UK citizens do not need a visa or residency permit to visit, live, work or study in Ireland. Under the Common Travel Area
Common Travel Area
The Common Travel Area is an open borders area comprising the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. The British Overseas Territories are not included. Based on agreements that are legally binding, the internal borders of the Common Travel Area are subject t…
Full Answer
Can I travel to Ireland on an UK visa?
Yes, if you are a British citizen, you can freely travel to Ireland without a visa. However, if you are in the UK with a visa, and you want to travel from there to Ireland and if you are normally subject to Irish visas, you need to obtain a separate Irish visa – except in certain cases.
Do I need UK transit visa to going to Ireland?
Transit. Individuals with an eligible visa under the British-Irish visa scheme will not need to apply for a UK transit visa if their flight takes them via the UK to Ireland. Passengers will need ...
Do UK residents need a visa for Ireland?
You do not need a visa for Ireland. Ireland and the United Kingdom share a Common Travel Area. This means British citizens can travel to Ireland for any reason and stay for any length of time. Note: The decision by the UK to exit the European Union does not affect travel for British citizens to Ireland at this time.
How do you apply for a visa to Ireland?
You will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed application form;
- Original passport and previous passport (s) if applicable;
- Two photographs that meet the requirements outlined on our website;
- A copy of your expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP);
- A copy of a utility bill for proof of address in Ireland; and
How long can an unaccompanied child stay in the UK?
Is the Irish short stay visa covered by the UK?
Can Chinese travel to Ireland?
Can an Irish short stay visa travel to Ireland?
Who determines Irish visas?
See 2 more
About this website
How is the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) different from the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme?
The British-Irish Visa Scheme is only for Chinese and Indian citizens and residents. Meanwhile, the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme is for c...
How long is the BIVS visa valid for?
The validity of your BIVS-endorsed visa varies depending on the issuing country and where you visit. For example, a short-stay Irish visa is limite...
I do not require a visa to enter Ireland; can I still visit the UK?
Only Chinese and Indian nationals can apply for the British-Irish Visa Scheme. Even if you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa...
Which country do I travel home from?
You can travel back to China or India from the UK or Ireland. What’s important is that you must travel before your visa validity expires.
What if I just want to go to the UK or just Ireland?
You should apply for the usual UK or Irish visa. If you don’t want to visit both countries. As a national and resident of China and India, it’s not...
British-Irish Visa Scheme FAQs
not have current leave to enter or remain in the UK, re-entry to the CTA must be through the UK. (Please note the Irish Short –Stay Visa Waiver Programme has been extended until 31 October 2016). · I already have a multiple-entry short-stay visa for the United Kingdom, and I have
How to apply for a visa to come to the UK
Compare visas to visit, work, study or join a family member already in the UK. How to apply and what the decision on your application means.
Can I travel to Ireland on a UK Visa? - DFA
Can I travel to Ireland on a UK Visa? There is a Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme in place for nationals of a number of Countries including Belarus, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. If you have entered the UK on foot of a UK “C” General visa and have been granted leave to remain in the UK for 180 days, you may travel to Ireland within the time remaining on the UK ...
Visa requirements for entering Ireland - Citizens Information
Types of visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your stay in Ireland. Short stay visas. If you want to come to Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa.You should apply for this type of visa if you want to come to Ireland as a tourist or to visit someone, for a business meeting, or to attend a short course.
Ireland Visa Waiver Programme - British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) - Donuts
The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa) is an agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom which allows foreign nationals to enter either country without having to get a visa if they already hold a valid visa for the other country. What this means is: If you are in Ireland with a valid Irish visa and want to travel from there to the United Kingdom, you will not have to apply for a ...
What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme?
This is a reciprocal agreement and memorandum of understanding between the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was launched in June 2014. The aim of the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) is to foster tourism in both countries.
Irish and UK Visas Eligible for British-Irish Scheme
The British-Irish Visa Scheme only recognizes short-stay visas. As mentioned earlier, the scheme is only open to Chinese and Indian nationals. They also must be residing in China or India, respectively.
The UK Immigration rules and requirements of the British-Irish Visa Scheme
The British-Irish Visa Scheme requires all participants to be more than 18 years old. Also, they must have any of the Short Stay/visit visas listed above. Several other rules and visa requirements apply to this scheme.
Required documents for British-Irish Visa Scheme
Eligibility for the British-Irish visa scheme depends on the visa you’re carrying. Hence, the required documents are different for each visa type and country. The required documents for a short stay business visa will be different from that of a family/friend visa. Also, Irish and UK embassies may have different required documents.
How to apply
First, you have to acquire an eligible visa. You must apply for your visa from your home country and with the embassy of the country you intend to travel to first. If you’re an Indian or Chinese national not living in India or China, respectively, you can’t apply for this visa.
How to re-enter the country
As mentioned earlier, you don’t need a re-entry visa if you enter the UK from Ireland and wish to re-enter Ireland. This is true as long as you travel within the CTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The British-Irish Visa Scheme is only for Chinese and Indian citizens and residents. Meanwhile, the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme is for citizens of certain Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. It allows eligible persons with short-stay UK visas to visit Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish visa.
If you are fully vaccinated
To qualify under the fully vaccinated rules for travel to England, you must have proof of vaccination with a full course of an approved vaccine.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated
Within 2 days before travel to the UK all people aged 12 years and over must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
You will not need a visa to come to the UK
Аs you are a citizen of United States, you probably not need a visa and can stay in the UK for up to 6 months: - as a tourist or a visitor - for some business activities - for short term study
We help with all types of UK visas!
You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you want to visit the UK for any of the following reason:
Priority Visa Service (non-settlement)
You can pay for a Priority Visa Service for your visit, work or study application (‘non-settlement’). UK Visas and Immigration aims to reach a decision on Priority Visa Application within 5 working days from the date you submit your biometric information.
What is the common travel area?
The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It includes more than the basic right to travel freely between both countries. When the Common Travel Area arrangement began 1922, it was not contained in any legislation.
What powers do Irish immigration officers have?
Irish immigration officers have the power to carry out checks on people arriving in the State from the UK and to refuse them entry to the State on the same grounds as apply to people arriving from outside the Common Travel Area. These checks are carried out selectively.
What are the rights of Irish citizens?
Irish and UK citizens can live in either country and enjoy associated rights and privileges, including: 1 Access to social benefits 2 Access to healthcare 3 Access to social housing supports 4 The right to vote in certain elections
What is the UK?
The UK, for the purposes of the Common Travel Area, covers England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland , the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
What is the purpose of the UK withdrawal agreement?
The withdrawal agreement between the UK and the European Union recognises the Common Travel Area in its Protocol, which deals with Ireland and Northern Ireland.
When did the UK and Ireland sign a Memorandum of Understanding?
On 8 May 2019 , the Irish and UK governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (pdf) reaffirming the Common Travel Area and identifying the rights and privileges of Irish and UK citizens within the CTA. It also reaffirms the commitment to maintain the CTA following Brexit (pdf).
When can Swiss citizens work in Ireland?
EEA and Swiss citizens who live in Ireland and work in Northern Ireland must have a Frontier Work Permit to continue working in Northern Ireland from 1 July 2021. The Permit scheme only applies to EEA and Swiss citizens who were already frontier workers before the end of 2020.
Do I need preclearance?
If you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you may still have to apply for preclearance. Preclearance is permission to enter Ireland to apply to reside for certain reasons. You have to apply for preclearance if you want to come to Ireland:
What is preclearance in Ireland?
Preclearance is permission to enter Ireland to apply to reside for certain reasons. You have to apply for preclearance if you want to come to Ireland: To volunteer. As a minister of religion. As the de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreement holder.
How to appeal a refusal of a visa?
Appeals: If you are refused a visa you can appeal the decision by writing to the Visa Appeals Officer at the INIS Visa Section - see ‘Further information and contacts’ below.
How long can you stay in Ireland on a C visa?
You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a ‘C’ visa. You must leave Ireland and apply for another visa if you want to return. Most short stay visa applications are currently suspended because of COVID-19. Only emergency applications are currently being processed.
What is an Irish visa?
An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document that allows you to travel to Ireland. You still have to present your passport and documents to immigration control when you arrive at the airport or port, and an immigration officer may still refuse you entry to Ireland. If you are travelling with children, you have ...
How long do you have to stay in Ireland to get a residence permit?
You can apply for pre-clearance online. If you are approved, and you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you have to register for an Irish Residence Permit after you arrive in Ireland.
Do you have to apply for a visa for children?
If you are travelling with children, you have to apply for a visa for your children too.
How long does it take to get a priority visa in the UK?
UK Visas and Immigration aims to reach a decision on Priority Visa Application within 5 working days from the date you submit your biometric information. The cost of this service is in addition to your visa application fee and is non-refundable if the visa application is refused, or if in exceptional cases, the application it takes longer to process.
What is premium lounge?
Premium Lounge gives you the space and comfort to submit your visa application in an exclusive environment without queues, and at a safe distance from other applicants.
What is a UK visa application center?
UK Visa Application Center is a collection point for your documents and to take biometrics (e.g. fingerprints). The UK Visa Application Center transfers your documents to the UK Embassy in Ireland together with your biometric data.
How long does a fiancee visa last?
Fiancee visa (or Settlement Marriage visa) - the applicant to come to the UK for up to 6 months, register a marriage and apply for a Settlement Spouse visa within the UK.
What is a Tier 2 visa?
General work visa ( Tier 2) can be applied for if the applicant has been offered a skilled job in the UK.
How long does it take to get a passport back?
Applicants can choose to have their passport returned to them by express courier (within 1-3 business days depending on the area selected) at the end of the application process.
What is an EEA family permit?
EEA Family Permit / EU Settlement Scheme family permit - if your spouse is living and working in the UK and is an EU national but does not have UK citizenship.
How to apply for a C visa in Ireland?
You can apply for an Irish short-term ‘C’ visa online. The form is in English and you must answer all questions in English. Questions in the application form cover seven sections.
What is a refugee?
Refugee or stateless person holding a travel document issued by an EU or EEA member country. This comes under Article 28 of the Geneva Convention 1951 or the New York Convention of 1951.
How long do you have to stay in Ireland for a visa?
You’ll have to secure a Category D visa if you want to stay in Ireland for more than ninety days. There are different types of Category D visas for various purposes. Each has its own application criteria.
What does a stamp on a passport mean?
The stamp indicates the type of permission you have, the length of your stay, and the activities you can and can’t do. Short Visit Stamps.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Processing time for these visa applications varies, but generally, it takes about eight weeks. Remember to make copies of all your documents.
What language do supporting documents have to be in?
All supporting documents must be in English or accompanied by a translation. It must contain the following validation:
What is the summary sheet for Irish visa?
The summary sheet contains details of how to submit your application, what supporting documents you need, and how to pay your fee. It also shows which Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office/Visa Application Center you’ll need to use.
What is an information note?
An information note has been prepared to assist applicants completing the online application form. This is available in
What is visa fee?
The visa fee is an administration fee which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee cannot be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.
What currency do you pay for a visa?
Visa fees are paid in local currency – pounds sterling and may vary from time to time to take account of currency changes
How long before you travel should you apply for a visa?
You should apply for a visa 8 weeks before you travel.
What is a long stay employment application?
all long stay Employment applications, supported by a work permit or Atypical permission; patients travelling for imperative medical reasons; transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods for use in the territory as well as those merely transiting;
Do you need to note the tracking number on an envelope?
You should ensure that you note the tracking number of the envelope used to send your documents to this office.
Who is the Minister of Justice in Ireland?
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State for Law Reform, Youth Justice and Immigration, James Browne TD, have today announced the resumption of short stay entry visa processing.
How long can an unaccompanied child stay in the UK?
Unaccompanied children and those issued standard visitor visas which allow them to remain in the UK for longer than six months in a single trip are not eligible.
Is the Irish short stay visa covered by the UK?
Only eligible Irish short stay visas applied for after the scheme starts are covered by the scheme. All Indian and Chinese nationals who hold an eligible UK visitor visa (except ‘visitor in transit’ and ‘visitor for marriage or civil partnership’) are covered by the scheme. Currently the scheme only applies to Indian and Chinese nationals.
Can Chinese travel to Ireland?
Chinese and Indian nationals can visit the UK and Ireland using a single visa when travelling on certain short stay and visitor visas. Under the British-Irish visa scheme, some Irish short stay visas will allow onward travel to the UK and some UK visitor visas will allow onward travel to Ireland. For example, under the scheme an Indian ...
Can an Irish short stay visa travel to Ireland?
Holders of an Irish short stay visa will be able to transit in the UK as part of an onward journey to Ireland.
Who determines Irish visas?
Applications for Irish visas will continue to be determined by the Irish authorities and applications for UK visas will continue to be determined by the UK authorities.
