I just read an interesting article. Is it true that when leaving Ireland from Dublin or Shannon for the states you clear Customs in Ireland before you leave? That means NO CUSTOMS once you reach US soil???
If so, does it work the same way when leaving the US for Ireland??
Yes. US Immigration and Customs is cleared in Dublin, just like when you fly to the US from Canadian major airports. It is the only European country where that is possible currently.
It doesn't work the same way to Ireland.
You are encouraged to allow extra time at the Ireland airports to clear Customs.
ah, so the rumors are true! I think that is a wonderful idea and I wish we could clear customs in Los Angeles before departing but alas, I will just have to fly for 10 hours plus and be a bit foggy in the head while I am trying to figure out what is what :) Wonder why we don't do the same in the states.
No free ride.
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Final%20Preclearance%20Guidance_092014.pdf
With preclearance, airports provide an additional service to passengers so that they arrive at their destination without the need for further screening and inspection. *Airports could charge a fee for preclearance flights that would be added to the cost of a ticket.* Air carriers may also choose to incorporate a fee into ticket prices, especially if it is offset by cost savings from preclearance. Of 15 current preclearance locations, 11 charge a fee.*
It's also true if you fly out of Shannon.
Somebody has to pay for the US customs and inmigration officials to stay in Ireland (or Canada), and travel back and forth occasionally. I am not sure if this is the airline or the airport. And space has to be provided at the airport - again somebody must pay.
Plus there are legal issues. Are they allowed to arrest people on foreign soil? A treaty is required.
A similar thing happens between France and the UK. Travelling from London to Paris you go through French immigration at St Pancras, and vice-versa there are British Immigration officers at Gare du Nord. And AFAIK their accommodation in Paris is paid for.
It also happens at the Channel Tunnel and at the ferry ports.
well that does explain a lot. I will be thankful I can clear customs in Dublin before departing for the US then.
I'm not sure Chris is exactly right about the US immigration setup at Dublin and Shannon. Every time I have gone through either one, the officlals were clearly Irish nationals, with Irish names and Irish accents. Maybe they were employed by the US, but they weren't US citizens who had to travel back and forth.
I was extremely offended a few years ago when I flew from Montreal to NYC and encountered the USA immigration service at the airport in Montreal. Not because it was there but because in the hall where this took place there was an enormous banner saying "Welcome to the USA". There it was, on Canadian territory, "welcome to the USA". Talk about cheeky. The banner has since been removed, I have to add.
