that time in our 40's) were travelling with our two "surrogate sons" who were in their early 20's. They waived hubby and me through, but searched the kids bags.

I had to laugh at the whole situation, since it was I that was carrying the "contraband". Actually, it was a beautiful, hand-painted clay pipe that I had picked up in Gouda.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING ANYTHING ILLEGAL BACK INTO THE USA (or take anything illegal into Europe).

Peace, Robyn >-

You go through the green channel as you have nothing to declare.

My understanding is that inspections are targetted, based on experience and intelligence. Or put it another way, I've never been stopped in a green channel in decades of travelling.

Maybe I look more respectable than other people, but I don't honestly think you need "expect" anything: unless of course you're taking a wild chance on smuggling in something very illegal.

Hi KN,

Customs is nothing.

You will have to go through Passport Control, which could have lines of 20 min, or so, if they are crowded.

Hi all. Thanks for all of the messages. No, I'm not going to try and sneak anything illegal into or out of the country. It'll just be me and a few belongings for a week of rest and relaxation. I hear the food is great in Amsterdam if you're willing to do your homework to find the good restaurants.

knmusic-- we loved the food in Amsterdam! I have a trip report somewhere on this site... But we never had a bad meal and the food was inexpensive compared to other European cities.

Liz

If you like Chinese food, I can recommend Nam Kee at Zeedijk 111, which is in the tiny Chinatown area of Amsterdam, just down from the Waag. There's nothing fancy about it, but the food is good, there's lots of it, and the price is very affordable. My favorite dish is Tappen Noodles with Chicken and Vegetables....YUM! Peace, Robyn >-

That's good to know kn. For a while I thought you are thinking of bringing something herbal for medicinal purposes.

artstuff: Thanks for the recommendation.

passport control will keep you in line for a few if your flight arrives at the same time as others as well as claiming your bags. Customs checks are only made if you declare or they spot check you. Same as for the UK, France, Italy and Germany. I know since I travel to Europe for work all the time. Have a safe and enjoyable trip.

OK, have to tell you--this was the only place in the world (besides Japan) where I've ever gotten "felt up" (in customs). Seems my Italian jeans set off the security (and they haven't anyplace else and I wear them alot for travelling 'cause they travel so well)! So, maybe if you don't want a similar experience (but maybe you do?), don't wear anything that a sensitive machine will pick up.

And yes, don't bring anything (even the "cake&quot back, but it's fun to enjoy it there!

Oh dear, that isn't right--I didn't get felt up in Japan--just "body scanned" with some weird devise--which everyone who was under 30 seemed to be getting.