Customs

Customs operate blue, green and red channels at most ports and airports on the island of Ireland.

Travelling from the EU

If you’re visiting from the United Kingdom or another EU country, use the blue channel after you reclaim your baggage. Customs officers monitor this area and may operate checks. If you have something to declare to Customs, you should go to the red point.

Travelling from outside the EU

If you're arriving in Ireland from outside the EU, you'll need to clear customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. This means that you are not carrying more than the entitled allowances.

Use the red channel if you need to declare goods above the duty and tax-free allowance. If in doubt, always use the red channel!

Restricted or prohibited goods

You can import animal products from EU countries onto the island of Ireland, as long as the goods are produced in accordance with EU rules and are for your own consumption. This generally includes goods that are on sale to the public in an EU member state, and that bear the EU health mark and correct packaging.

Importing meat and milk products from almost all non-EU countries is prohibited, although you can bring limited quantities of certain animal products onto the island, for your own consumption under certain restrictions.

Duty and tax-free allowances

Sales Tax (VAT) refunds

Republic of Ireland

Under the Retail Export Scheme, if you live outside of the EU, you can claim back a portion of the VAT on purchases over €75 including VAT made during your stay in the Republic of Ireland. Most retailers participate in this VAT refund scheme and you can ask for a VAT refund form in the store once you've made your purchases.

How to claim your refund

There are three refund points in Dublin as well as Dublin and Shannon airports for most Tax Free Shopping providers. Please check with your agent for your nearest refund point on your journey.

Make sure you fill in the form correctly and include a credit card number to facilitate the refund. The goods you bought must be exported outside of the EU within three months following the month of purchase and it will take between four to six weeks to receive your refund from the refund agent.

If you live in Great Britain, you can avail of tax free shopping and can reclaim VAT on purchases of goods that come within the definition of “travelers qualifying goods” (This includes private use and exported in personal luggage).

You will also need to provide evidence that the goods have been imported into Great Britain and that the import taxes and duties have been paid there where appropriate.

You will need to present the correct forms, good receipts and the item to a customs official at your point of exit for a validation stamp, and payment/duty tax may be required due to certain monetary limits. Find out more

Find out more information on tax-free shopping.

Northern Ireland

If you live in Great Britain, you can also claim back VAT on purchases made in Northern Ireland: find out more.

Useful links