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Visitor Visa to Ireland Made Easy (2023): Get it in 7 Steps!

Get the Best of Ireland With Us. Find out about the required fee, documents, eligibility, the process, and other aspects relating to your travel to Ireland with the Irish Tourist Visa.

Key Highlights

  • What is an Ireland Visitor Visa?

  • Types

  • Eligibility Criteria

  • Documents needed

  • How to Apply?

  • Costs involved and Processing Time

  • Other FAQs

Ireland is home to 30,000 castles. From historical monuments to museums and bustling cities, there is a lot to see in this country if you don’t mind the rainy weather. Utterly picturesque, the breathtaking natural landscapes of Ireland give the epithet “Emerald Isle”.

 

This small country attracts millions of visitors every year. You can never get bored in Ireland. Over 11.2 million people traveled to Ireland as tourists in 2019. This generated Euro 5.8 billion for the country’s economy. Go through this article carefully. It tells you all that you need to know about the Irish Tourist Visa.

What is an Ireland Visitor Visa?

Ireland Tourist Visa is also known as the Ireland Visitor Visa. This is a short-stay visa (C visa) that allows you pre-entry clearance. It helps you go through Border Control and request permission to enter the country.

This visa is only valid for a maximum of 90 days or less. The immigration officer will decide as to how long you can stay in the country.

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You, as a foreign national, can fall into any one of these 3 categories, for your right to visit the country. This depends upon your country of origin.

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  • No Ireland Tourist Visa Required: You can travel to Ireland without applying for a visa if you are a citizen of any of the EU countries, from Switzerland, or from the countries falling under EEA agreements.

  • No Ireland Tourist Visa is Required but Subject to Border Control: Citizens other than EU countries or under the EEA agreement are granted visa-free travel to Ireland. Such cases have to request permission to stay from the Immigration Officer at Border Control.

  • Both Ireland Tourist Visa and Border Control are Required: All other citizens across the world have to apply for a visa if they want to travel to Ireland. They will also have to seek permission from the Immigration Officer at Border Control to stay in Ireland.

Types of Ireland Tourist Visas

There are two main types of Ireland Tourist Visas

  • Ireland Single-Entry Tourist Visa – This allows you to enter the country only once. You cannot re-enter once you leave. Even if there were remaining days on the visa.

  • Ireland Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa – This allows you to enter and leave the country as many times as you want. However, this is only issued in specific cases.

 

Single & Multiple Entry Tourist Visas

Single & Multiple Entry Tourist Visas.png

People already having received an Ireland Tourist Visa or need to make short and frequent trips, like for business can avail the Ireland Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa.

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  • Transit Visa – People from a small number of countries on their way to another country will also need an Irish Transit Visa. People from the following list of countries will not be able to leave port or airport without the Irish Transit Visa.

 

Countries Requiring an Irish Transit Visa

Countries Requiring an Irish Transit Visa.png

What is the Eligibility Criteria for the Ireland Tourist Visa?

You will have to meet the following criteria to be eligible to travel to Ireland.

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  • Be a genuine traveler.

  • Capable of bearing all expenses.

  • Have valid reasons to return.

  • Be in good health.

  • Be of good character.

  • The valid purpose for travel.

 

The Irish Embassy or Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents. A personal appearance for interviews in special cases may also be desired.

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The documents mentioned here do not guarantee to grant a visa. Visa applications may be rejected in case of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear.

What Documents are Required for the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Here is an extensive list of all necessary documents required to be submitted by Indian passport holders seeking an Ireland Tourist Visa.

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  • Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of stay. It should have a minimum of two blank pages for the visa stamp. It should not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any way.

  • Photographs: Your face in the passport photograph must cover 80% of the frame.

  • Travel Documents: Air tickets need to be booked for the complete round trip. It should reveal your course of travel and confirm your return to the native country. This is an important document that needs to be submitted.

  • Travel Insurance: You will not be allowed to travel to Ireland without travel insurance. It should also be valid for your entire stay in the country. It should also mention your details as per those in the passport.

  • Covering Letter: This is the first document that is seen by the consular. Covering letters devoid of relevant information may cause your visa to be rejected. Seek professional visa services while creating one to cover all necessary details.

How to Apply for the Irish Tourist Visa?

The below points give you a step-by-step procedure to get Irish Visiting Visa.

  • Step 1: Download the application.

  • Step 2: Fill out the application with the correct details.

  • Step 3: Submit the online visa application form on the official website.

  • Step 4: After submission, you will be provided a declaration.

  • Step 5: Get the declaration printed into a hard copy and sign it and keep it.

  • Step 6: The fee should also be submitted at the mentioned place and time.

  • Step 7: Submit the application at the visa office/Irish consulate/Irish embassy.

 

What Follows the Submission of Application?

 

The status of the application will be notified to you through SMS if you have opted for this service, or via email. Four SMS and email notifications are normally sent at various stages of processing.

 

Sometimes you may be asked to provide more information, and additional documents, or attend another interview.

What Costs are Involved with the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Application Fee for Ireland Tourist Visa

Application Fee for Ireland Tourist Visa.png

Please note that:

  • Extra consular service charges may apply for some applications.

  • Applicants can pay through VFS Global.

  • Beware that VFS Global India does not accept credit cards.

What is the Processing Time for an Ireland Visitor Visa?

The Irish Visa has to be applied in an online form. 8 weeks is the visa processing period which the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service tell you. 

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That is, you have to apply for the Ireland Visa at least 2 months before the period in which you plan to get to Ireland. But it would be better if you applied even before that. 

How can We help you?

Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy is the best visa consultant in India. Served 24K+ customers and over 4K+ active cases. 

 

We are the best immigration agents because,

  • Dedicated Case Officer: We offer personal assistance and a single point of contact between the company and you, throughout the process.

  • Decade-long Expertise: We have an experienced team with a proven track of success

  • Guided documentation: Right from evaluation to Visa application and documentation, followed by post-landing services.

  • Highlighting opportunities: Highlighting high-potential opportunities across global industries

  • Helping you succeed: Be it providing you with interview training, French/English courses or working samples for resumes, cover letters or assisting with application forms, medical or police clearance certificates - we will always be there for you. 

 

You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, and application drafting to post-visa services with Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy.

 

Begin working on your visa application today.

Other Important FAQs

1. Can Indians travel to Ireland without a visa?

This is not possible. Indians wanting to visit Ireland would either require an Irish or British Visa to be here. Republic of Ireland Visa procedures for Indians are simple and easy and can be approached online. VFS Visa Application Centres are also located in 13 cities across India.

 

2. Which other countries can I visit with an Ireland Travel Visa?

The British Irish Visa scheme is designed to allow travel to and around Ireland and the UK. Visitors from India can now freely travel using either an Irish or UK visa.

  • Both Indian and Chinese tourists wishing to visit Dublin and London can apply for an Irish short-stay visa. This will allow them to travel to Dublin and onward to the UK without having to obtain a separate visa. They can also return to Ireland from the UK without a re-entry visa. Under this scheme, you can travel between these two countries for an unlimited number of times.

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3. What is the Ireland Green Card Permit scheme?

The Irish green card is issued for a period of two years and can be renewed indefinitely. However, you are required to have a job offer with a bona fide company registered for trading in Ireland. A labour market assessment test is not required prior to applying for a green card.

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4. How long does it take to get an Ireland tourist visa?

Processing times for Ireland tourist visas depend upon a number of factors. The most common of these include the office handling the application, the time of the year, and your specific case. The average Ireland Tourist Visa processing time is 8 weeks. Missing and incorrect documents can delay it further. Expect that it may take a bit longer during the holiday season due to lesser working days. Apply well in advance of your intended day of travel.

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5. How long can I stay in Ireland on a tourist visa?

Tourists and visitors, including EU / EEA nationals and non-EU / EEA nationals, can only stay up to 90 days in Ireland. Extending your stay beyond 90 days is not possible. You will have to leave the Republic of Ireland on or before the date stamped on your passport by the Immigration officer.

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6. As an Indian, can I expect a visa on arrival in Ireland?

Not at all. Only citizens of EEA countries can avail visa on arrival in Ireland. Indians will have to seek an Irish tourist visa to visit Ireland.

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7. Can I search for a job on a tourist visa in Ireland?

You must apply and receive immigration permission to work in Ireland before you travel. You will not be allowed to work here without a work permit.

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8. Can I change my tourist visa to a student visa in Ireland?

It is not possible to change your tourist visa to a student visa if you have received a tourist immigration stamp on arrival. Register with immigration authorities soon after arrival in Ireland or before the date of visa expiry if you intend to stay for more than 90 days.

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9. I hold a valid Schengen visa. Do I need a separate Irish visa to come to the Republic of Ireland?

Yes, you will. Ireland is not part of the Schengen area. You will therefore need a separate Irish visa to visit Ireland.

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10. What is the Irish visa waiver program?

As part of a job initiative, the Irish visa waiver program was announced by the Irish government and will run till 31st October 2021. It is designed to promote tourism from emerging markets and may be amended or extended at any given point of time.

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11. What is the difference between an Irish tourist visa and a business visa?

Tourist visas are normally issued for the purpose of travel for pleasure. Business visas permit travellers to engage in business-related activities. The difference is subtle but means a lot.

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12. What can I do if I wish to stay in Ireland for longer than 3 months after arrival?

​Sorry, Irish tourist visas are only granted for a short term and less than 90 days. As a non-EU / EEA national you can however apply for an Ireland Long Stay Visa and get a Residence Permit if you want to stay longer. EU / EEA nationals will not need a visa or country of residence permit to stay longer in Ireland.

Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, We neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.

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