krejaton

In 6 weeks we leave for Ireland, so I had a couple questions about customs at Shannon airport:

1. Generally speaking, how long will it take to clear customs? I realize this may be dependent upon traffic at the time, but is it more likely to take 10 min? 30? 60? I am trying to schedule something for after we land and I am finding that getting a specific time when we can be there elusive.

2. US PreClearance going to the US -- is that for US and non-US citizens? Does it cost?

Thanks.

Tony2phones

1. give yourself 30 minutes before Gate Closing time 1 hour before flight time.

2. going through preclearance for a US flight allow 2 hours to Gate closure (just in case)

Cjar

Krejatin - We will be there around the same time. It will be our first trip and we are really looking forward to it.. Best wishes for a great trip.

Itallian_Chauffer

Clearing Customs coming INTO Ireland is usually a non-issue. Immigration is the 'Bottleneck' -- unless you have an EU passport.

If memory serves (I most often fly into Dublin), after you disembark the plane, you are routed around a rather lengthy walk and then queue up in a zig-zaggy line, for passport inspection. This can take 30 - 40 minutes, depending upon the number of incoming flights.
After Immigration, you enter the Baggage Hall and wait for your luggage to arrive. Again, how long this takes is dependent upon the number of Arrivals.
Once you have all your baggage, you walk through Customs, into the Arrivals Hall. Unless you trigger concern, that is basically ALL you do -- walk on through.
Be sure to notice the signs which determine 'Nothing To Report' and follow them.
Most of the car hire desks (and the doors to Exit the Terminal) are directly opposite from the Exit from Baggage Claim / Customs.

Itallian_Chauffer

Sorry -- MEANT to say, "This can take UP TO 30 - 40 minutes", as to Immigration / Passport Control.
Drat this NO EDIT!

krejaton

Thanks guys!

And Cjar, thanks have a wonderful trip yourself.

Itallian_Chauffer

Preclearance is for ALL passengers, regardless of Nationality. There is NO charge, as it merely takes the place of Processing at your Arrival airport in the US.

krejaton

Seeing how we only have a 90 min layover in Newark, I am thinking preclearance would be rather important to us.

Will 2 hours in advance of our flight out of Shannon be adequate time?

Itallian_Chauffer

Boarding usually begins about 30-45 minutes PRIOR to Scheduled Departure.

Given the inevitable lines at Check In, TWO security screenings, Duty Free Shopping (If so inclined) and the paperwork and queue time for Passport Control, I find even THREE hours feels a bit rushed.

Itallian_Chauffer

Also, bear in mind that if you have 'Tax Back' to claim, that can take 10-20 minutes -- depending upon the crowd.

Even though you have Pre-Cleared in Shannon and presumably, 'Checked Through' your luggage -- Bear in mind that Security Screening MAY take place in Newark (depending upon Terminal/Gate of your Connecting Flight) -- so bear in mind that the limit on Fluids STILL applies.
I have seen more than a FEW people who had purchased Unopened bottle of Liqueur at Duty in Shannon who were QUITE angry (at JFK and Boston)when they were told that they either had to consume or discard those bottle -- as they could not put them into their checked bags (No access) OR bring them through security, for their next flight!
NOT having to 'Do' Customs will CERTAINLY make that 90 minute window MUCH less stressful.

krejaton

Agreed. Thanks for the heads-up.