We're trying to understand how U.S. Customs works when flying Paris>Dublin>LAX. I've heard that we go through U.S. Customs at the Dublin airport. Does this then mean that we don't go through customs when we arrive into LAX?
Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
That is correct. Both immigration and customs are handle in Dublin similar to how it is handled in some of the Canadian airports.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Dublin is a US "preclearance" site: https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/operations/preclearance
Posted by
3123 posts
And, just to be clear, the USA Preclearance in Dublin is not optional -- you can't opt to skip it and clear passport/immigration/customs upon arrival in the USA. So, in Dublin you need to allow yourself at least a hour of extra time to get to the gate for your flight.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Yes, the good news is you arrive like a domestic flight in LAX. The bad news is you spend time doing customs in Dublin. Overall, the lines are shorter in Dublin so it's probably a time saver.
I tried to check to see if Mobile Passport is available in Dublin but can't find anything that says it's one of the airports.
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
The time savings doing the Customs and Immigration clearance in Dublin far outweighs the few extra minutes you spend there doing it and not having to do it when you arrive in the US.
There was no Global Entry option or mobile passport last time I went through. But I hear that has changed.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
101 posts
Thank you everybody who responded. I really appreciate your help!
Posted by
Connecticut
337 posts
There ARE Global Entry kiosks available at the Dublin airport, for use when you are returning to the US. I used one in May 2018.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Massachusetts
1070 posts
I can also confirm that Global Entry is available at Dublin airport. I flew home with a layover in Dublin this October and it took me about one minute to get through using Global Entry.
Posted by
Boston, MA
136 posts
Also, after going through U.S. preclearance, there are few food/retail options. There is a good lounge after preclearance called 51st and Green, which you can pay for access to - it has showers, open bar, a light buffet, etc.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Mobile Passport is not currently available at Dublin (or indeed, at any Pre-Clearance airport). However, looking at the list, I see it has expanded in just the past few months; Portland and Pittsburgh were recently added.
To see who participates, click here and scroll down: https://mobilepassport.us/