Prepare before you fly
At Ireland West Airport, your safety and a smooth journey are our top priorities. Our security screening uses modern technology and professional, friendly staff to keep queues moving while meeting all aviation safety standards. Here you will find tips on preparing for security, what you can and can’t bring, customs and immigration information, and the current rules for liquids in your hand luggage, so that you can travel with confidence from Ireland West Airport.
Preparing for security screening
Passengers are asked to remove all items from their pockets and place coats, jackets, hoodies, belts, boots, and any metal objects into a tray when requested.
The previous 100ml maximum limit on liquids and gels no longer applies, and items in containers of up to 2 litres can be brought through security. Liquids, aerosols and gels no longer need to be packed inside clear plastic bags and can stay in your carry-on baggage when going through security. There is no limit on the number of liquids and gels you can carry in your carry-on baggage.
Electrical items do not need to be removed from cabin baggage.
Follow the guidance and advice provided by our security team at all times to help keep the process quick and efficient.
Prohibited items
For everyone’s safety, specific articles are not permitted past security or in the aircraft cabin. Sharp items that could be used as a weapon, flammable substances, explosive materials, and replicas, as well as specific tools, are restricted or banned from hand luggage. Some goods are also prohibited or controlled under Irish customs law, including illegal drugs, obscene material, specific animal and plant products, and protected wildlife items. These goods must not be carried or, where applicable, must be declared to a customs officer.
If in doubt about any item, pack it in your checked baggage if permitted, or contact your airline before travelling for clarification. Guidance on restricted and prohibited goods is available from Citizens Information and Revenue.
Customs and Immigration
Upon arrival in Ireland, you may encounter immigration checks, depending on your nationality and route, followed by customs channels for goods control. Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK have specific entry arrangements and typically use the appropriate channels on arrival. At the same time, non-EU/EEA/Swiss/UK nationals may be required to present a valid passport and, if applicable, a visa. The Common Travel Area arrangements between Ireland and the UK also provide particular guidance for travellers on those routes.
Selective customs checks help prevent the smuggling of restricted goods. If you are carrying items that must be declared, please speak with a customs officer. For official information on entry requirements and customs controls, consult Ireland’s Immigration Service and Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can i bring medication with me in my carry on luggage?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring essential medication and dietary requirements in liquid form in containers of up to 2 litres. Additional screening may be required for some substances, so they should be labelled with a prescription or a doctor’s letter and easily located in your luggage.
Can I bring liquids over 100ml in my carry on luggage?
Yes, the previous 100ml maximum limit on liquids and gels no longer applies, and items in containers up to 2 litres can be brought through security.
What items are classified as liquids?
Some things are evidently liquid, like drinks and perfume. Others are less obvious, like gels, pastes, lotions, mixtures of liquids and solids and the contents of aerosols. Examples include toothpaste, hair gel, face cream, liquid cosmetics, lip gloss, deodorant, perfume, and shaving foam.
Can I bring bottled water through security?
Yes, water in containers of up to 2 litres can travel in your cabin luggage.
What about passengers that need medicines, dietary foods or baby food in liquid form?
Essential medicines and dietary requirements in liquid form, such as baby food or food for individuals on special diets, can be carried in carry-on luggage in containers up to 2 litres. There is no limit on the number of liquids and gels you can carry in your carry-on baggage.
What do I need to do if I have an Insulin pump, stoma, pacemaker or prosthetic?
Insulin, Insulin pumps, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine. Please check with your airline if you have special requirements before travelling, but be assured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital), there should be no problem taking such items on board the plane. Please present these items, along with the medical certificate, to a security agent before screening.
You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor’s letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool. If you have any medical devices, please inform the security officer before screening. Our body scanners are safe for passengers, including those with medical implants, pacemakers, insulin pumps, stomas or prostheses. Our body scanners do not use X-rays; instead, they operate using microwaves, which are safe and non-invasive. If you have any medical devices, they will appear on our scanners and will be subject to further screening. This is the standard procedure with the new scanners.
In some cases, we may conduct hand searches. Please let our security officer know if you require them to be aware of any potential pain (e.g., surgery) or medical equipment so that extra care can be taken. If you feel uncomfortable being searched in public, please request a private search, which will be conducted in a separate private area. If you have a wheelchair or other medical equipment, it will be subject to X-ray, hand search, ETD, or swabbing by security staff. This is standard procedure.
Will I be stopped by customs when I arrive into Ireland West Airport?
Customs may conduct selective checks on arrivals to enforce prohibitions and restrictions and collect duties where applicable. If you are carrying goods that require a declaration, please speak to an officer in the red channel and have your receipts and documents ready.
Do the same rules apply at all airports?
Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the rules in place at their departing airport at the time of travel, as different rules may apply.