~ Pre-Clearance and PassportControl queries ~

Jacovs · 04-10-2017 4:54pm

Probably did mean check in, 3 hours before departure is about standard for most transatlantic flights.
Also, most of the transatlantic aircraft havent even arrived into dub 3 hours before their scheduled departure, nevermind already boarding.

Lau2976 · 04-10-2017 5:25pm

That's exactly what I meant. Sorry traveling the past few days has turned my brain to mush!

Ron75 · 22-10-2017 3:12am

Hi, I hope someone might be able to advise.
My mother-in-law got her schengen visa via a travel agent from the French embassy. The plan however was and is to use it to go to Spain or the Canaries for short holiday. The travel agent informed her that France must be the first country she visits.
I googled a bit but couldn't find any such condition. Has anyone heard of such rule?

coylemj · 22-10-2017 3:37pm

It makes sense that you have to first visit the country that gave you the visa, otherwise a rumour would go out that one or other countries were a soft touch for issuing visas and they would be flooded with applications.

Did she tell the travel agent that she intended to travel to Spain or why was the application sent to the French embassy?

Doltanian · 23-10-2017 2:02am

The first entry must be made through the issuing country, so she should enter France first but could travel onto Spain and the Canary islands afterwards.

shinju · 23-10-2017 2:18am

In the past, unless things changed it could be the first country of arrival or the country where spending the most time.

tedpan · 23-10-2017 2:29am

Doltanian wrote:

The first entry must be made through the issuing country, so she should enter France first but could travel onto Spain and the Canary islands afterwards.

Correct, same as if you were from outside the EU and had a UK visa. You would be able to travel to the UK and Ireland, but must enter the UK first.

shinju · 23-10-2017 3:02am

It could be either the first port of entry or the country where spending the most time. Preferably the latter.

If entering in Spain then she may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation etc for France.

I wonder how the French embassy issued the visa without proof of travel to France.

To avoid hassle, book a multi city ticket i.e. Fly in to France an return via Spain (with connection flight between) or vice versa

Otherwise, most people really do not want to go on holiday with their mother in law, so it would be a perfect excuse for cancellation me &#55357;&#56833;

mayo51 · 24-10-2017 1:10pm

Hi guys. Have booked flights to America. I am unsure of what is needed to travel such as visas etc.
Could someone give me advice or a checklist on what I need?
Thanks guys!

mayo51 · 24-10-2017 1:15pm

Hi guys. I recently booked a trip to America
Can anyone offer advice on what I need to travel such as visas etc
Thanks guys

coylemj · 24-10-2017 6:31pm

If you have an Irish passport and you are going for leisure (tourism) only and for 90 days or less, you need to apply for and obtain ESTA approval. It's a pre-screening exercise which you must do before you present yourself at a point of entry to the US, which includes the pre-clearance facilities in Dublin and Shannon.

It lasts two years or when your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers multi-entry so you don't have to reapply after each trip. It costs USD 14, you pay with a credit card and you need to have your passport at hand to enter the details. If you know the name and address of the hotel you will be staying on your first night, have those details as well though you can add them later so if you have not yet booked a hotel, it's not a problem.

Here is the official website, do not attempt to use any other website as there are fake 'fronting' websites that will obtain the approval but which charge you a lot more than $14. You should get approval straight away, there is no need to print anything.

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Ron75 · 25-10-2017 1:43am

Thanks everyone.
Plans have changed a bit and we're considering of going to my parents to Germany for Xmas. I therefore checked with the German embassy who advised that my MiL can travel freely between the schengen countries, but the officer at immigration / border control has the last word. It would definitely help if we could provide proof of booked holidays to France which we don't have nor plan to have.

So, there's no written rule you can rely on.

We might look at flying into Paris for a night and then flying over to Germany or just cancel as it's going to be very pricy and also lots of hassle with the 3 of us and a 2yo.

Or I give my wife a weekend off in Paris with her mum LOL

wandererz · 25-10-2017 1:59am

Ron75 wrote: »

Thanks everyone.
Plans have changed a bit and we're considering of going to my parents to Germany for Xmas. I therefore checked with the German embassy who advised that my MiL can travel freely between the schengen countries, but the officer at immigration / border control has the last word. It would definitely help if we could provide proof of booked holidays to France which we don't have nor plan to have.

So, there's no written rule you can rely on.

We might look at flying into Paris for a night and then flying over to Germany or just cancel as it's going to be very pricy and also lots of hassle with the 3 of us and a 2yo.

Or I give my wife a weekend off in Paris with her mum LOL

These things can be very straightforward. However, it would help if you could provide decisive information. That way we can provide correct or relational information.

I have been through it all (or quite a bit).

For example, i was once thrown in jail overnight in Paris along with the rest of my Irish colleagues/friends.
The police took my glasses (so i could not see). They spoke in French (which i did not understand).

After that i did not get the next visa for France.

Nevertheless, i applied to Belgium & Netherlands & was approved and subsequently traveled to France in any event by means of some great train journeys!

Ron75 · 25-10-2017 2:01am

I like your example of the UK visa. It's basically like a micro schengen visa

Doltanian · 25-10-2017 12:16pm

Only certain nationalities can travel to Ireland on a U.K. Visa, the majority of non-EU passport holders would require both an Irish and U.K. Visa to visit both respective countries.

From wikitravel below.

Citizens of China and India who have a valid UK visit visa and endorsed with "BIVS" and who have cleared immigration in the United Kingdom can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days (or until their current permission to enter/remain in the UK, whichever is shorter).

Citizens of Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan who have a valid UK 'C' visit visa for any purpose (except "Visitor in Transit" and "Visitor seeking to enter for the purpose of marriage or to enter a civil partnership") and who have cleared immigration in the United Kingdom can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days (or until their current permission to enter/remain in the UK, whichever is shorter). This exemption also applies to nationals of Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates who have entered the United Kingdom on foot of a C-visit Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).

Ron75 · 25-10-2017 12:27pm

Doltanian wrote: »

Only certain nationalities can travel to Ireland on a U.K. Visa, the majority of non-EU passport holders would require both an Irish and U.K. Visa to visit both respective countries.

From wikitravel below.

Citizens of China and India who have a valid UK visit visa and endorsed with "BIVS" and who have cleared immigration in the United Kingdom can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days (or until their current permission to enter/remain in the UK, whichever is shorter).

Citizens of Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan who have a valid UK 'C' visit visa for any purpose (except "Visitor in Transit" and "Visitor seeking to enter for the purpose of marriage or to enter a civil partnership") and who have cleared immigration in the United Kingdom can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days (or until their current permission to enter/remain in the UK, whichever is shorter). This exemption also applies to nationals of Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates who have entered the United Kingdom on foot of a C-visit Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).

I found the below on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-irish-visa-scheme/british-irish-visa-scheme

"Indian and Chinese nationals can travel to Ireland and the UK using the following UK visas:

all standard visitor categories where the maximum period for a single visit is six months"

Seems there's some different information out there. In the end it's always up to the officer to decide if one is allowed or denied entry.

bigar · 25-10-2017 2:47pm

The answer the OP. A Schengen visa is valid for the whole territory so it does not matter where you enter. Look at Schengen as one single country not a collection of countries. I have travelled a lot with people who had a visa issued by one country but were never stopped when entering Schengen from another country.

martin6651 · 28-10-2017 10:50pm

From what I'm reading this right do I need a visa to travel to Belgium i.e Brussels

Fred Swanson · 28-10-2017 10:51pm

This post has been deleted.

martin6651 · 28-10-2017 11:07pm

Thank you Fred

BlondeBomb · 31-10-2017 9:07pm

Travelling to America this Thursday.

Can u check in at airport and get boarding pass there? Don't have access to printer or computer and presumed I could check in with mobile app and get boarding pass on phone.

Once you go through security should you go to pre clearance straight away? Is there duty free available once you pass through or is that it, should I have my shopping done prior to pre clearance?

Sorry first time doing this and just not clued up.

Thanks

conor_ie · 31-10-2017 11:45pm

BlondeBomb wrote: »

Travelling to America this Thursday.

Can u check in at airport and get boarding pass there? Don't have access to printer or computer and presumed I could check in with mobile app and get boarding pass on phone. No need to worry, your boarding pass will be issued at check in

Once you go through security should you go to pre clearance straight away? Is there duty free available once you pass through or is that it, should I have my shopping done prior to pre clearance? There isn't much after pre-clearence apart from a coffee shop, the gates and business class lounge 51st and Green. When you're checking in you should be told what time boarding time starts so get your duty free bits before hand and aim to be at pre-clearance 60-90 minutes before so have plenty of time to get through. There are self-service machines you can use to speed things up which I haven't used.. I'd imagine someone else on here has so they can give you an insight into how they work

If you haven't already got your ESTA do it as soon as otherwise you won'tbe going anywhere.. You can get it from here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Sorry first time doing this and just not clued up.

Thanks

Hope this helps!

Ed_Stephens · 02-11-2017 5:27pm

I left Dulles airport a few weeks ago and never got a stamp on my passport saying I left, I know Aer Lingus most likely just hand over the departing passenger list to the US authorities but I like to have actual proof I left particularly with people being refused for previous overstays.

Fred Swanson · 02-11-2017 7:27pm

This post has been deleted.

Spanish Eyes · 02-11-2017 8:44pm

I don't think Ireland stamps anyone out either. So visa free visitors could overstay and open a business here and stay forever! Happy days.

Undocumented in Ireland.

Doltanian · 03-11-2017 4:18pm

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I don't think Ireland stamps anyone out either. So visa free visitors could overstay and open a business here and stay forever! Happy days.

Undocumented in Ireland.

Irish passport holder should be segregated giving them higher priority and stamp everyone else in and out but excluding UK citizens.

Yamanoto · 04-11-2017 11:09am

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Your I-94 historical entry & exit information is actually available on the CBP site itself.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/spotlights/arrivaldeparture-history-now-available-i-94-webpage

Antar Bolaeisk · 05-11-2017 7:32pm

Probably a stupid question:

My girlfriend is travelling to Ireland with me shortly and, being a non-EU citizen will have to go through the non-EU chute.

Will it be a problem if I go through the Non-EU Citizen passport control with her or do I have to go through the EU passport control being Irish?

Mena · 05-11-2017 7:52pm

Technically you should separate and go through the EU but generally I’ve found they don’t care.

lucernarian · 05-11-2017 7:53pm

If she's from Switzerland or Norway they'll insist on her using the "EU" queue even though they're not in the EU...

AndyBoBandy · 05-11-2017 8:36pm

I've often been herded to the Non EU passport control when its very busy in the EU queue.

Years ago I used to just go over to the non EU ones of my own accord when the EU queue was huge. 1 time a Guard gave me a bit of guff for it, but he still let me through.

Popeleo · 05-11-2017 8:45pm

If your girlfriend is not a permanent Irish resident and from a country that requires a visa to be here, I would suggest you should go through together. Easier for her to explain why she is here.

My other half is non-EU and we always go to the non-EU desk together. The guards never say anything about it - I guess we're making their job easier.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 05-11-2017 9:00pm

Mod note: Moved from AH to Travel, please note different forum rules,

Buford T. Justice.

Antar Bolaeisk · 06-11-2017 4:47am

Popeleo wrote: »

If your girlfriend is not a permanent Irish resident and from a country that requires a visa to be here, I would suggest you should go through together. Easier for her to explain why she is here.

My other half is non-EU and we always go to the non-EU desk together. The guards never say anything about it - I guess we're making their job easier.

I figured it wouldn't be a problem but it's good to hear people have done it and not been sent to the back of the relevant queue.

Cheers all.

Ed_Stephens · 07-11-2017 8:01pm

Yamanoto wrote: »

Your I-94 historical entry & exit information is actually available on the CBP site itself.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/spotlights/arrivaldeparture-history-now-available-i-94-webpage

That's very cool, thanks for that. And yes my departure was recorded!

ec18 · 17-11-2017 2:44pm

isn't an All Passports line and then an EU one?

makeorbrake · 12-01-2018 7:51pm

I'm taking a BA flight to central america - originating in Dublin, overnight layover at heathrow, then Miami and onwards to final destination.

Is it possible to do pre-clearance in Dublin in this kind of circumstance or is pre-clearance just for direct flights?

kopite386 · 12-01-2018 7:53pm

makeorbrake wrote: »

I'm taking a BA flight to central america - originating in Dublin, overnight layover at heathrow, then Miami and onwards to final destination.

Is it possible to do pre-clearance in Dublin in this kind of circumstance or is pre-clearance just for direct flights?

No pre clearance can only be done when your first stop is in USA, it can't be done in this case as your first stop is in LHR

Cheshire Cat · 12-01-2018 7:54pm

makeorbrake wrote: »

I'm taking a BA flight to central america - originating in Dublin, overnight layover at heathrow, then Miami and onwards to final destination.

Is it possible to do pre-clearance in Dublin in this kind of circumstance or is pre-clearance just for direct flights?

Pre-clearance can only be done for direct flights, you will have to go through immigration in Miami.

TheChizler · 12-01-2018 7:54pm

Just direct. The plane arrives at a domestic gate so everybody on it has to have already gone through customs.

January · 12-01-2018 7:55pm

Cheshire Cat wrote: »

Pre-clearance can only be done for direct flights, you will have to go through immigration in Miami.

Not true, pre-clearance can be done for an ongoing connection but only when the first flight lands in the US. So you pre-clear for Dub-jfk-las or dub-phl-lax etc. You cannot pre-clear if you are doing dub-lhr-US destination.

JCX BXC · 12-01-2018 8:18pm

January wrote: »

Not true, pre-clearance can be done for an ongoing connection but only when the first flight lands in the US. So you pre-clear for Dub-jfk-las or dub-phl-lax etc. You cannot pre-clear if you are doing dub-lhr-US destination.

Splitting hairs.

makeorbrake · 12-01-2018 8:40pm

Thought as much ...but had to ask just in case. Thanks all.

NIMAN · 16-02-2018 8:50pm

Been all over Europe, but OH travelling to USA for 1st time soon.

Wondering if you need any different documentation for US?

OR is it simply passport and travel documents.

naughtysmurf · 16-02-2018 9:41pm

You need a valid ESTA from here & only here
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

Atlantic Dawn · 17-02-2018 11:53am

Make sure you get travel insurance, I can't stress this enough, buy it now if you don't have it already, no point in buying the night before. Healthcare in US is crazy, a leg break could be €5k plus to put right.

Be prepared for immigration asking lots of intrusive questions, they are generally fine and will just ask the basics of how long your going form where you are staying etc but some can ask where you work, how much money you have with you etc etc etc.

coylemj · 17-02-2018 2:21pm

You need a passport that covers you for the trip and not a day beyond (you don't need 3 or 6 months validity beyond the trip) and you need ESTA approval. Use the link provided above and beware of third party websites that charge way over the official ($14) fee. Don't listen to anyone who suggests printing off a copy of the ESTA and bringing it with you to the airport, it's a waste of time.

If you work for a US company, get a letter stating that you are a permanent employee on vacation and that you're due back on xxx date, it significantly reduces any questioning you'll get from the immigration agents.

Dealing with the agent at the airport, have your story ready, where you are staying, who you might be visiting and so on. Address them directly, don't be staring at the floor and do not crack any jokes. It's not so much the answers that matter but more how you behave, do you sound like you've made it all up and are you really travelling to get a job working illegally for your cousin Jimmy in Boston, that's what they're looking for.

endofrainbow · 17-02-2018 7:36pm

coylemj wrote: »

If you work for a US company, get a letter stating that you are a permanent employee on vacation and that you're due back on xxx date, it significantly reduces any questioning you'll get from the immigration agents.

I wouldn't bother. When I worked for a US company I brought a letter the first few times - offered it and was told they didn't need to see it. Unnecessary paperwork. They will contact your employer if they wish.

RobertKK · 17-02-2018 10:25pm

I find US emigration very straightforward.

Yamanoto · 18-02-2018 11:37am

On a tangential note, I'm taking my niece on her first visit to the States very soon.

Aside from letters from both parents & a copy of their passports & driving licences, is there any other supporting material it'd be wise to carry?

~ Pre-Clearance and PassportControl queries ~

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