Texan backpackers turned away by Irish immigration
Tourism board upset that "Ireland of the Welcomes" seems less than welcoming.
Breandan O Caollai, the New York-based deputy Irish consul general, contacted Zwirko to say his office could file a complaint with the Irish Department of Justice, and told him that the consulate would try to resolve the issue.
“It's not typical for American citizens,” O Caollai told the Dallas newspaper. “Usually they get a tremendous welcome.”
Officials from Delta Airlines, which conveyed the young men from Dublin to New York, also said they would look at reducing the cost incurred.
The Garda (or police) National Immigration Bureau, which controls immigration at Irish ports and airports, confirmed that only a very small number of people were turned away at ports of entry and the decision could be challenged.
“Refusal of entry to U.S. nationals is particularly rare, which, in part, is accounted for by the fact that the requirements Ireland makes of visiting non-Irish nationals mirrors those made by the U.S. immigration authorities in respect of non-U.S. nationals visiting that jurisdiction,” a spokesman told the Irish Times.
Irish travelers to the United States are liable to be turned back by U.S. immigration officers for similar reasons, but the inconvenience is much less, as the U.S. immigration procedure is carried out at Irish airports before departure.
Tourism Ireland has written to the Garda National Immigration Bureau expressing concern at its decision and asking for an urgent investigation.
On The Dallas Morning News website, comments ranged from sympathy to readers who thought the travelers got what they deserved for not planning better.
“I hope they can restart their trip ... just don't start in Ireland," wrote one reader.
Another wrote, “Well, so three dudes that didn't do the most essential research before starting on their trip to the very liberal European Union got turned down at the port of entry. Tough luck. Next time do your homework BEFORE hopping on a flight to the EU and make sure to have the proper documents with you.”
The three young men do hope to return to Ireland, and because of the publicity they now have an offer from D4 Hotels, which own three properties in Dublin, for a week’s free accommodation.
That should help them make a case to the immigration officer who greets them on their return.
Read more about Ireland:
I will arise and go now ... to a summer school
For Ireland, the party is over
Editor's note: This story was updated to correct a url.
Millions of young back packers descend on Europe every summer. They stay and hostels and eat cheap. They have always been welcome. Why did Ireland turn these Dallas boys away in the first place?
As to the Dallas Morning News comment, who on earth traveling from the U.S. to Ireland would think they'd need a bank statement? You check to see if you need a visa and vaccination certificates, the rest is crazy.
US citizens, wishing to visit Ireland, should have to meet any requirements that the US requires of Irish citizens, who wish to visit the US.
It's couchsurfing.ORG!
It's odd they got turned back for not having a place to stay considering they clearly did some research and had someone to stay with. I remember landing in Dubai with a friend while we were students and more or less winging it with those forms, I've never had a customs official challenge my 'local address.'
Actually, it appears that the boys from Texas did indeed do their proper research. They had places to stay and were going on to the continent after Ireland and Scotland. Remind me to avoid Ireland on my next backpacking/eurorail trip to Europe.
I have found Irish Rep. immigration staffed by the sourest people in the EU. Would suggest entry through Nth Ireland for a more friendly welcome.
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