Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
925. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the United States immigration authorities to ensure that persons who are refused by the electronic system for travel authorisation have the reason communicated to them. [40169/22]
View answerEase of travel between Ireland and the United States is vital for protecting our strong connections with the US, be that in business, academia, tourism or family connections. I welcome the recent decision to allow travel between Ireland and the United States without the need for a COVID-19 test for those who are fully vaccinated. I know this has come as very good news for many in Ireland, for the Irish living in the United States, as well as our American friends with links to Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Ireland is one of forty countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program. This means that our citizens can apply for travel authorisation to enter the US via the automated US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system. This ability to apply for an ESTA is highly valued by Ireland as it simplifies and streamlines the application process for travel to the US for stays of up to 90 days for many of our citizens.
As you will appreciate, US immigration regulation and operations are a matter solely for the US authorities. I am aware that the ESTA programme is controlled by the US Department of Homeland Security and that specific reasons for a denial are not communicated to the individual or to the US Embassy here in Dublin.
Officials from my Department regularly engage with the US Embassy in Ireland's consular section to discuss immigration and visa issues in general terms. I understand that prospective travellers to the US whose ESTA application has been denied because they accidentally inputted incorrect information may seek redress via the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) website.
I understand that, if a traveller is denied an ESTA for any reason and their circumstances have not changed, a new application will also be denied. However, this does not prevent prospective travellers from applying for a visa through the US Embassy. More information on this process can be found on the Embassy's website at ie.usembassy.gov/visas/.
