Ireland Tourist Visa – How to Apply
Ireland’s Tourist Visa is a little different from that of most countries. This is because the Tourist Visa alone does not guarantee that you can enter Ireland and stay. The Immigration Officer makes that decision at the Ireland Border Control.
A Tourist Visa to Ireland is an opportunity to visit the beautiful country for a maximum period of 90 days. Over the past few years, more than 10 million tourists have been drawn to the Magic of Ireland.
To visit Ireland as a Tourist, you need to learn about the process of visa application, including the fees and the requirements. What is equally important is that you need to know a little about the country – Ireland. Learn about the culture of the people and why it is a favorite for Tourists.
About Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is a country in Europe, with a population of over 5.1 million people. The capital of Ireland is Dublin, and the country’s major languages are English and Irish. Ireland has so many tourist attractions, one of which is the Blarney Stone. Have you kissed The Blarney Stone?
This is probably the first thing every new tourist does as soon as he gets to Ireland. The Blarney Stone in Cork, is believed to grant the gift of eloquence to anyone who kisses it. That’s no problem, but imagine having to bend over backward, from a great height, just to kiss a rock! Don’t ask me if the goddess of eloquence eventually visits. It’s a well-guarded secret.
Other tourist attractions are the Guinness Storehouse, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Dublin Zoo, among others. To experience the beauty of Ireland as a tourist, you must get an Ireland Tourist Visa.
What is an Ireland Tourist Visa?
An Ireland Tourist Visa is a short-stay visa that gives clearance to a visitor to pass through Ireland Border Control and request permission to enter the Emerald Isle as a visitor or tourist. The Ireland Tourist Visa is also called a Type C Visa or a Visit Visa.
What Can You Do With An Ireland Tourist Visa?
With an Ireland Tourist Visa, you can
- Be a tourist
- Visit Family and Friends
- Get married in Ireland
- Go for Medical treatment
- Take a short course
What Can You Not Do With an Ireland Tourist Visa?
- An Ireland Tourist Visa holder is not permitted to work.
- Also, he cannot use any services funded by the public. An example is a public hospital.
How Much Is An Ireland Tourist Visa?
- € 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
- € 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa.
A single entry short-stay visa enables you to enter the country only once within the period specified on your visa. Your single entry must be 1 trip within the 90-day period.
Usually, Multiple Entry Visas are granted to people who plan to make short visits within a 90-day period, especially for the purpose of business. People who previously received Ireland Visas can also be considered for multiple entry visas.
How To Apply For An Ireland Tourist Visa
To apply for your Ireland Tourist Visa, you must do the following:
#1. Submit an Online Application Form
You can get the online application form on the AVATS website. AVATS is the official visa application facility of Ireland.
In the column for visa type, please select ‘Short Stay C’. Reason for travel, please select ‘Visit Tourist’. For Journey Type, select ‘Single Entry’ or ‘Multiple Entry’. After your application, you will get to the summary page. Here, you will find information such as
a. Your Visa Application Number which you will use to check the progress of your application or to contact the Embassy of Ireland.
b. Your Application Summary Sheets which you will print and sign. Don’t forget to indicate the date.
c. The Application Office. This is the office where you will submit your visa application. This can be either the Dublin Visa Office, an International Visa Office, or an Irish Embassy or Consulate. This depends on which office operates in your home country.
At the Application Office, you will submit your Application Summary Sheets, as well as your passport and other documents.
#2. Pay Your Visa Fee
For payment of your visa fee, find out from the Application Office, if you should pay cash or online. Also, find out if you should pay in your local currency or not. The fee for an Ireland Tourist Visa is not refundable, even if your application for a visa is refused.
- € 60: Single entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa
- € 100: Multiple entry – Short stay ‘C’ visa.
#3. Submit your Passport and Other Documents for Processing.
Documents Required To Apply For Ireland Tourist Visa
You require the following documents for your Ireland Tourist Visa Application:
#1. Your Application Summary Sheets:
which you will print out after filling out your visa application online.
#2. A letter of Application
that will bear your full name and address. You should include:
- The reason for your intended visit, the details of where you will stay, and details of your travel.
- Details of your family and friends in Ireland, even if you won’t be staying with them.
- If you will be staying with family, attach proof of your relationship (birth or marriage certificates, group pictures, your communication with them, etc)
- Confirmation that you will not be a burden to Ireland, and that you will leave before your visa expires.
#3. A Letter of Invitation.
If your family or friends are inviting you, they should
- Write a letter inviting you to Ireland to visit them. The letter must indicate how they know you. It will state the dates they are expecting you, and why they are inviting you to Ireland.
- Include a color photocopy of the Picture page of their National ID Card or their passport, Irish Residence Permit.
- Confirm that you will not become a burden to the country and that you will leave Ireland before your permission expires.
#4. Vacation or Study Plan.
If you are visiting Ireland for a vacation
- Write a description of your plan for the holiday.
- Include proof of your accommodation, even if it’s free. This proof can be in form of emails or letters.
If you plan to study for the short time you’ll be in Ireland,
- Give details of the institution you’ll be studying at.
- Prove that you have reserved a space for the course. This proof can be by way of email or letter.
#5. Medical insurance.
If you do not have this at the time of your visa application, it should be available by the time your visa is approved. This is one of the documents that you must present to the Immigration Officer at the point of entry. Sometimes, some Visa Officers actually want to see it before they decide whether to approve your visa application.
#6. Proof of Visa Application Fee Payment.
Your Application Office may request to see evidence that you paid your application fee.
If you are exempt from paying this fee, you may have to attach proof of exemption.
Please find out from your Application Office, because this decision differs from one application center to another.
#7. Current Passport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Ireland.
- If you have previous passports, you must put a photocopy of each page on your current passport.
- If you are applying from a country where you are not a citizen, attach evidence that you have official permission to stay in the country. For example, a photocopy of your Residence Permit.
#8. 2 Color Passport Photos of you.
The passport photo must be with your name and signature on the back as well as your Visa Application Transaction Number which you got from AVATS.
#9. Proof of Finance.
You must:
- Prove your financial ability by submitting your bank statement which is up to date.
- The statement must be officially certified by your bank.
- It must show activities on your account for the past 6 months.
- It must show the account number and account type.
- Also, it must show your name and address.
If your friend or family is inviting you, the same conditions as above, apply.
In addition, if your host is employed, he must provide
- 3 most recent payslips
- Recent Tax Return Document
- A letter from his employer confirming his employment.
10. Proof that you will return to your home country after your visit.
- You can prove that you have family back home, maybe a spouse or children.
- If you have a business, you can show evidence of ownership.
- If you have landed property, you can show a title deed or tenancy agreement.
- If you are employed, provide your most recent payslips and a confirmation letter from your employer.
- If you are a student, the institution must identify you and confirm that you will return to school after your visit.
11. Visa Refusals, if any.
- If you have a past refusal from any country, you must provide the letter given to you by the country, refusing your application.
- If you were deported for any reason, you must provide the document issued by the country explaining the reason.
*After submission of the application, a criminal check will be carried out, to confirm that you do not have any serious criminal history. This may affect your chances of visiting Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if my Ireland Tourist Visa Application is Refused?
If your Ireland Tourist Visa Application is refused, you will receive a ‘Letter of Refusal’ explaining why. Your original documents will also be returned. You can appeal this refusal but you must do so within 2 months. This appeal is free of charge.
Why was my Ireland Tourist Visa Application Refused?
There are lots of reasons why your Tourist Visa Application can be refused. One is the lack of proper documentation. Another is not disclosing past refusals if any. Sometimes too, your application can be refused if you are not able to convince the Visa Officer that you will return to your home country afterward.
Can I enter Ireland with my Tourist Visa?
No, you will not be allowed to enter Ireland with your Tourist Visa unless the Immigration Officer at Border Control places a ‘Landing Stamp’ on your passport. To do so, you must present copies of the documents you submitted your application with, as well as anything else required by the Officer.
What is the Processing Time for an Ireland Tourist Visa?
The processing time for an Ireland Tourist Visa is 2 months. However, this depends on the time of the year and if there are no other documents required from you after submission.
Can I Extend my Ireland Tourist Visa before it Expires?
You can request an Ireland Tourist Visa extension if unforeseen circumstances or emergencies have made it difficult for you to leave. You can apply for an Extension of Visitor Permission before your Tourist Visa expires.
Conclusion
With an Ireland Tourist Visa, you have the opportunity to tour the beautiful country for a maximum of 90 days. Who knows, before your visit is over, you may pick up the gift of gab which the Irish are known for.
