Amsterdam Airport Liquids: At a Glance
Use this quick summary first, then read on for the details and exceptions. It covers what you can take through Amsterdam Airport security in your hand baggage.
| Item | Hand baggage | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Containers up to 100ml | Allowed | Inside one 1-litre transparent bag |
| Containers over 100ml (even part-full) | Not allowed | Place them in checked baggage |
| Medication and baby food | Allowed over 100ml | Declare at the checkpoint |
| Duty-free sealed in a STEB with receipt | Allowed over 100ml | Keep sealed to your final destination |
| Liquids and electronics kept in your bag | Allowed | CT scanners in use since 2021 |
The 100ml Liquids Rule at Schiphol
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport applies the standard European Union rule for liquids in hand baggage. Each liquid you carry through security must be in a container of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less. The size of the container is what matters, not how much liquid is inside it: a half-empty 200ml bottle is still not allowed.
All your liquid containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. You may carry a single bag, and it must close properly. Anything that does not fit is better placed in your hold luggage.
The CT Scanner Paradox: Why the 100ml Limit Still Applies
Schiphol operates CT (computed tomography) scanners on all of its security lanes, a roll-out it completed in 2021. These 3D scanners let staff inspect a bag in detail without you unpacking it, so you can normally leave your liquids and electronics inside your hand baggage at the checkpoint.
This often causes confusion: being able to keep items in your bag is not the same as being allowed to carry larger bottles. According to the European Union's aviation security rules, which member states reaffirmed in 2024, the 100ml limit stays in force, and Schiphol confirms it still applies in 2026. A few European airports were briefly allowed to raise the limit, but the change was reversed, so always assume 100ml at Schiphol.
How to Pack Liquids for Schiphol Security
Preparing your liquids before you reach the checkpoint is the simplest way to avoid delays and having items thrown away.
The 1-Litre Bag Rule
Stick to these limits when packing liquids in your carry-on:
- Every container holds no more than 100ml, even if it is not full
- All containers fit inside one transparent, resealable bag
- The bag holds a maximum of 1 litre and closes completely
- One bag per passenger (a child's liquids can go in an accompanying adult's bag)
What Counts as a Liquid?
More items qualify as liquids than most travelers expect. The rule covers anything that can pour, spray, spread, or squeeze, including:
- Water, drinks, soups, and syrups
- Creams, lotions, oils, and perfumes
- Sprays, including deodorant and shaving foam
- Gels, including shower gel, toothpaste, and hair gel
- Soft and spreadable foods such as yogurt, honey, and jam
Exceptions to the 100ml Rule
European rules allow some liquids above 100ml through security when they are genuinely needed. Declare these items to security staff and present them separately at the checkpoint.
Medication and Medical Liquids
Prescription and essential medicines are allowed in the quantities you need for your trip, including liquid medication, insulin, and items such as cooling gel packs. Carry your prescription or a doctor's note, and tell the security officer before screening.
Baby Food and Baby Milk
When traveling with an infant, you may carry the baby food, milk, and sterilized water needed for the journey, even in containers larger than 100ml. Security staff may ask you to open a container for inspection.
Duty-Free Liquids
Liquids bought in airport duty-free shops or on board an aircraft can be larger than 100ml if they are sealed in a tamper-evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible inside. Do not open the bag before your final destination.
Take care on connecting flights. If you transfer through Schiphol with duty-free liquids bought outside the EU, they may not meet EU sealing requirements and can be confiscated at the transfer security check. When in doubt, pack them in your hold luggage for the onward flight.
Tips for a Smooth Security Check
- Prepare your 1-litre liquids bag before you reach the checkpoint
- Bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it at a water point after security
- Pack larger liquids and full-size toiletries in your checked baggage
- Keep medication and baby liquids easy to reach so you can declare them
- Follow the signs and staff instructions at the lane, as procedures can change at short notice
Can I bring liquids over 100ml through Schiphol security?
No. Even though Schiphol uses CT scanners that let you keep liquids inside your bag, the 100ml-per-container limit still applies in 2026. A container larger than 100ml is not allowed through security, even if it is only partly filled. Larger liquids belong in the hold.
Do I have to take liquids and electronics out of my bag at Schiphol?
Usually not. Thanks to CT scanners installed at all security lanes since 2021, you can generally leave liquids and devices inside your hand baggage. You must still keep each liquid container to 100ml or less. Follow the signs and staff instructions, as the procedure can vary by lane.
Can I take duty-free liquids over 100ml on my flight?
Yes, if they are sealed in a tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt inside and you do not open it before your final destination. On connecting flights outside the EU, duty-free liquids bought abroad may still be confiscated, so check before you transfer.