Ireland Visa Requirements – Documents and Photo Specifications

If you are foreigner planning a trip to Ireland for whatsoever purpose, you need to be aware of Ireland visa requirements. Fulfilling all of these requirements makes you eligible for the visa. They include providing all required documents, and meeting specified conditions.

Ireland is a republic preferred by foreigners around the world. The country is well-known for its incredible natural landscapes, music and festivals, beautiful road trips and lively cities.

Besides, there are a lot of fun things to do and surprisingly great places to see in Ireland. Such places include the National Museum of Ireland, Kinsale, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Rock of Cashel.

There are many different types of Irish visas, namely transit visas, short stay visas, long stay visas, and re-entry visas. Generally, these visas create possibilities for foreigners to enter Ireland for specific purpose. These include for tourism, work, study, research, family reunion, work holiday, internship, among others.

Bear in mind that you cannot get an Irish visa without being qualified for it. Hence, this blog post will let you know all about Ireland visa requirements for minors and adults, including photo specifications, and more.

Let’s get started.

About Ireland visas

Ireland visas are documents that give authorization to foreign nationals to travel to Ireland for several purposes. They are usually valid for a specific period of time.

To get any type of Ireland visa, you need to complete and submit an application form, as well as send all required supporting documents to an Irish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Without doubt, the process of getting an Ireland visa can take a long time and cost a lot of money. There are different categories of Irish visas based on purpose of travel.

These include:-

• Transit visas
• Short stay visas (C Visas)
• Long stay visas (D Visas)
• Re-entry visas

Exemptions in getting an Ireland Visa

The following are list of persons who have exemptions in obtaining an Ireland visa.

• nationals of countries that are part of the EU or EEA
• holders of a residence permit of an EEA country because you relate to the country’s citizen
• persons who hold a valid travel document of a country that among EEA members. The document should be of the New York Convention of 1951 (stateless persons), or of Article 28 of the Geneva Convention 1951.
• citizens of certain countries. Among which is Monaco, Andorra, Bolivia, New Zealand, USA, UAE, Ukraine, British nationals (overseas), British overseas citizen, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Canada, among others.

Required documents for Ireland visa applications

Before you can get an Irish visa, you’ll definitely have to satisfy a number of document requirements, as follows.

• obtain and fill out Ireland visa application form
• must possess a valid Irish passport
• should provide recent two (2) passport-sized photographs
• must show proof of Irish visa fee payment
• proof of accommodation in Ireland
• evidence of employment (for workers) or enrollment in a school (for students)
• evidence of legal residence in your home country
• tender a letter that focus on your purpose of travel to Ireland
• avail information on your family members or friends in Ireland
• provide details on your previous visas
• proof of funds, such as a bank statement
• round-trip tickets to demonstrate that you’ll return to your country of residence on or before your visa expiration date
• provide a self-addressed envelope, which must have been paid for in advance. The Irish embassy or consulate will use this envelope to return the original copies of documents you submitted to facilitate your visa application.

Take note that Irish embassies and consulates do not process visa applications without any of these documents, as they are all necessary. Therefore, you must consider all of them in your Ireland visa requirements for documents checklist.

Ireland visa requirements for children

If you are a child below 18 years old and want to travel to Ireland, you have to meet the country’s visa requirements for minors. Moreover, parents who are traveling to Ireland with a minor should take responsibility of providing each of the documents required for their child’s visa application.

These include:-

• photocopy and original copy of the child’s birth certificate, which should have names of both parents
• proof of child’s enrollment in school. The school must address the letter to an Irish embassy or consulate in your country of residence,
• original copy and photocopy of both parents or legal guardians’ means of identification. The document must feature their pictures and signatures.
• original copy and photocopy of consent from both parents or from legal guardians, which should give permission for the child to travel. You surely need the consent if you’re divorced and you have sole custody of the child.

Depending on your purpose of travel with a minor to Ireland, you may have to meet more documentation requirements.

Specifications for passport-sized photos required for Ireland visa

Among Ireland visa requirements is to provide two (2) passport-sized photographs that conforms to certain specifications. If you submit photos that are not in accordance with the specifications, the embassy or consulate will most likely deny or delay your visa application.

Below are the specifications:-

• Its dimension must range from 45 to 50 mm in height and from 35 to 38mm in width. There must also be not less than 3mm from the photo’s top to the top of your head.
• At least 70 percent of each photo must cover your face
• Each photo needs to show your head, your face in full, as well as your shoulder.
• The two photos must also look similar, and be taken not more than the last six months.

Things to consider before submitting documents for Irish visa applications

While gathering documents to send to an Irish embassy or consulate, you’ll need to take note of certain factors, as stated below.

• Ireland embassies and consulates often require submission of original copy documents in order to process visa applications. Thus, you must provide all original copies of documents that are being required for your visa application.

Furthermore, you must ensure that the return address on your self-addressed envelope is correct, as you’ll only receive the original via the address.

• Every required document for Ireland visa application processing must be in English language. If any of them is in a different language, an official translator must express its contents in English. You must also notarize such documents.

Be sure that you submit translated documents to the embassy or consulate of Ireland in your country, along with its original copy.

• All letters included in your visa application must be dated at least four (4) weeks to its submission date.
• Depending on the type of Ireland visa you’re applying for, the official handling your application processing may ask you to provide some other documents.
• Finally, you’ll need to submit all required documentation in a strong envelope that perfectly fits all of the documents.

READ ALSO: 10 Epic Reasons to Visit Ireland This Year..

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who needs to get an Ireland visa?

You need to meet Ireland visa requirements for authorization to travel to the country if you’re a citizen of Nigeria, Congo, Iran, Albania, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Ghana, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Georgia, Moldova, Sri Lanka, Cuba, or Somalia.

What is the validity period of an Ireland visa?

The validity of an Ireland visa depends on the type of visa it is. Undoubtedly, Ireland short stay visas are valid for up to 90 days, i.e., 3 months. Long stay visas to Ireland are usable for a maximum of five (5) years.

Does Ireland require visa interview?

No, Ireland embassies and consulates often do not require visa applicants to attend an interview. In some cases, the official in charge of your visa application may call you for an interview, which you must attend for a successful application.

How long does it take to get an Ireland visa?

The amount of time it takes to get an Ireland visa depends on a number of factors. However, it typically takes up to two months to get the visa.

What do I need to apply for an Ireland visa?

To apply for an Ireland visa, you’re required to possess several documents, which includes a valid passport, a filled out visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, round-trip tickets, among others.

Is Ireland visa easy to get?

Yes, Ireland visa is not hard to get. There are varieties of Ireland visas available to foreigners who want to travel to any part of the country.

Is UK and Ireland visa same?

No, UK and Ireland visas are not the same, but are usable for each other. With a valid UK visa, you can gain entry to Ireland, and vice versa. This is possible due to British-Irish Visa Scheme.

Conclusion

Above all, Ireland visa requirements are quite easy to meet, and most applicants will get their visa without any issues. While the requirements are not as strict as some other countries, it is necessary to know what it takes in order to avoid delays or issues when entering Ireland.

However, adequate preparation can go a long way in guaranteeing a trouble-free and smooth travel experience to Ireland.

Thanks for reading!