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Visa Types

Overview of the different types of visas available for entering Ireland, including short-stay, long-stay, and transit visas.

Sections

1. Short Stay Visas (C Visas)

Short Stay Visas are for individuals planning to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. These visas are typically for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study.

Types of Short Stay Visas:

  • Tourist Visa: For those visiting Ireland for leisure or holidays.
  • Business Visa: For attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
  • Family/Friend Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in Ireland.
  • Conference/Event Visa: For attending conferences, cultural events, or sports events.
  • Short-Term Study Visa: For courses lasting less than 90 days.
  • Exam Visa: For sitting exams in Ireland.

Key Regulations:

  • You cannot work or access public funds on a Short Stay Visa.
  • You must leave Ireland before the visa expires.

Costs:

  • Single Entry Visa: €60
  • Multiple Entry Visa: €100
  • Transit Visa: €25

Application Procedure:

  1. Online Application: Complete the application form on the Irish Immigration website.
  2. Supporting Documents: Submit documents such as:
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure).
    • Proof of purpose of visit (e.g., invitation letter, hotel bookings).
    • Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips).
    • Travel insurance.
  3. Visa Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee.
  4. Submit Application: Send your application and documents to the relevant Irish Visa Office, Embassy, or Consulate.
  5. Processing Time: Typically 8 weeks, but it may vary.

Unique Considerations:

  • Nationals of certain countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) do not require a visa for short stays but must adhere to immigration rules upon arrival.
  • Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen Visa is not valid for entry.

2. Long Stay Visas (D Visas)

Long Stay Visas are for individuals planning to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days. These visas are typically for work, study, joining family, or retirement.

Types of Long Stay Visas:

  • Employment Visa: For those with a valid job offer in Ireland.
  • Study Visa: For students enrolled in full-time courses.
  • Join Family Visa: For family members of Irish citizens or residents.
  • Volunteer Visa: For individuals volunteering with registered organizations.
  • Retirement Visa: For retirees with sufficient financial means.

Key Regulations:

  • You must register with the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after arrival.
  • You may need additional permissions depending on the visa type (e.g., work permits for employment).

Costs:

  • Single Entry Visa: €60
  • Multiple Entry Visa: €100
  • Irish Residence Permit (IRP): €300 (payable after arrival).

Application Procedure:

  1. Online Application: Complete the application form on the Irish Immigration website.
  2. Supporting Documents: Submit documents such as:
    • Passport (valid for at least 12 months).
    • Proof of purpose of stay (e.g., job offer letter, university acceptance letter).
    • Proof of financial means.
    • Health insurance.
  3. Visa Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee.
  4. Submit Application: Send your application and documents to the relevant Irish Visa Office, Embassy, or Consulate.
  5. Processing Time: Typically 8-12 weeks, depending on the visa type.

Unique Considerations:

  • Work Visas: You may need an employment permit (e.g., Critical Skills Employment Permit, General Employment Permit) before applying for a visa.
  • Study Visas: You must enroll in a course listed on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP).
  • Join Family Visas: Proof of relationship and financial support is required.

3. Transit Visa

A Transit Visa is required if you are passing through Ireland on your way to another destination and do not plan to leave the airport.

Key Regulations:

  • You cannot leave the airport while in transit.
  • Nationals of certain countries (e.g., India, Nigeria) require a Transit Visa.

Costs:

  • Transit Visa: €25

Application Procedure:

  • Similar to the Short Stay Visa process.

4. Re-Entry Visa

If you are a non-EEA national residing in Ireland and need to leave and return, you may require a Re-Entry Visa.

Key Regulations:

  • Re-Entry Visas are only issued to individuals who have already registered with the Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
  • Children under 16 do not need an IRP but require a Re-Entry Visa.

Costs:

  • Single Entry Visa: €60
  • Multiple Entry Visa: €100

Application Procedure:

5. Working Holiday Visa

This visa is available to young people (usually aged 18-30 or 35, depending on the country) from certain countries with which Ireland has a Working Holiday Agreement (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand).

Key Regulations:

  • Allows you to work and travel in Ireland for up to 12 months.
  • You cannot bring dependents.

Costs:

  • Varies by country (typically €60-€100).

Application Procedure:

  • Apply through the Irish Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

6. Special Categories

  • Visa Waiver Programme: Nationals of certain countries (e.g., UK visa holders) may enter Ireland without a visa for short stays.
  • British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS): Allows certain visa holders to travel between Ireland and the UK without needing separate visas.

General Notes on Irish Visas:

  • Visa Exemptions: Nationals of certain countries (e.g., EU/EEA, USA, Canada) do not require a visa for short stays but must comply with immigration rules.
  • Biometric Data: Some applicants may need to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
  • Appeals: If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision within 2 months.

Resources for Further Information:

If you have a specific purpose for your visit or need further clarification, feel free to ask!