LAX-LHR-DUB where do I clear immigration?
Apr 27, 2016, 3:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 2
LAX-LHR-DUB where do I clear immigration?
Hi everybody. I can't seem to find the answer to this. I am a US citizen who will be traveling LAX-LHR-DUB. Where do I clear immigration? LHR? DUB? Both? I'm sure this has been asked before so apologizes in advance. Thanks
Apr 27, 2016, 4:33 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Flatland
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold 1MM, BA Gold, UA Peon
Posts: 6,110
You will pass immigration at LHR. There is a passport check and a photo is taken of you before you pass through security check and into the departures area.
When you board the DUB flight, the photo is compared to ensure the same person who passed immigration then leaves on your boarding pass (and not someone else from the departures hall).
Mind you, you may well also pass immigration again in DUB, if your flight arrives at the gates that go to an immigration checkpoint (mixed with other passengers who did not arrive from the UK). However if you arrive at gates that don't mix with non-UK passengers, you won't have an immigration check at DUB. Look up "Common Travel Area" for the background.
When you board the DUB flight, the photo is compared to ensure the same person who passed immigration then leaves on your boarding pass (and not someone else from the departures hall).
Mind you, you may well also pass immigration again in DUB, if your flight arrives at the gates that go to an immigration checkpoint (mixed with other passengers who did not arrive from the UK). However if you arrive at gates that don't mix with non-UK passengers, you won't have an immigration check at DUB. Look up "Common Travel Area" for the background.
Last edited by flatlander; Apr 27, 2016 at 4:37 pm Reason: Clarify CTA.
Apr 28, 2016, 12:23 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
May 5, 2016, 9:03 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Los Angeles and Eastern Sierra (weekly travel to SJC). "Home airports": LAX/BUR/BIH/SJC
Programs: SWA A-List Preferred, TSA Pre
Posts: 139
At DUB, it will be like clearing at LAX. Wait in line, and possibly customs. One thing that you'll notice is that the UK does things very differently than we do. They don't make a big fuss about customs, and immigration is cleared in the departure terminal (during a connection) rather than immediately after landing. The first time I did it, I thought I had made a wrong turn with all the long hallways, and I thought I would be labeled a criminal. It's an interesting way to do it. I love Heathrow's complicatedness... but I was amazed at how quick I was off the plane, through immigration, and out the door after arriving back at LAX.
