Visas
Notice | COVID-19 Visa Arrangements
29 January 2021
As part of Government efforts to tackle the pandemic, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has signed an order that will impose new visa requirements on passport holders from a number of South American countries and South Africa. This order and the associated measures came into effect at midnight on Wednesday 27th January 2021.
In addition to the new requirements above, we have also taken the decision to temporarily cease accepting new visa/preclearance applications. This is effective from close of business 29th of January 2021.
Read the full details of this notice...
Notice | Brexit - Important notice for non-EEA family members of UK nationals seeking to move to Ireland after 31 December 2020
23 December 2020
With effect from 11pm on 31 December 2020 following the end of the Brexit transition period, all non-EEA family members of UK nationals seeking to join, or accompany, their UK national family member in Ireland will need to apply (depending on nationality) through a preclearance or visa scheme from outside the State.
The Preclearance Scheme only applies when a UK national has come to live in Ireland after 31 December 2020. If a UK national is living in Ireland on or before that date they and their eligible non-EEA family members will be a beneficiary under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Details of the preclearance and visa schemes, can be found here: Joining your UK national family member in Ireland and Policy Document - Brexit Scheme for Non-EEA Family Members of British Citizens seeking Immigration Permission in the State.
Applications will be required from visa required and non-visa required nationals and will be assessed under the relevant policy document. All applications must be made from outside of Ireland and applicants must remain outside the State while their application is being processed.
Visa required nationals
You will only have to make a visa application under the relevant scheme. Your visa, if your application is successful, will outline your reason for travel to Ireland.
Non Visa required nationals
You will need to apply for preclearance, and if your application is successful, you will receive an approval letter from the preclearance unit which must be presented to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
Please note that you will be unable to apply for a visa or preclearance until after 11pm on 31 December 2020 through the Online Visa Preclearance Application Facility.
Notice | New application process for Preclearance applicants
20 November 2020
As of 21/11/2020, Preclearance procedures are changing for the following existing schemes:
- Volunteer in Ireland
- Minister of Religion
- De Facto Partner of a CSEP/ HA Holder
- De Facto Partner of an Irish National
All Preclearance application forms will move to the online application system AVATS. Instructions on how to apply and use the application system, will be provided on the relevant webpage for each scheme.
Read the full details in Visas Updates and Announcements…
Notice | Visa Services
25 September 2020 (updated 14 and 21 October)
Please note that we have updated the notice on a resumption of Visa Services in light of the move to Level 5 COVID restrictions. This notice contains updated information to inform Visa Applicants, in particular English language study applicants about the current Visa Application Processing situation. Read the full details of the notice here…
All visa notices are available on the Visa Announcements and Updates section.
Check if you need a visa
You may need a visa for Ireland based on your nationality and the reason for your visit.
Apply for a visa
Short stay, long stay, re-entry and transit visas, including application conditions & eligibility.
Re-entry visas
Apply for a re-entry visa if you plan to leave Ireland and return before May 13 2019. Please see important information about Interim Arrangements regarding the abolition of re-entry visas.
Decisions on visa applications
New decisions on visa applications are published here every Tuesday.
Applications directed to the Dublin Visa Office
Online Summary Application Form directs that the application be sent to Dublin.
Preclearance
Check if you need preclearance before travelling to Ireland
You may need to apply for preclearance before arriving in Ireland depending on the reason for your visit. Click on each scheme to see details of preclearance documents, application conditions and eligibility, and frequently asked questions.
Lay Volunteer
Minister of Religion
De Facto Partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit Holder, or of a Non-EEA Researcher on a Hosting Agreement
De Facto Partner of an Irish National
Joining your UK national family member in Ireland
Re-entry visa: Always apply earlyApply by post 8 weeks before you travel and earlier before busy periods, eg summer holidays. ![]() |
Travel from UK to IrelandSome travellers with a valid UK visa may not need an Irish visa to visit Ireland. ![]() |
Updates & announcements |
Policy & guidance |



