If you are not a citizen of the United Kingdom or a member of the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein), you may need to apply for a visa to visit Ireland.
An Irish visa is a document that allows you to go to Ireland and is attached to your passport or travel document. When you arrive at the airport or port, you must still produce your passport and documentation to immigration control, and an immigration officer may still refuse you admission to Ireland.
You must also apply for a visa for your children if you are traveling with them.
It’s also possible that you’ll have to register with immigration authorities.
Visa classifications
The type of visa you require is determined by the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay in Ireland.
Visas for a limited period
You should apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa if you want to visit Ireland for less than three months. If you wish to visit Ireland as a tourist, pay a visit to someone, conduct business, or take a short course, you should apply for this sort of visa.
A ‘C’ visa allows you to stay for a maximum of three months. If you want to return to Ireland, you must depart and apply for a new visa.
Visas for extended stays are available.
You can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa if you plan to visit Ireland for more than three months, for example, to study, work, or settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live there.
If you are given a long-term ‘D’ visa and intend to stay in Ireland for more than three months, you must register and obtain an Irish residence permit (IRP).
Visas for transit
If you are passing through Ireland on your way to another country, you may be required to obtain a transit visa. You cannot leave the port or airport with a transit visa.
Do I require pre-approval?
You may need to apply for preclearance even if you do not require a visa to visit Ireland. Preclearance is the authorization to enter Ireland to apply for residency for a certain reason. If you want to visit Ireland, you must first apply for preclearance:
- To volunteer
- As a religious preacher
- As the de facto partner of an Irish citizen with a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreement. When you are in a relationship with someone similar to marriage, you are in a de facto partnership.
Pre-clearance can be requested online. If you are accepted and plan to stay in Ireland for more than three months, you must apply for an Irish Residence Permit once you arrive.
Some applicants are exempt from paying a fee. This includes spouses and certain family members of EEA residents (including Irish nationals) who require a visa, as long as proof of relationship is submitted with the application. Furthermore, applicants from certain countries are exempt from paying a charge. You should check with your local Irish embassy or consulate, or the Visa Office, as this can change from time to time. Whether you are looking forward to Buying Irish Citizenship through the IIP investment opportunity or looking to apply for one, it will be easier if you remain aware of all the facts.
