Us Preclearance: Dublin Airport's Unique Offering

Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside of North America that offers US preclearance. The US preclearance facility at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport allows US-bound passengers to complete all immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure, saving time upon arrival in the US. This is particularly beneficial for those with connecting flights in the US, as they can proceed directly to their next flight without having to go through additional customs checks.

The US Preclearance (USCBP) facility is located in Terminal 2, Pier E of Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport recommends that passengers travelling to the US arrive at the terminal three hours before their long-haul flight to allow time for check-in, security screening, and US Preclearance. At the time of writing, peak times at security in Terminal 2 occur between 5:00 and 12:00 for morning and early afternoon flights.

Once passengers have cleared Dublin Airport security, they will be directed by the US Preclearance screens to proceed to the US Preclearance area. It is important to note that passengers should not enter the US Preclearance area before their allocated time. To enter the US Preclearance area, passengers must present their boarding card. They will then complete the TSA security screening, which differs from the regular airport security process. For example, all footwear must be removed by individuals between the ages of 12 and 75, but jewellery and belts do not need to be removed, and pockets do not need to be emptied. The final step is to present your passport and boarding pass to a US Preclearance officer for inspection.

The US Preclearance facility in Dublin Airport is operated by US personnel, and it is important to note that US CBP officers working in Ireland are unarmed, in accordance with Irish law. This facility has been in operation since the 1990s, making Dublin Airport one of the first airports outside of North America to offer this service.

The facility allows US-bound passengers to complete US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure

The US Preclearance (USCBP) facility at Dublin Airport is a purpose-built facility that allows US-bound passengers to complete US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure. This means that passengers travelling directly to the US from Dublin Airport can undertake all the necessary checks and balances at Dublin Airport prior to boarding their flight. This is a significant advantage for travellers, as it means they can avoid lengthy immigration queues upon arrival in the US and simply pick up their bags and go.

Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside North America that offers a US Preclearance facility. This facility is located on the ground floor of Terminal 2 and is operated by US personnel. The benefit of having a US Preclearance facility in Dublin is that passengers arriving in the US are treated as domestic arrivals, which can save a lot of time and hassle. In addition, this benefits onward connecting passengers in the US, who will have their baggage checked through to their final destination.

To use the US Preclearance facility at Dublin Airport, passengers are advised to arrive at Terminal 2 at least 3 hours before their long-haul flight. This allows enough time for checking in, going through security screening, and completing the US Preclearance process. It is important to note that passengers should not enter the US Preclearance area before their allocated time, as advised by the flight information screens. The US Preclearance process at Dublin Airport involves three easy steps: presenting your boarding card to enter the US Preclearance area, completing the TSA security screening (which differs from regular airport security), and presenting your passport and boarding pass to a US Preclearance officer for inspection.

It is worth noting that there may be peak times at security in Terminal 2, which are currently between 05:00 and 12:00 for morning and early afternoon flights. During these times, it is advisable to allow extra time for the security screening and US Preclearance process. Additionally, passengers planning to travel to the US must apply for travel authorisation online via the US Visa Waiver Programme before departure. This can be done through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for a charge of $14.00 USD per person.

Overall, the US Preclearance facility at Dublin Airport offers a convenient and efficient way for US-bound passengers to complete all the necessary immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure, making their travel experience smoother and more streamlined.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal 3 hours before a long-haul flight and follow the usual check-in and security screening process

Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside North America that offers a US Preclearance facility. This means that passengers travelling directly to the US can undertake all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections at Dublin Airport prior to departure. This is done through the USCBP facility at Terminal 2.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the terminal three hours before a long-haul flight and follow the usual check-in and security screening process. This process includes checking in with your airline as normal and going through Dublin Airport security screening. It is important to consult your airline for check-in desk and bag drop opening hours, especially if you are checking bags or travelling in a group, as you should allow more time in these cases.

Once you have completed the standard security screening at Dublin Airport, you will then proceed to the US Preclearance area when advised by the flight information screens. It is important not to enter the US Preclearance area before your allocated time. At peak times, it may be very busy, so it is recommended to allow plenty of time for this process.

The US Preclearance process involves three steps. First, you will present your boarding card to enter the US Preclearance area. Second, you will complete the TSA security screening, which is the American security screening standard. This differs from regular airport security in several ways, including the requirement to remove all footwear for those between the ages of 12 and 75. Finally, you will present your passport and boarding pass to a US Preclearance officer for inspection.

After security screening, passengers should proceed to the US Preclearance area and present their boarding card

After passing through security screening at Dublin Airport, passengers travelling to the US will be directed by the US Preclearance screens to proceed to the US Preclearance area. Here, they must present their boarding card to enter. This is a purpose-built facility that allows US-bound passengers to complete all necessary immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departure, avoiding such procedures upon arrival in the US.

US Preclearance is located on the ground floor of Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. It is advised that passengers travelling on long-haul flights arrive at the terminal three hours before departure. This is especially important during peak times, which are currently between 5:00 and 12:00 for morning and early afternoon flights.

After presenting their boarding card, passengers will undergo additional security screening, following the American security screening standard. This includes removing all footwear if you are between the ages of 12 and 75. Jewellery and belts can remain on, and pockets do not need to be emptied. Passengers will then present their passport and boarding pass to a US Preclearance officer for final inspection.

It is important to note that certain restrictions apply when bringing food items into the US. Passengers are advised to carry all food in their hand luggage and declare it for inspection at the US Preclearance facility. Duty-free shops are located before US Preclearance, and any items purchased there will be subject to customs duty upon entering the US.

During US Preclearance, passengers complete TSA security screening and present their passport and boarding pass to a US Preclearance officer

Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside North America that offers a US Preclearance facility. This means that passengers travelling directly to the US from Dublin Airport can undertake all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections at the airport prior to departure.

The TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and may adjust its procedures to meet evolving threats. In addition to screening personal electronic devices, TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate other items from their carry-on bags, such as food, powders, or any materials that could clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Passengers may also be required to undergo a pat-down procedure, which includes the inspection of sensitive areas such as the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This may be done with the back or front of the hand, depending on the situation.

By completing US Preclearance in Dublin, passengers arriving in the US are treated as domestic arrivals, allowing them to bypass immigration queues and proceed directly to their connecting flights or final destinations.

Frequently asked questions