Passengers must charge phones when travelling in the UK

Passengers travelling to the US from Irish airports will experience no change in the security measures already in place, the Department of Transport has said.

The US Transportation Security Administration announced last weekend that airports offering direct flights to the US may be forced to switch on their mobile phones and other electronic devices to prove to security officials that they do not contain explosives.

The UK’s Department for Transport said today it would be introducing similar security checks for passengers travelling in or out of the UK, but the Irish Department of Transport said it “does not currently envisage any changes in existing pre-clearance security procedure”.

“Following consultation with the EU Commission and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) the Department can confirm that Irish airports are not among the airports affected by these changes,” a spokesman said.

“Security at Irish airports is subject to continuous review and passengers travelling to the US from Ireland will be kept informed in advance of any further requirements.”

Passengers flying to the US from Irish airports are already pre-screened to US standards at an additional screening point at both Dublin and Shannon, the Department said, and “no new extra security measures of any kind will be imposed at either airport at this time on any passengers whether they are travelling to the US or otherwise”.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport in the UK said: “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.

“Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.”

No specific routes have been highlighted, and the spokesman said they hope to “minimise disruption as far as possible”.

New restrictions requiring all electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablets, to be charged so they can be switched on for security staff were announced by US authorities on Sunday. The heightened security comes amid reports two terror networks are working together on a bomb that could evade existing measures.

(Additional reporting: PA)