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…
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
Is a UK visa valid for Ireland?
The British-Irish Visa Scheme allows for mutual recognition of short-stay visas between the UK and Ireland. This means that a British short stay visa will be valid for travel onward to Ireland, and an Irish short-stay visa will be valid for travel onward to the UK.
Can UK visa holder work in Ireland?
Visas and residency UK nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Within the Common Travel Area ( CTA ), British and Irish citizens can live and work freely in each other's countries and travel freely between them.
How many countries you can travel with UK visa?
A UK Visa Allows for Visa-Free Travel to Over 30 Countries Across the Globe.
Which visa is required for Ireland?
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. You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a 'C' visa.
Can I visit Dublin with UK tourist visa?
If you have a British visitor visa and want to also visit Ireland, you must travel to the UK first. Holders of an Irish short stay visa will be able to transit in the UK as part of an onward journey to Ireland.
Can I travel to Ireland with UK Tier 2 visa?
You need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland unless you are in a visa exempt nationality. As a general rule UK visas and leave to enter or remain in the UK are not valid for Ireland as it's a different country.
Can I go Scotland with UK visa?
If you enter the UK in one part you can freely move around without further need for visas – for example, if you enter England as a visitor or on a visa you are free to travel to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Can I go to Belfast with UK visa?
Nothing extra required. Your UK visa will cover you for Northern Ireland. If you plan to also go south of the border then you're in a separate country, but there is a reciprocal arrangement whereby you can apply for a BIVS visa that will cover you for both countries.
1. Eligible Irish visas
Indian and Chinese nationals can travel to the UK and Ireland using the Irish short stay visas: visit (family/friend) visit (tourist) conference/ev...
2. Eligible UK visas
Indian and Chinese nationals can travel to Ireland and the UK using the following UK visas: all standard visitor categories where the maximum perio...
3. Other nationalities
If a national of a country requires a visa for the UK but not for Ireland, those nationals will still require a visit visa to travel to the UK. The...
4. Visa application centres
Ireland and the UK have joint visa application centres in China and India. This joint working will be rolled out gradually to other countries.To be...
5. Visiting the UK and Ireland
The visa holder must first travel to the country that issued the visa. For example; if you have an Irish short stay visa and want to also visit the...
6. 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 t...
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.
How to apply for UK state pension if you have not worked in Ireland?
If you have not worked in Ireland, you can claim your UK State Pension by contacting the International Pension Centre. If you have worked in several EU countries, see state pensions abroad.
What is the Citizens Information Service in Ireland?
Ireland’s Citizens Information service has advice about moving to and living in Ireland.
What to do if you are planning to travel to and from the UK with a pet?
if you are planning to travel to and from the UK with a pet, consult your vet
What happens if you get a life certificate from the UK?
If you are getting a UK State Pension and receive a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you do not.
What is the emergency number for Ireland?
You can dial the European emergency number on 112, or the national emergency number on 999. Find a list of Irish security and emergency services.
Do UK citizens need a visa to live in Ireland?
Under the CTA, UK citizens do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland.
Does the UK pay Irish pensions?
The UK and Irish governments have a bilateral agreement to ensure social security rights, including access to pensions. This agreement means that there will be no change to the payment of your UK State Pension in Ireland. UK State Pensions will continue to be paid, including upratings.
How long before you travel should you apply for a visa?
You should apply for a visa 8 weeks before you travel.
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.
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 can you stay in the UK on a paid engagement visa?
Permitted Paid Engagement visa - if you are invited to the UK as an expert in your profession for up to 1 month.
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 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.
What test do you need to take before you travel to England?
Before you travel to England you must take a COVID-19 test.
Is the visa fee refundable?
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.
How to check Irish visa decision?
If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service Visa Decision Weekly Listing using your reference number.
What are the requirements for travel to Ireland?
All travellers arriving into Ireland must continue to comply fully with measures required by law including producing proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 or a negative PCR test. This is detailed under the Travel to Ireland heading on the Covid-19 section of our website.
What happens if a visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.
When will the visa requirements for South Africa be lifted?
The temporary visa requirements imposed on South Africa and countries in South America on 28 January will be lifted with effect from midnight on 15 June. In addition, at that time, the Department of Justice temporarily ceased accepting new visa/preclearance applications globally, with the exception of certain priority and emergency cases.
Is Ireland visa free in 2021?
As part of a wide range of travel measures announced on 26 January 2021, and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visa-free travel to Ireland for nationals of South Africa and all countries in South America was temporarily suspended.
Do US citizens need a visa to study in Ireland?
Please note that US citizens do not require a visa for study in I reland. However, you must register with the immigration authorities on arrival. If your university is delivering your course of study online only for the next semester, you should not travel to Ireland at this time.
What are the rights of Irish and UK citizens?
Under the CTA, UK and Irish nationals enjoy a range of reciprocal rights, which include the right to enter and reside in each other's state without being subject to a requirement to obtain permission.
What did the UK and Ireland do in response to Brexit?
In response to Brexit, the Government of Ireland and the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances. Through the Memorandum of Understanding, both Governments committed to undertaking all the work necessary, including through legislative provision, to ensure that the agreed CTA rights and privileges are protected.
How long do non-EEA nationals have to live in Ireland?
Non-EEA nationals and their families have a right to apply for permanent residence once they have a five-year uninterrupted period of residence in Ireland.
Do Irish and UK citizens have reciprocal rights?
As above, under the CTA, UK and Irish nationals enjoy a range of reciprocal rights, which includes the right to enter and reside in each other's state without being subject to a requirement to obtain permission.
Does the UK have the right to work within the CTA?
The UK's withdrawal from the EU has not affected the right of British citizens to work within the CTA. The associated rights and entitlements attaching to the CTA have been protected by the Act. The associated rights and entitlements include the right to work without being subject to a requirement to obtain permission.
Does the UK have the right to travel?
The UK's withdrawal from the EU has not affected the right of British citizens to travel and work within the CTA. The associated rights and entitlements attaching to the CTA have been protected by the Act. The associated rights and entitlements include the right to work within the CTA without being subject to a requirement to obtain permission.
Can an employer issue an employment permit if you are a Swiss citizen?
An employment permit will not be issued unless at the time of application at least 50% of the employees in the employer organisation are EEA nationals or nationals of the Swiss confederation or a combination of both. This rule is waived in limited circumstances.
Employment Visas
In respect of non-EU nationals, the UK operates a points-based system of work visas. Tier 1 relates to self-employed persons. Tier 2 covers the majority of work-related visas. There is a cap on Tier 2 general visas. They are subject to skills requirement and pay thresholds for the jobs concerned.
Sponsor Licence
An employer needs a sponsor licence to employ someone from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work for the applicant in the UK.Under the points-based system, an employer or education provider who wants to act as a sponsor needs a licence. When licensed, they are added to the register of sponsors.
Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa
his / her overseas employer has offered the applicant a role in a UK branch of the organisation
Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange visa
come to the UK for a short time for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme
What is a reactivation permit in Ireland?
The Ireland Reactivation Employment Permit is available to former Employment Permit holders who lost their right to work in Ireland, but not due to their own fault. For example, if it was due to workplace exploitation or abuse.
What is an intra company transfer in Ireland?
The Ireland Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is issued to foreign workers who want to transfer to the Irish branch of a company they are already employed in. It is available to senior management, key personnel or trainees.
How many types of employment permits are there in Ireland?
There are about nine different types of Ireland employment permits, but the two most common ones are the Critical Skills Employment Permit and General Employment Permit.
How to apply for a work visa in Ireland?
You have to submit the application for an Ireland work visa online, via AVATS, the Irish online visa application facility.
What is an Irish contract for services?
The Ireland Contract for Services Employment Permit is issued to foreign workers who are still employed by a foreign company, but who come to Ireland to work on behalf of their employer, who has been contracted by an Irish national .
What is critical skills permit?
The Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit is available at highly-skilled international workers, aiming to encourage them to come to Ireland and fill skills shortages in certain high-skill eligible occupations.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Ireland?
However, once you start an Ireland work permit application, you will have to complete it within 28 days, since after that, your data will be lost.
Coronavirus
Visas and Residency
- UK nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Within the Common Travel Area (CTA), British and Irish citizens can live and work freely in each other’s countries and travel freely between them. Both the UK and Irish governments are committed to protecting the CTA. Read guidance on the CTA. If you are planning...
Passports and Travel
- Coronavirus travel advicemay affect travel to and from Ireland. The CTAallows you to travel freely between the UK and Ireland. Check the Ireland travel advice for passport validity requirements. You can apply for or renew your British passport from Ireland. To travel from Ireland to other EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, check visiting the EU and each countr…
Healthcare
- Read our guidance on how to access healthcare in Ireland. Under the CTA, if you live in Ireland you can access healthcare there. If visiting, you also have the right to access medically necessary healthcare.
Working in Ireland
- Under the CTA, you do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland.Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check. You can also get a police certificate from the Gardaí. Read the guidance on working or providing services in Ireland and the Citizens Information guidance on employment.
Professional Qualifications
- You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Ireland. Read guidance on: 1. recognition of professional qualifications 2. how to get your qualification recognised in Ireland Read the Irish Citizens Information guidance on the recognition of professional qualifications
Studying in Ireland
- Under the CTAyou do not need a visa or residency permit to study in Ireland. Read guidance on: 1. accessing education in the CTA 2. healthcare for students in Ireland
Tax
- The UK has a double taxation agreement with Irelandto ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief. You should get professional advice on paying tax in Ireland. Read the Citizens Information tax guidance and the Irish Tax and Customs guidanceon tax in Ireland. Read further guidance on…
National Insurance and Social Security Contributions
- If you are living in or working in Ireland, working in both the UK and Ireland, or working across the border, you are subject to only one country’s social security legislation at a time. This means you only pay social security contributions into one country’s scheme at a time. You can request proof from HMRC of the time you’ve worked in the UK and your UK National Insurance record. Nationa…
Benefits
- You can access social security benefits from whichever country you are subject to the social security legislation of, regardless of where you live. You have the right to access social security benefits on the same basis as citizens of the country you are in.