What is a Visa?

A visa is a paper document affixed to a page of the holder's passport.

The granting of a visa is in effect only a form of pre-clearance. A visa merely permits a person to travel to the State during the validity period of the visa. The visa does not grant permission to enter or reside in the State, this permission is given by the immigration officer who has the authority to grant or deny such admission. Applicants' passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from Ireland following visits.

NOTE: If you have been granted a 'C' visa, the maximum duration for which the Immigration Officer will grant you permission to remain in the State is 90 days. Once this time has expired, it will not be extended and you must leave the State.