Planning a trip to Ireland and wondering about visa requirements? If you hold a UK visa, you might be able to visit Ireland without needing a separate Irish visa. This guide explores the conditions and schemes that allow UK visa holders to travel to Ireland, providing you with the information you need for a smooth journey.
Understanding Irish Visa Requirements
Generally, if you’re not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you might need an Irish visa to enter Ireland. An Irish visa is placed in your passport or travel document, granting you permission to travel to Ireland. However, even with a visa, immigration control at the airport or port has the final say on your entry.
Alt: A close-up of an Irish passport displaying a visa, indicating permission to enter Ireland.
Who Doesn’t Need a Visa for Ireland?
You are exempt from needing a visa if you:
- Are a citizen of the EU or EEA (including Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland.
- Possess a residence card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland as a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen.
- Qualify for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) with a UK short-stay visa.
- Are a school student residing in an EU/EEA country and traveling as part of a school trip.
- Are a citizen of a country listed in the table below:
| Andorra | Hong Kong (Special Admin. Region) | Samoa |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua & Barbuda | Israel | San Marino |
| Argentina | Japan | Seychelles |
| Australia | Kiribati | Singapore |
| Bahamas | Macau (Special Admin. Region) | Solomon Islands |
| Barbados | Malaysia | South Korea |
| Belize | Maldives | Swaziland (Eswatini) |
| Brazil | Mexico | Taiwan |
| Brunei | Monaco | Tonga |
| Canada | New Zealand | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Chile | Nicaragua | Tuvalu |
| Costa Rica | Panama | Ukraine |
| El Salvador | Paraguay | United Arab Emirates |
| Fiji | Saint Kitts & Nevis | United Kingdom |
| Grenada | Saint Lucia | United States of America |
| Guatemala | Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | Uruguay |
| Guyana | Vatican City |
Important Note Regarding the UK: Visa-free travel applies to British nationals (overseas), British overseas territories citizens, and British overseas citizens. However, it does NOT apply to those holding a British passport as a ‘British protected person.’
The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme
The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals from specific Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries holding a valid UK short-term visa to visit Ireland without requiring a separate Irish visa.
The eligible countries are:
- Bahrain
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- China
- Colombia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Alt: A map highlighting Ireland’s location within Europe, relevant for travelers exploring visa options.
The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
For citizens of India and China, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) further simplifies travel. If you have a short stay UK visa endorsed with ‘BIVS’, you can use it to travel to Ireland and vice versa. This means you can use your Irish visa to visit the UK as well.
Types of Irish Visas
If you don’t qualify for a visa waiver, understanding the different types of Irish visas is crucial:
- Short Stay ‘C’ Visa: For stays less than 3 months, such as tourism, visiting, business meetings, or short courses.
- Long Stay ‘D’ Visa: For stays longer than 3 months, including study, work, or settling permanently with family.
- Re-entry Multiple Entry Visas: Allows multiple entries to Ireland within the visa’s validity period. If you have an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you generally don’t need a re-entry visa.
- Transit Visas: Required for transiting through Ireland to another country for citizens of specific countries. This visa doesn’t allow you to leave the airport or port.
How to Apply for an Irish Visa
You can apply for an entry visa or preclearance online through the Automated Visa Application System (AVATS).
Alt: A screenshot of the Irish Immigration Service website, showcasing the online visa application portal.
Key Considerations
- Preclearance: Even if you don’t need a visa, you might need preclearance to reside in Ireland for specific reasons, such as joining a de facto partner or a spouse with a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
- Visa Fees: Standard non-refundable visa application fees apply. A single journey visa costs €60, a multi-journey visa costs €100, and a transit visa costs €25. Certain applicants may be exempt from these fees.
- Processing Times: Check the ISD website for current visa processing times.
Planning Your Trip
Before traveling, always verify the most up-to-date visa requirements with your local Irish embassy or consulate, or on the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website.
Conclusion
Navigating visa requirements can seem daunting, but understanding the rules and available schemes can simplify your travel plans. If you hold a UK visa and are a citizen of an eligible country, you might be able to travel to Ireland visa-free through the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British-Irish Visa Scheme. Always confirm the latest regulations to ensure a hassle-free trip to the Emerald Isle!
