Brexit & Duty Allowances

Passenger flights between Ireland and the UK continue to operate after Brexit without any noticeable difference to the travelling public. This is due to the Common Travel Area (CTA), which grants free movement between Ireland and the UK to Irish and UK citizens. 

The only real changes will be the availability of Duty- Free and which Customs Channel you use. 

However, other measures not related to Brexit, such as Covid-19 restrictions/bans on flights from the UK may arise.

It is always best to check the status of your flight with your airline prior to departure. Passengers travelling with pets can find information here.

Both the Irish and UK Governments have committed to maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA). Under the CTA, Irish and UK citizens can move freely between the two jurisdictions. As a result, there has been no change to a passenger’s departing journey from an Irish airport since the transition period ended on December 31, 2020. The only difference is that you are now able to purchase Duty-Free products on your outbound journey as the UK is no longer in the EU.

On arrival in Ireland, UK, Irish and EU citizens should continue to proceed through the “EU/EEA/CH and UK” immigration channel at Passport Control. All passengers arriving from UK destinations should use the Green Customs Channel (rather than the Blue Channel). If you need to make a Customs declaration you should use the Red Customs Channel. 

The only difference in your journey through Dublin Airport is that you should use the Green Customs Channel, or the Red Customs Channel if you need to make a declaration.

If you are a UK citizen, you have free movement between the UK and Ireland as part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). 

In general, travel to the EU from the UK has changed from January 1, 2021.

Things you may need to do before you go include: checking your passport; getting travel insurance that covers potential healthcare requirements; checking if you have the correct driving documents if required; organising pet travel - contact your vet at least one month before you go. There may be further requirements if you are travelling for business. See www.gov.uk.

There have been no changes to security screening for passengers since January 1, 2021.

As Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and UK citizens can continue to travel freely between Ireland and the UK. 

Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), which means Irish and UK citizens can travel freely between the two countries without a passport. However, all airlines require some form of ID and most airlines do require that you have a valid passport for travel. We advise all passengers to check with their airline regarding the type of ID which the airline accepts. 

Dublin Airport are not anticipating any significant delays or queues for passengers due to Brexit. UK citizens should simply follow the existing signage when going through immigration and customs. All arriving passengers from UK airports should use the Green Customs Channel or the Red Customs Channel if they need to make a Customs declaration.

The EU traffic lights approach provides for regions across the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to be categorised as green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of the risk levels associated with COVID-19. For as long as the ECDC continues to include data for the UK, arrivals from Britain will also be subject to the same traffic light categorisation and restrictions as for EU countries. For more on the EU coordinated approach to travel measures go to www.dfa.ie.

Since January 1, 2021, the UK and EU are operating under new rules. Passengers can continue to use Heathrow to travel from the UK to the EU and beyond regardless of the decision of ongoing discussions, but there may be some extra steps you will need to take prior to travel which your airline can advise on.

The trade deal that the EU has reached with the UK provides for some code-sharing measures for both UK and EU airlines. Further information can be found here.

Yes, since January 1, 2021, all passengers travelling from Ireland to the UK can avail of Duty-Free prices on alcohol and tobacco products, as these are the only categories subject to excise duty by the Irish government. 

Travelling to the UK means you are bringing goods into the UK from the EU from January 1, 2021 and new allowances are being applied by HM Revenue & Customs which you can check here.

Travelling from the UK is classed as travelling from outside the EU and so new allowances apply. Check Alcohol and Tobacco allowance with Revenue/Customs here.

Shop & Collect is a complimentary service whereby you shop at The Loop on your outbound journey and collect your purchases on your return to Ireland. For flights to the UK, Shop & Collect is available on a wide range of products, but not on alcohol and tobacco due to Customs regulations. If your basket includes mixed products, for example, alcohol and beauty products, your basket may be separated and you can avail of Shop & Collect on qualifying categories, as outlined above.

As it currently stands, when travelling to a non-EU (Duty-Free) destination, you can purchase all products online at theloop.ie, excluding alcohol and tobacco. Similarly, since January 1, 2021, this also applies to those travelling to the UK.  

We are not anticipating any stock issues in our stores, with the possible exception of some tobacco products. If significant delays become a factor at ports, this may cause temporary gaps in ranges until a new normal is established between Brexit and Covid restrictions..

Since January 1, 2021, all goods travelling between the EU and UK must be within certain limits and gifts must be of the maximum value of €430 per adult. Meat products are not allowed into the EU from a third country (UK); however, fish products (weighing less than 20kg, or higher if a single fish) are permitted to be brought as gifts. Further information is available here. 

You can still travel with a pet from the UK to the EU, however since January 1, 2021 the existing pet passport scheme is no longer valid. You will need to follow a different process to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You will need to ensure your pet has the correct documentation and vaccinations. Contact your vet at least one month before you plan on travelling with your pet to Ireland for the first time from January 1, 2021. For more information on travelling with your pet, click here.   

If you have an Irish Permanent Residence Visa, Brexit will have no impact on your ability to work and live in Ireland. If you wish to travel to the UK as a tourist, further information can be found here and you can check visa requirements here.

At the request of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Dublin Airport has made a portion of the Blue Car Park available for the parking of trucks to mitigate potential congestion at Dublin Port. This will be used as an overflow facility for Dublin Port if required. It is intended that these Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will use the facility for short-term parking.