Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find groups of commonly asked questions categorised under 5 headings with a link on bottom of each page back to this page.

Applying for a visa

Biometrics (Fingerprinting)

I have been granted a visa for Ireland

I have been refused a visa for Ireland

Online Visa Application-Frequently Asked Questions 

July 2011

Additional links

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

• Biometrics (Fingerprinting)
• Applying for a visa
• I have been granted a visa for Ireland
• I have been refused a visa for Ireland
• What is a visa?
• Do I need an Irish Visa?
• How long will my visa be valid for?
• 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?
• Will my visa be valid for multiple trips to Ireland?
• What documents do I need to submit with my application?
• Does my child need a separate Visa to travel with me?
• Will the documents I submit be returned to me?
• How much does an Irish Visa application cost?
• How long does it take to process an application?
• Can my application be processed more quickly?
• How do I check the progress of my application?
• I hold a valid UK Visa, do I need an Irish visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland?
• 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?
• I am legally resident in Northern Ireland, where can I apply for an Irish visa?
• Will an Irish visa allow me to travel to Northern Ireland?
• Can I come to Ireland to study?
• I hold a valid Schengen Visa, do I need an Irish visa to come to the Republic of Ireland?
• 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?
• If I get a Study Visa can my spouse/children join me in Ireland?
• Can I come to Ireland to work?
• If I get permission to work in Ireland can my spouse/children come with me/join me later?
• Will my spouse be permitted to work?
• Do I qualify for a Van der Elst Visa?
• I am an Irish national. My spouse is a visa required national. Does she/he need a visa to visit/live in Ireland?
• I have been granted a visa for Ireland
• Online Visa Application-Frequently Asked Questions