ESTA Application for Citizens of Ireland

Country:

Ireland

Capital: Dublin
ESTA Required: YES

On April 1, 1995, Ireland joined the United States of America Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Later, in 2009, Irish citizens could apply for the ESTA, an electronic system for the travel authorization, to replace a visa for 90 days. The ESTA cannot be used for business purposes, tourism (including medical reasons), or non-credit study programs.

Irish travelers visiting the U.S.A for reasons other than those mentioned above may need to apply for visas instead. The ESTA is not the equivalent of a visa. You should check your travel documents well in advance. You can also check the eligibility test on our home page if unsure.

U.S. Immigration Statistics about Irish visitors

  • The total amount of visitors from Ireland: 575 551
  • Approved ESTA applications: 521 641
  • Students and exchange visitors: 14 560
  • Temporary workers and family-related applications: 24 991
  • Diplomats and other official representatives: 2 112
  • Other types of visitor categories: 912
ESTA Application

How do I get from Ireland to America?

Dublin Airport is one of the few airports that offer a US Preclearance facility for U.S.-bound travelers. Preclearance allows travelers to avoid the queues at immigration and can pick up their bags from the airport and head straight. How does it work? And where is this facility located in the airport?

Terminal 2 is where you will find the US Preclearance (USCBP). It allows you to go through all U.S. customs, immigration, and agricultural inspections in Dublin before your departure. TSA (Transportation Security Administration), in other words, processes travelers in Dublin rather than on U.S. soil. This allows for faster travel for all who are traveling through Dublin.

Here are some steps to help you through the preclearance process.

  • Check in with your airline
  • Check through security at the airport
  • Head towards the U.S. Preclearance Area
  • It takes between 20-30 minutes and can take up to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
  • Check out U.S. security
  • After the Irish Security and before the U.S. preclearance, there are many food options and duty-free shopping.
  • After U.S security, there is a small duty-free counter. The 51st&Green Lounge also has this facility.
  • Preclearance must be completed for U.S.-bound flights
  • Your carry-on can be brought along

Details about the U.S. preclearance procedure

  • First, you must complete the TSA security screening. This is the American security screening standard.
  • Self-processing is possible at one of the 18 kiosks available to US citizens and ESTA passengers.
  • The transaction time for U.S. Citizens takes 40 seconds, and for ESTA passengers, at kiosks it takes 80 seconds
  • These steps will guide you to use the kiosk:
  • Scanning your passport
  • Get your photo taken
  • Passenger of ESTA must scan their fingerprints
  • An approval receipt will be sent to you by the machine
  • For a quick inspection, present the passport and approval receipt to the U.S. Preclearance Office
  • Apply for your ESTA within 72 hours of arriving at the airport. The kiosk does not provide an ESTA application process.
  • Food items are not allowed to be brought into the United States. It is best to bring food items in hand luggage, declare and ready to be inspected.

51st&Green Lounge

51st&Green, a new lounge designed for American passengers flying to the United States, is a great addition. After you have completed the preclearance, you will find the lounge. If you arrive early, it is the perfect place to relax before your flight. Online orders are charged at EUR35 per person, and those who purchase at the reception desk pay EUR39. This service is complimentary for business class ticket holders.

51st&Green Lounge Offers:

  • Get snacks, drinks, and delicious Irish food with an American twist
  • High quality barista coffees and cocktails
  • Download in-flight entertainment via high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Live sports on the entertainment-screen
  • You will need to have some space for charging devices.
  • You can use the shower facilities to refresh yourself before you fly
  • Amazing runway views

When is the best time for Irish citizens to apply for ESTA?

All ESTA-travelers must apply for an ESTA 72 hours prior to boarding the aircraft. To be sure of approval, Irish citizens should apply for ESTAs weeks to months in advance. If denied, applicants must apply for a tourist visa at their nearest U.S. Embassy. This can be time-consuming. Apply as soon as possible if you plan to visit the United States. Learn more about the ESTA application.

Irish travelers with an approved ESTA may check their status or make updates. For more information, visit this page: verify/update ESTA.

Below is an example of a travel authorization if the ESTA application is approved:

Quick facts

  • Online application for ESTA is possible by the Irish
  • For visitors to Ireland, the ESTA is valid 2 years
  • With an approved ESTA, the Irish can stay up to 90 days in the U.S.
  • Ireland's overstay rate only: 0.31%