More and more general aviation (GA) operators continue to take advantage of U.S. CBP pre-clearance services at Shannon, Ireland (EINN). Since its introduction, the program has been steadily refined and remains one of the most efficient ways to enter the United States from Europe as a domestic arrival.

While total pre-clearance processing times have improved significantly over the years, updated IAA security procedures effective January 1, 2026 introduced changes to how charter passengers move through security and CBP. Understanding this revised flow is now essential when planning pre-clearance at Shannon.

EINN pre-clearance

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance of GA aircraft has been available at Shannon since 2010. Initially limited to private non-revenue flights, pre-clearance was expanded in 2011 to include charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations. Today, pre-clearance requirements and lead times are the same for both private and charter flights.

CBP pre-clearance at EINN is not available for cargo, government, diplomatic, or military flights. Once cleared at Shannon, operators may proceed to approximately 200 approved U.S. airports.

Hours of operation

U.S. CBP Operating Hours at EINN

• 01 October – 30 April
  0900–1700 local
  Out-of-hours: 0700–0900 and 1700–2100 local

• 01 May – 30 September
  0700–1500 local
  Out-of-hours: 1500–2100 local

Weekend pre-clearance requests must be submitted via Universal Aviation Shannon no later than 1500 local on the preceding Friday.

CBP operating hours are subject to staffing availability and budget limitations.

Advance notification

For both private non-revenue and charter flights, pre-clearance appointments must be requested at least 24 hours prior to arrival at EINN. Operators may not land at Shannon and then request pre-clearance.

Although charter operations previously required 48 hours’ notice, this was reduced to 24 hours and remains current.

Number of passengers onboard

CBP operates two pre-clearance processing areas at Shannon:

• One for flights with 20 passengers or fewer (excluding crew)

• One for flights with more than 20 passengers

Flights with more than 20 passengers clear in the commercial processing area. While this may involve sharing facilities with scheduled commercial traffic, GA passengers and crew are fast-tracked through designated lanes where available.

Turnaround time

When CBP pre-clearance was first introduced at Shannon, total processing time averaged approximately 90 minutes. Today, a typical fuel uplift and CBP pre-clearance turnaround is approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on passenger count, staffing, and operational factors.

APIS requirements

E-APIS must be submitted by the operator at least 24 hours prior to arrival at Shannon for CBP pre-clearance.

Pre-Clearance Setup and Coordination

To request CBP pre-clearance at EINN, operators must complete and submit a pre-clearance data form to their ground handler in advance. Once received, the handler coordinates directly with CBP Shannon to secure approval.

Operators are strongly encouraged to coordinate all aspects of EINN pre-clearance through their ground handler. Universal Aviation Ireland – Shannon maintains close working relationships with CBP and assists with bookings, revisions, and operational updates.

Information Required for Pre-Clearance

To secure a pre-clearance slot, operators must provide:

• Full flight schedule

• CBP decal number

• Aircraft information

• Crew and passenger details

• Visa and ESTA information

• Recent travel history (previous 24 hours)

• Intended U.S. airport of entry

Revising a Pre-Clearance Appointment

If a confirmed pre-clearance appointment requires revision due to schedule, crew, or passenger changes, CBP must be notified as soon as possible. While CBP will attempt to accommodate changes, revised requests may be denied during periods of peak demand or conflicting clearances.

Visa and ESTA Considerations

The captain is responsible for ensuring all passengers who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, or Canadian nationals hold appropriate documentation for U.S. entry.

Passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA may only pre-clear if operating on a VWP signatory carrier. Passengers holding an ESTA on a non-signatory aircraft will be denied U.S. entry.

CBP Pre-Clearance Process at Shannon

The CBP pre-clearance process at EINN mirrors domestic U.S. CBP procedures. Standard U.S. regulations apply, including restrictions on prohibited items and currency declaration requirements for amounts exceeding USD 10,000 per person.

Following processing, passengers and crew are escorted back to the aircraft by CBP officers, Irish authorities, and the ground handler. CBP agents conduct internal and external aircraft inspections, and all baggage must be visible and accessible during these checks.

Passenger Screening Changes Impacting Pre-Clearance (Effective January 1, 2026)

Under updated Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) procedures effective January 1, 2026, charter GA passengers must complete security screening through the main public terminal before entering the U.S. CBP pre-clearance process.

Key impacts include:

• Dedicated GA or VIP security screening locations are no longer permitted for charter passengers
• Screening is conducted using advanced security scanners
• Cabin baggage is processed via EDS C3 equipment
• Fast-track staff lanes are used where available
• VIP discretion is reduced, though CBP processing efficiency remains largely unchanged

Operators should proactively brief charter passengers on the revised flow to avoid confusion or dissatisfaction on departure day.

APU Operations During Pre-Clearance

APUs may remain running during CBP pre-clearance. Aircraft servicing — including fueling, catering, and lavatory service — may continue while passengers and crew process through CBP, allowing for a no-delay departure once clearance is complete.

Pre-Clearance Facilities and Aircraft Servicing

When landing at EINN for a tech stop with U.S. CBP pre-clearance, aircraft are assigned a parking position and all services are performed on stand.

For charter operations, passengers are escorted by the ground handler to the terminal for required security screening prior to CBP processing. Once screening is complete, passengers and crew are presented to CBP, typically near completion of the fuel uplift.

One crew member generally remains onboard to oversee servicing and may obtain oceanic clearance during this period. Baggage may remain onboard but must be visible and accessible for CBP inspection. If further inspection is required, baggage will be removed and inspected planeside.

Costs of Pre-Clearance

The total cost of U.S. CBP pre-clearance at EINN is typically around €300, depending on the number of travelers being processed. Your ground handler can provide a detailed fee breakdown. Additional charges apply for out-of-hours or overtime pre-clearance.

Overnight Stops Prior to Pre-Clearance

Some operators elect to overnight at Shannon prior to CBP pre-clearance. Following an overnight stop, charter passengers must still complete terminal security screening prior to CBP processing. Crews typically arrive at the airport approximately two hours before scheduled departure, which is generally sufficient.

U.S. Airports of Entry After Pre-Clearance

After clearing CBP at EINN, operators may proceed to approximately 200 approved U.S. airports. These airports must have a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) representative available to remove international waste on arrival.

Once pre-clearance is completed, CBP confirmation is issued electronically to the captain and ground handler.

No Change of U.S. Arrival Airport Permitted

After pre-clearing at Shannon, operators must proceed to the approved U.S. airport of entry listed in their clearance. If a diversion occurs for any reason, including weather, the EINN pre-clearance becomes invalid and CBP clearance must be completed at the first U.S. landing point.

Conclusion

U.S. CBP pre-clearance at Shannon (EINN) remains one of the most efficient and operationally advantageous options for business aviation operators traveling from Europe to the United States. While charter passenger screening procedures changed effective January 1, 2026 — requiring terminal screening prior to CBP processing — the core benefits of pre-clearance remain unchanged. With proper planning, advance coordination, and passenger briefing, Shannon continues to offer a smooth and reliable pre-clearance experience.