Ireland has a US border — it could help travellers nervous about Trump's America

Bleary eyes, hours-long lines, and a deep-rooted rumbling of irrational anxiety. The US has a reputation for intimidating border control.
There's something about passing through immigration when you land at JFK that makes you wonder if you've accidentally smuggled 30 kilos of coke into your hand luggage.
But international travellers arriving from a select group of airports, including Ireland's Dublin and Shannon, breeze through customs — without an American passport.
That's because the Irish airports are two of 15 in the world that offer US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance, which allows travellers to clear US immigration – and the headache that comes with it – before they board.
Unless you make a habit of flying from an airport that offers it, preclearance is unlikely to be on your radar.
But travelling via Dublin could ease stress for anyone nervous about flying to the US right now.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
So, now you know there has been a US border in Dublin Airport for more than 30 years.
Preclearance as a concept, though, has been around much longer. It was first introduced in 1903 for ferry passengers arriving in the US from Victoria, Canada, before being extended to air travel in the 1950s.
It's arranged via legal treaty, and in practice, that means that when you arrive on US soil, you do so as a domestic passenger — free to bypass the usual border inspections and skip straight to baggage reclaim.
Queues tend to be shorter at preclearance, because there are generally less people passing through. Experts say it can save you hours.
Another advantage is that, if the worst occurs and you are refused boarding, you won't be deported — if you live in Ireland, you're already at home.
If you're coming from the UK or Europe, at least you're still on the right side of the Atlantic.
Preclearance also exists at airports in Aruba, Bermuda, Abu Dhabi and the Bahamas, as well as nine airports in Canada.
But Dublin was the first outside of North America — a decision based on the long history of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the USA.
Travellers have no choice in the matter — essentially, if you're flying to the USA from Dublin, you have to go through preclearance in the Irish capital.
It's worth noting that the workers who process your documents are US border control agents, not Irish airport staff.
Some CPB agents are dual-nationals. However it's important to remember they are all American citizens, working for the US government – now the Trump administration – overseas.
The main difference is that CBP officers working in Ireland are unarmed, in accordance with Irish law.
Metro's Lifestyle Editor, Kristina Beanland, travelled to the Windy City via Dublin in 2023 and shared this account of her trip.
'My friends and I, who had travelled from London, arrived at a small corner of Dublin airport, where there was no one else apart from us and a few customs officers.
'But the strangest part was that you suddenly felt like you were in the USA. There were American accents and uniforms with the stars and stripes on the arm, and signs signalling that you were approaching a US border.
'It was weird, and felt like a slightly annoying stop on the journey – that is, until we arrived at O'Hare and were rewarded with a breezy stroll off the flight, straight to pick up our suitcases and into the waiting cab. In total, it probably took less than an hour to get from the plane to Michigan Avenue.
'That said, on the way home, stopping in Dublin was annoying. We'd already gone through American border control in Chicago, and the stopover was a result of having to take the same inbound route back.
'Fast-forward two years though, and we're living in a world where Donald Trump is President. The idea of passing through a US border that's only a 50-minute flight from home, somehow feels a lot less stressful than doing so on actual American soil.'
Rolling out preclearance on foreign soil is not a decision for the US alone.
Host nations must see the benefit. Niall Kearns, airport director at Ireland's Shannon Airport, told CNN last year that it's good for business.
Fifteen airports outside the US have a US preclearance border: Dublin (Ireland)
Shannon (Ireland)
Aruba
Hamilton (Bermuda)
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Nassau (Bahamas)
Calgary (Canada)
Edmonton (Canada)
Halifax (Canada)
Montreal (Canada)
Ottawa (Canada)
Vancouver (Canada)
Winnipeg (Canada)
Toronoto (Canada)
Prince Rupert (Canada)
Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, scrutiny has ramped up at the US border, with travellers detained and deported due to visa mix-ups and even content saved on their phones.
In February, British graphic artist Rebecca Burke, 28, was detained for 19 days after TSA agents said she had been working in the US illegally (she was doing odd jobs for a host family in return for free accommodation, and no money had exchanged hands).
In April, two German tourists were deported after their trip to Hawaii was deemed 'suspicious' because they hadn't booked a hotel.
A Lebanese man who is a US citizen (with an American wife) was also detained when he tried to return home after a weekend trip to Canada.
In March, an unnamed French scientist was denied entry to the States after airport immigration officers searched his phone and found messages critical of the Trump administration.
Last month, Turkish-American streamer Hasan Piker claimed he was detained and questioned for two hours by US Customs and Border Protection agents at Chicago's O'Hare Airport after returning from France.
He said agents interrogated him about his political views, including his stance on Trump and Gaza. Piker said the questioning felt 'deliberate'.
On Wednesday, the US president resurrected a controversial travel ban from his first term in the White House: a proclamation that bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States.
Tariffs, travel bans, mass firings – if there's one thing you can be sure about with Donald Trump, it's that he'll make news. Constantly .
That's even the case here in the UK, where most of his decisions have no direct impact. But is all that coverage stopping Brits from hopping across the pond for a vacation?
If you look at the dry numbers from the US National Travel and Tourism Office, you might think the answer is no.
In January, the month of Trump's second inauguration, the number of UK visitors to the US was 5% higher than the previous January. More Trending
February and April saw more Brits going to the US than in the same months in 2024, suggesting that far from putting people off, we may even be more keen to visit the country when it's run by Trump.
ABTA, the British trade association for the travel industry, tells a similar tale.
They 'haven't seen any significant changes in terms of UK-US travel post-Trump administration', a spokesperson told Metro, with 'no noticeable shifts away' from the States.
But that may not be the full story. You can read our political reporter Craig Munro's analysis here.
MORE: Zelensky refutes Trump's take on war and calls Putin 'murderer who came to kill the kids'
MORE: Donald Trump calls Elon Musk 'the man who has lost his mind' and won't talk to him
MORE: Teenager dies after inhaling cleaning product in social media 'dusting' challenge

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scottish Sun

9 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Who is Lions' captain Maro Itoje's wife Mimi?

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE British and Irish Lions embark on a world tour every four years, which kicks off against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025. Here we get to know captain Maro Itoje's wife Mimi — just one of the glam WAGs attached to the squad. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Maro Itoje is married to Mimi Itoje (née Fall) Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje 3 Like her husband, Mimi works as a model Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Who is Maro Itoje's wife Mimi? Mimi Itoje is a model and artist who is married to England rugby captain Maro Itoje. In addition to rugby, Maro sometimes also works as a model. He's appeared on the cover of Tatler alongside Lady Amelia Windsor. It's understood the couple met during a shoot. read more on maro itoje WORTH A TRY Itoje captains Lions as squad revealed with shock call up for England star, 20 She has been represented by London-based agencies including W Management. On top of her modelling career, Mimi is an artist — she creates acrylic on canvas paintings incorporating cultural themes. Maro proposed to his now-wife during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024. Mimi shared the happy news on Instagram alongside snaps of her dazzling ring, which she captioned and the caption: "Mrs I to be." Maro subsequently described the moment to the Daily Mail, saying: "We went to this beautiful aqua-safari in Ada, which is on the coast, about two hours from Accra. "It was a beautiful resort, and I popped the question there." England captain Maro Itoje hopeful for 'classy operator' Fin Smith starting against France in the Six Nations The couple married less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off on May 25, 2025. Maro celebrated the occasion by writing on social media: "Scripture says It is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. "I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!" Talented rugby family Talent runs in Maro's family — his cousin Beno Obano, who plays for Bath rugby, was born just three days apart from him. The cousins often show public support for each other, with Beno appearing on Maro's podcast titled Pearl Conversations. On the show, Maro interviews leaders and groundbreakers from various fields including music, sports, politics and art. 3 The couple tied the knot less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Maro reflected on their upbringing on Pearl Conversations, saying: "For you and I, rugby has never really been [there] when we were growing up — as you said, from when we were born to when we went to secondary school. "Before then, rugby was never really a thing for us. Coming from a Nigerian household where, if it's any sport at all, it's football. If it's not football, then it's books.""If it's not football, then it's books." Maro's Rugby career Born in Camden, London, Maro didn't pick up rugby until he was 11, discovering the sport at secondary school. Before committing to rugby, he also competed at shot put and basketball. He joined Saracens at the tender age of 17 in 2012. In 2016, Maro went on to earn his first senior England cap against Italy when he was just 21. Maro had already been part of a Lions tour, being the youngest member of the 2017 New Zealand squad at just 22. The Saracens lock was named England captain in January 2025 ahead of the Six Nations.

Daily Mirror

10 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Rod Stewart celebrates 18th wedding anniversary with Penny Lancaster

Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster marked their 18th wedding anniversary with a trip down memory lane as they took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Venice It's full steam ahead for Sir Rod Stewart, as the legendary singer put his recent health battles behind him to enjoy a luxury train ride with Penny Lancaster. The Glastonbury headliner, who cancelled a string of gigs earlier this month, looked dapper in pink as he celebrated 18 years of marriage with his wife. Sir Rod, who will play the Sunday teatime legend slot at Worthy Farm next week, and Loose Women star Penny looked happier than ever as they took a lavish trip down memory lane on Thursday. ‌ The Maggie May singer, 80, and the model, 54, started dating in 1999 before getting engaged in Paris in 2005 and tying the knot at the medieval monastery La Cervara in Portofino in 2007. ‌ Following their nuptials on 16 June 2007, the couple spent their honeymoon on the Lady Ann Magee yacht, which was anchored in Portofino. To celebrate their anniversary, the couple retraced their steps to these memorable locations by taking the the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Penny, dressed in a pink floral ensemble to complement Sir Rod's pink blazer, gave fans a glimpse of their romantic break on social media. Uploading some snaps from their trip to Instagram, Penny captioned the sweet pictures: "Entering a bygone era @vsoetrain from Paris where we got engaged to Portofino where we got married 18 years ago, it's totally magical Sir Rod Stewart xxxx." Sir Rod's anniversary comes as the iconic singer hits out at his one-time pal and neighbour, President Donald Trump. The dad-of-eight once rubbed shoulders with the businessman-turned-politician, but now finds him off his festive greeting list. ‌ The Hot Legs hitmaker shares a neighbourhood with Trump's Florida estate and was a regular at the Trumps' soirees. However, it seems their once-close bromance has fizzled out thanks to Trump's support of Israel. In a candid chat, Sir Rod revealed that their properties are less than a mile apart, yet he's "not a great fan" of the divisive President. Despite finding some of Trump's traits appealing, Sir Rod expressed his discontent with several aspects of Trump's behaviour, particularly during his time in office. "I'm not a great fan of Trump. I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house," Sir Rod confessed. He elaborated: "I live literally half a mile away." ‌ In an interview with Radio Times, he disclosed: "We're both on the beach. I used to go to his Christmas parties. He's always been a bit of a man's man. I liked him for that. But he didn't, as far as I'm concerned, treat women very well." Yet, according to Sir Rod, Trump's ascent to the presidency marked a drastic transformation. "He became another guy. Somebody I didn't know," he remarked. Whether there's room for a thaw in their frosty relations remains to be seen. Sir Rod declared: "No, I can't anymore. As long as he's selling arms to the Israelis - and he still is. How's that war ever gonna stop?"

Scottish Sun

11 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Retro US-style roadside diners become tourist attraction in the UK – it's like going back to the 1970s

Plus, Sun Travel visited another American-style diner here in the UK EAT UP Retro US-style roadside diners become tourist attraction in the UK – it's like going back to the 1970s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE US is so far away, but luckily, there are diners right here in the UK that are strikingly similar to the diners we have all seen in classic American movies. With comfy seating booths, juicy burgers, pancake stacks and sundaes, visitors have confessed the diner makes them feel like they're in the 1970s. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Brightside diners serve up American-style food like pancakes and milkshakes Credit: Instagram 5 The Brightside decor takes people back to the 1970s Credit: Brightside The American-style diners are known for being nostalgic, as well as hearty food. The inspiration behind the chain sparked from the owners' childhood trips to roadside restaurants - in particular, Little Chef which ceased operations in 2017. All of the Brightside diners are open from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 9pm to accommodate those on long journeys and travelling. In the mornings, Brightside has American dishes like Early Rider which is a mix of smoked streaky bacon, The Jolly Hog 'Proper Porker' sausage, egg, baked beans and sourdough toast. There's also pancake stacks with either fruit or bacon toppings and veggie options. Certain breakfast dishes are served as part of the all day breakfast, but other tasty meals include pizza, burgers, fish and chips, and curry. Also served are sides of chunky chips, cheesy garlic dough balls and macaroni chips. Other classic American items include the big selection of milkshakes with chocolate flavours, strawberry, banana, salted caramel and Biscoff. There's also an option to pick from the 'Speedy Menu' for those needing to get back on the road in a hurry. There's also a children's menu as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Inside Popeye's first UK restaurant as we try the menu – and the fried chicken is better than KFC 5 There are four restaurants across the UK Credit: Brightside 5 The diner even has a 'Speedy Menu' for anyone wanting to get back on the road Credit: Instagram The very first restaurant opened back in February 2023 opposite the Exeter racecourse. Across the UK, there are four restaurants, in Honiton, Exeter, Saltash and Ram Jam in Oakham. One visitor to the diner in Saltash wrote: "Thought I'd give this place a try as it's on my way home. Glad I did, the restaurant has cracking retro decor and feel and food was great! Seen somewhere saying it's like Stranger Things, I definitely agree." Another, who had a meal at the Exeter site, added: "Some nice outdoor seating and really cute 1970s style diner done really well." A third visited Honiton and said: "What a great find a fantastic American style roadside diner open all day for breakfast lunch and dinner." These impressive restaurants are ones you will find inside redesigned planes - and there's one in the UK. And Sun Travel reviewed the Mollie's Motel & Diner in Oxfordshire. Plus Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding reveals how she eats on a budget during her travels.