Applying For a Visa

25th June 2008, © Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform 2007 Disclaimer:

These documents are intended to assist applicants in their dealings with the Visa Section throughout the Visa application process. As such it is intended for guidance purposes only. They will be updated from time to time as procedures and policies change, therefore applicants are advised to refer to the up to date version of these questions on the website before submitting any applications or documents.

  1. Do I need an Irish Visa ? 
  2. What is a visa? 
  3. How/Where do I apply for an Irish Visa? 
  4. How long will my visa be valid for? 
  5. Will my visa be valid for multiple trips to Ireland? 
  6. I have no previous travel history to Ireland but it would be more convenient for me to have a multi-entry visa. Is this possible? 
  7. What documents do I need to submit with my application 
  8. Will the documents I submit be returned to me? 
  9. Does my child need a seperate Visa to travel with me? 
  10. How much does an Irish Visa application cost? 
  11. How long does it take to process an application? 
  12. Can my application be processed more quickly? 
  13. How do I check the progress of my application? 
  14. I hold a valid UK Visa, do I need an Irish visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland? 
  15. Will an Irish visa allow me to travel to Northern Ireland? 
  16. I live in Northern Ireland and hold a valid UK visa. Do I need an Irish visa to enter the Republic even on a short trip? 
  17. I am legally resident in Northern Ireland, where can I apply for an Irish visa? 
  18. I hold a valid Schengen Visa, do I need an Irish visa to come to the Republic of Ireland? 
  19. I will be travelling to, or I am already in, another country on a short visit before travelling to Ireland. Can I apply for my Irish visa in the Irish Embassy/Consulate there? 
  20. Can I come to Ireland to study? 
  21. If I get a Study Visa can my spouse/children join me in Ireland? 
  22. Can I come to Ireland to work? 
  23. If I get permission to work in Ireland can my spouse/children come with me/join me later? 
  24. Will my spouse be permitted to work? 
  25. Do I qualify for a Van der Elst Visa 
  26. I am an Irish national. My spouse is a visa required national. Does s/he need a visa to visit/live in Ireland? 

Additional links

For details on the various Topics available in this section, please select from the links below