irish tourist visa requirements

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Visa requirements for entering Ireland

Introduction, do i need a visa, types of visa, visa waivers for uk visa holders, school student visa waiver, do i need preclearance, how to apply for a visa orpreclearance, further information and contacts.

If you are travelling to Ireland and you are not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country in the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein), you may need to apply for a 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 to apply for a visa for your children too.

You may also have to register with immigration authorities .

Ukrainian citizens

From 25 February 2022, citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to travel to Ireland . Read information for people who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine .

You do not need a visa to land in Ireland if you:

• Are a citizen of the EU or the EEA (the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland
• Have a residence card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen living in a country outside of the EEA/Swiss family member’s home country (for example, you live in Germany with your French spouse)
• Have a UK short-stay visa and qualify for the short-stay visa waiver or the British-Irish Visa Scheme (see ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below)
• Are a school student who lives in an EU/EEA country and you are travelling as part of a school trip (see ‘School Student Visa Waiver’ below)
• Are a citizen of a country listed in the table below.

Note Visa free travel also applies to the following types of British nationality:

• British national (overseas)
• British overseas territories citizen (previously called ‘British dependent territories citizenship)
• British overseas citizen

Visa free travel does not apply to people who have a British passport as a ‘British protected person'.

If you are moving to Ireland to live with your Irish de facto partner, a spouse or partner who holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit, or your UK spouse or partner, you have to apply for preclearance even if you are from one of the countries listed above (this does not apply to citizens of Switzerland or the UK). See ‘Do I need preclearance’ below.

If you have a short stay visa for the UK and are an Indian or Chinese citizen, you can travel to Ireland without a visa. See ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below.

Travelling with a refugee travel document

If you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland. Visa free travel for travel document holders is suspended until further notice.

Family members of EEA/Swiss citizens

If you are coming to Ireland to join or accompany your EEA family member , you must apply for a visa if you are from a country that is not in the list above. If you are already living in another EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen who is exercising their free movement rights, you do not need a visa to travel to Ireland.

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months you must apply for residence after your arrival.

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.

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.

Long stay visas

If you want to come to Ireland for more than 3 months, for example to study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live in Ireland, then you can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa .

If you are granted a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to remain in the State for longer than 3 months you must register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

You can read more information about different types of visa available on the ISD website .

Re-entry multiple entry visas

The first visa issued to you is valid for a single entry to the State. If you leave Ireland, you must apply for another visa to travel to Ireland again.

If you have had single entry visas in the past and you have obeyed the conditions of those visas, you can apply for a multiple entry visa. You can also apply if you need to come to Ireland frequently for business. A multiple entry visa allows you to travel to Ireland on more than one occasion during the period that the visa is valid.

Re-entry visas for people who live in Ireland

If you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you no longer need a re-entry visa to re-enter Ireland when traveling abroad. Children under 16 do not get an IRP. They can return to Ireland without a re-entry visa if they are travelling with parents or guardians. The parents or guardians must have an IRP.

Transit visas

If you are travelling through Ireland on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa when arriving in Ireland on their way to another country. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the port or airport. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need a valid Irish transit visa when landing in the State:

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa, to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa. The countries included in the scheme are:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia

Citizens of India and China , who have a short stay UK visa can travel to Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) without a separate Irish visa. You can also use your Irish visa to travel to the UK. Your visa must be endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

School students who are citizens of a country that would normally need a visa to enter Ireland can apply for a waiver if they live in an EU or EEA country and are travelling as part of a school trip.

The principal of the school must complete an application form and present this form to immigration upon arrival.

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:

• To volunteer
• As a minister of religion
• As the de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreement holder
• As the de facto partner of an Irish citizen
• As the family member of a UK citizen

A de facto partnership is when you are in a relationship with someone that is like a marriage.

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.

You must apply for an entry visa or preclearance online .

There is information on how to complete an online application in English (pdf) as well as in Arabic (pdf) , Chinese (pdf) , Russian (pdf) , Hindi (pdf) , French (pdf) , Turkish (pdf) and Urdu (pdf) .

You should apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to come to Ireland. Details of the photographic requirements and current processing times are on the ISD website.

Biometric data : All visa applicants residing in Nigeria must provide biometric data . Applicants residing in Pakistan, India and China must provide fingerprints.

Appeals: If you are refused a visa you can appeal the decision by writing to the Irish Immigration Service Visa office .

The standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are:

Entry and re-entry visas

A single journey visa costs €60 and will be valid for one entry to the State up to a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue.

A multi journey visa costs €100 and will be valid for multiple entries to the State up to a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.

A transit visa costs €25.

There may also be communications charges in some cases. Information about these charges, and on the fee in your local currency, is available from your local Irish embassy or consulate.

Who does not pay the fee?

Some applicants are not required to pay a fee . This includes visa-required spouses and certain family members of EEA citizens (including Irish nationals) provided that proof of the relationship is provided with the application. In addition, applicants from some countries are not required to pay a fee. As this can change from time to time, you should check with your local Irish embassy or consulate, or with the Visa Office.  

Information about visas is available from your nearest Irish embassy or consulate .

Visa Office

Immigration Service Delivery Department of Justice 13-14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 D02 XK70 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

• Visas for tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days). 2029.0166
• Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more. 1893.375
• Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more. 1829.7308

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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• What are the Requirements for Ireland Tourist visa?
• Europe Visas
• Ireland Visa
• Ireland visitor visa from A to Z

Ireland is one of the European countries known for its tourist attractions. There is a good reason it attracted more than 9 million visitors in 2017. The landscape and nature are unspoiled. You can experience many things firsthand. To visit this small island of wonders, you might need an Ireland tourist visa.

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Ireland tourist visa.

Table of Contents

What is an Ireland Tourist visa?

Ireland tourist visa is permission to enter the country to do sightseeing, have a holiday, or visit friends and family. Although Ireland is in Europe, the visa rules are a bit different from the Schengen Area. When you apply for an Ireland tourist visa, each family has to apply for a separate visa. If children under 18 are traveling, parents should apply for them.

Video description You can see the pdf file related to the youtube video here:

https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/irelan-tourist-visa.pdf

Who Needs and Does not Need an Ireland Tourist visa?

Whether you need an Ireland tourist visa depends on your nationality. First, you should know that an Ireland tourist visa is a short-stay visa. You can only stay in Ireland for a limited time. You only have the authorization to stay in Ireland for 90 days.

A few countries are free of Ireland Tourist visas. If you don’t need an Ireland short-stay visa, then you don’t need an Ireland tourist visa either. But, if you need an Ireland short-stay visa, then you need a tourist visa too.

Who Needs to go through Border Control?

If you need an Ireland short-stay visa (tourist visa), receiving one does not guarantee your entrance. Countries whose citizens need a tourist visa also need to go through Border Control. They have to get authorization to stay in Ireland from Immigration Officers at Border Control.

The non-EU and EEA countries whose citizens don’t need an Ireland tourist visa also have to go through Border control. They must get authorization from the Immigration Officers at Border Control to stay in the country.

The EU and EEA countries don’t need to get a tourist visa or go through Border control.

Ireland Tourist visa Application Process

The application process for an Ireland tourist visa is online. However, you have to visit an Irish embassy or consulate.

1. Figure out whether you need an Ireland tourist visa or not

Before you begin the application process, find out whether you need a tourist visa or not. As we explained in the above section, a few countries are exempt from Ireland tourist visas. You might be one of these countries.

2. Complete the online application form

An application form is a must in the application process. You should complete the online application form in the Ireland Online Application Facility. Please be cautious when you complete the part. You should give true and honest answers. If not, the authorities might deny your application. In the worst scenario, the officials could prohibit you from applying for five years.

When completing the online form, you will see a summary page. You have to print it. Keep it until submitted to the authorities.

3. Gather the requirements

You have to submit a few required documents to the Irish officials. They are to prove you have been honest with your application. Requirements are also to prove you are eligible to enter the country. Please note that when you start the application process, you only have one month (30 days) to gather requirements. You must submit your passport, application, and required documents to the Irish authorities. To see the requirements, see the section below.

4. Find where to submit the requirements

You must submit the application form, passport, and requirements to authorities. Where to submit them depends on the country you live in:

1. Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) international visa offices. INIS has seven international visa offices across the world. You could submit the requirements to one of them:

• Beijing (China)
• New Delhi (India)
• Abuja (Nigeria)
• Moscow (Russia)
• Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
• London (United Kingdom)
• Ankara (Turkey)

2. An international visa Agency authorized by the Irish government

3. Irish embassy or consulate in your home country

6. Pay the fees

applicants for an Ireland tourist visa have to pay the fee for visa processing. The fee is 80 EUR ($93) for a single-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa would cost 100 EUR ($116).

7. Biometric

Whether you have to submit your biometrics depends on Irish officials’ decisions. If they ask, you have to attend in person and submit them.

8. Processing

In the end, you should just wait. Wait until your application gets processed. If Irish authorities accept your application, they will send the visa to you. In case it gets denied, they will inform you of the reason. If the reason is not serious, you could apply again.

 Things to Consider in the Application Process

Please consider the following point when you start the application process. Applicants tend to make mistakes in this part. Avoid delays or visa denial by prior knowledge:

A . The information you put in the application form must be the same as your documents.

B . Keep the original form of documents as the officer asked them.

C . You should submit a copy of all the required documents.

D . If there are some original documents that you need back, mention all of them in a list.

E . Try not to hide anything from the Irish officials.

F . It would be better to buy tickets after you receive a visa. If you wish to arrange everything in advance, buy refundable tickets.

What are the Requirements for an Ireland Tourist visa?

The requirements for an Ireland tourist visa are as follows:

A. Application

Complete the online application form on the AVATS website. You can see the parts above to get complete information about the application form. complete

B. Declaration Letter

You must write a declaration letter to the Irish government. You state why they should issue you a visa. Applicants must declare the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay. Candidates must state the exact dates they will enter and leave Ireland. It must also contain the following commitments to the authorities:

• Complying with all the Irish rules
• Not receiving public funds
• Leave Ireland sold before the visa gets expires

The letter could be typed or hand-written.

C. Proof of accommodation

Applicants must state the place they will stay in Ireland. It could be:

• A rented house or apartment
• Booked hotel receipt
• Stay with a friend or family member. If this case is true, you must state the exact details.

D. Health insurance

You must buy health insurance valid in Ireland. It must cover all your medical expenses in the country. You may not enter Ireland without health insurance.

E. Proof of paid visa fees

The fee for application processing is subject to change. You might need to offer evidence that you have paid the fees.

F. Passport

One of the essential parts of the requirements is a passport. The passport you provide must:

• Got issued in the past ten years, not older.
• Be valid for at least six months over the date you will leave Ireland.
• Have at least two blank pages.

Applicants have to provide two photos of themselves. It must have been taken in the past three months, not older. Nothing must cover your face and head. The background must also be white clear.

H. Financial independence proof

You should provide evidence that you can cover the expenses of your visit. You could do it through bank statements. Please note that there is nothing called the minimum required amount. The Irish immigration authorities will decide whether you are financially able or not.

Providing that your family member or friend will cover your expenses, they must prove that they can support you.

I. Proof you will leave Ireland on time

You must convince the Irish officials that you will leave Ireland when the visa expires. You must have strong bonds with your home country. It could be family, property, employment contract, tenancy proof, etc.

Providing you are a student, you could provide a letter from a college or university. It proves you have to return to finish your studies.

J. Proof to have a clean record

Applicants must provide proof of clean records from the police. It will state that they have not done criminal activity.

K. Invitation letter

In case you have a family member or friend living in Ireland, they could send you an invitation letter. It will improve your chance of receiving a visa.

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L. Previous rejected visa (if applicable)

In case you have applied for another country’s visa and got rejected, you should mention it. Attach a copy of the denial visa letter to your application form. If you don’t do it, the Irish officials will deny your application.

Requirements based on your job status

• Proof of employment from your employer
• Salary slip
• Permission leave

Self-employed

• Registration documents of your company, issued by the government
• Bank statements for the past six months
• Original and copies of the documents of your company

Requirements for Minors

• Birth certificate and its copy
• Permission leave from both parents if the child is traveling alone or with someone else.
• A letter from the school or educational center the child is studying in.

Please note that the Irish Officials might ask for more documents.

Processing Time for Ireland Tourist visa

The standard processing time for an Ireland tourist visa is about eight weeks. However, it could change depending on:

• The country you apply from.
• Your particular case.
• The time of the year. The processing time is longer during the peak visiting season (June-August).
• The Irish embassy or visa center workload.

How Long Can You Stay Under an Ireland Tourist visa?

When you visit Ireland for tourism, you can only stay for 90 days. You have no authorization to stay longer. Holding a visa or not does not make a difference.

Can I Extend Ireland Tourist Visa?

No. You may not extend an Ireland tourist visa. You have to leave the country before the visa gets expires.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all about Ireland’s tourist visa.

We covered the countries whose citizens have to apply for a tourist visa, excepted countries, requirements, the application process, FAQs, and more.

You can find all the Ireland visa information in the world here.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. You can find all the types of Ireland visas on the left sidebar.

You can check Visa Library to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

• Published by
• August 25, 2020

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Ireland Tourist Visa: All you need to know

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Learn More: Tourist Visa

What you need to know.

The validity of this visa is usually 90 days starting from the date it is issued

To apply for the visa, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages

We recommend starting your Ireland Tourist Visa application at least 2 months before your trip

All you need to know about the Ireland Tourist Visa

Last updated: April 2023

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can find more info on the Irish government website .

Welcome to the Ireland Tourist Visa application guide . Find out more about the visa process, costs, and entry requirements for Ireland.

What is the Ireland Tourist Visa?

The Ireland Visa is an official document allowing eligible travelers to visit Ireland. It’s also called the short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa .

When applying for the Ireland Tourist Visa online, it's important to remember that you must clearly state the purpose of your visit .

What can you do with the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Depending on the chosen travel purpose of your trip to Ireland, you can do the following activities:

• Visit family or friends
• Get married
• Get medical treatment
• Short-term courses

What can’t you do with the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Keep in mind that you can’t work or live in Ireland with this visa.

You also can’t use a publicly funded service while in the country, such as a public hospital. We recommend having travel insurance to cover emergency medical treatment.

For further information about a work visa or residence permit, check the website of the Irish government immigration service here .

Which nationalities must have Tourist Visas for Ireland?

Any traveler who does not qualify for one of the visa exemptions below must apply for an Irish visa in advance at the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.

Who is visa-exempt for Ireland?

Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Ireland without a visa :

• United Kingdom citizens and British (overseas) citizens
• All European Union citizens
• Citizens of EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland)
• Those on the list of visa-free countries
• Certain nationalities holding a short-stay visa for the United Kingdom, under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

Do minors/children have to apply for the Ireland Visa?

Yes , if they are from an eligible country. A parent or legal guardian should make a tourist visa application for any minors or children (younger than 18 years old) .

How long is the Ireland Tourist Visa valid?

The Irish Visa is typically valid for stays up to 3 months .

The Irish government decides the validity during the application process based on your nationality, travel purpose, and individual circumstances.

Can I extend the Ireland Tourist Visa?

To extend your visa in Ireland, it is necessary to demonstrate an unforeseen change in your circumstances since your initial entry.

An extension will not be granted if there’s not been a change in your circumstances since you entered Ireland. It's essential to prove the reasons for extending your visa.

Ireland Visa application: Required documents

To apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa, you must submit the following documents:

Valid passport: It must have at least 6 months of validity from the departure date from Ireland and 2 blank pages for stamps

Two color passport photos: Recently taken

Complete visa application form: Printed and signed

Proof of sufficient funds: Provide bank statements showing your income and savings, including a letter explaining any large amounts moving in and out of your account

Application letter: Giving full details of the reason for your visit to Ireland (holiday, visiting family and/or friends, etc.)

Proof of ties to your home country: Such as payslips from the last three months and a letter from your employer, a letter from your college or university, evidence of owned property or rental agreement in your name, or details of family members living in your country

Proof of accommodation: Such as reservation confirmations for accommodation or proof of address of your host

In some cases, the Irish immigration office may request proof that you have travel/medical insurance to make a decision

Please note that you must have travel health insurance to enter Ireland even after your visa has been approved without providing this.

If you apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa in a different country of your citizenship, you must present proof of legal residency status there

If you have faced a previous refusal for an Ireland Tourist Visa or another visa, or have been deported from any country in the past, you must disclose the details and documentation

Residents living in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, or Pakistan, must provide biometric info each time they apply for the Ireland Visit Visa

Additional documentation based on the purpose of your trip to Ireland

Depending on the purpose of your journey, the government requires additional specific documents, as explained below:

To visit family and/or friends:

• Invitation letter from the host, including the reason they are inviting you to Ireland, the dates they plan to see you in Ireland, and a description of how they know you

For studying purposes:

A study plan, including the dates of your course and a confirmation letter of the placement

Invitation letter from the educational institution

For marriage purposes:

Evidence of your intention to marry, including the Acknowledgement from the Registrar confirming the date of receipt of notification of intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership, and the Marriage Registration Form (MRF)

Evidence of your relationship history

Divorce or dissolution of civil partnership certificate from previous relationships

For medical purposes:

Letter from your referring hospital

Letter from your private hospital in Ireland

A letter stating your travel itinerary from your current location to Ireland

All documents must be in English (or be accompanied by a notarized translation).

Ireland Visa application: Financial requirements

There is no specific amount that you must have to get a visa for Ireland.

However, you must show that you can pay for your flights, daily expenses, and any planned activities, based on the purpose of your trip. Travel/medical insurance is also helpful to have.

Make sure to include an up-to-date bank statement along with your documents. Here's what the bank statement should note:

It should be an original document on official bank paper

Your name and address should be clearly mentioned

The statement should display your bank account number and the type of account, such as checking/current account or savings and deposit account

It should show the incoming and outgoing transactions in the account over the past six months

If you're providing a bank statement from a savings and deposit account, you'll need to include an original letter from your bank on their official letterhead. This letter must confirm your ability to withdraw money from that account

If you have a friend or family member in Ireland contributing to your trip expenses , estimate how much they'll be spending in Euros and what they'll cover (if applicable), like the cost of plane tickets.

Your friend or family member needs to show they can afford these expenses by providing bank statements, payslips, and a letter from their employer. This rule applies to any friends or family members.

Additional documents for minors/children

To travel to Ireland with a minor or child , also provide the following documents:

The child’s birth certificate

A copy of both parents’ passports or IDs

If one of the minor's parents has deceased, you must present the original Death Certificate

If one of the minor's parents has sole custody, you must present the original court order granting custody to the concerned parent

If the minor travels with one of the parents, or legal guardian, a copy of the other parent/legal guardian’s passport or ID and consent letter are required

If the minor is traveling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian, or if the minor is traveling alone, you will need the following documents:

A consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians for each minor

A copy of both parents' passports or IDs

How to apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa online

To apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa, go to the official application website of the Irish authorities and follow the instructions.

Once completed, wait for the embassy's response, receive your visa, and get ready to travel!

Ireland Visa costs and processing time

After you've submitted your application to the foreign affairs department of Ireland, the general processing time is around 8 weeks , but this varies per application.

The government fee for a single-entry visa is US$65 (at the time of writing).

Need more info about the Ireland Visa?

Contact us via online chat or WhatsApp . We're happy to assist!

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Is the Ireland Tourist Visa needed for transit?

Can i travel to the united kingdom (including northern ireland) with my irish visa.

No, you must apply to the UK authorities for a separate visa for the United Kingdom, for which you can apply here on the government website .

If you are traveling to the Republic of Ireland, and you also intend to visit Northern Ireland and return to the Republic, you have to get a multiple-entry Ireland Visa and a UK Visa .

What are the Ireland entry requirements or restrictions?

All COVID-19 travel restrictions to Ireland have been lifted . That means you don't have to fill out the passenger locator form anymore. Plus, you don't need to show any proof of vaccination or recovery or even undergo a COVID-19 test.

You’ll need proof of travel/medical insurance to show upon arrival in Ireland.

Where can I read more?

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Other Available Visas: Ireland?

• Ireland Digital Covid Certificate
• Ireland/Ireland Etias

Traveling Abroad From Ireland: What's Needed?

• Last updated Jun 24, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Travel

As of May 2022, international travel to and from Ireland has resumed, but the experience of leaving the country is different from the pre-COVID era. In addition to the usual requirements of tickets, passports, and money, travellers now need to carry COVID-related documents such as a digital COVID certificate, passenger locator form, and proof of vaccination or negative tests. Masks and hand sanitiser are also essential. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially with the ongoing pandemic, and it should cover COVID-related expenses. Before travelling, it is important to check the latest rules and requirements for the destination country, including any restrictions on restaurants, museums, and public transport.

What You'll Learn

Travel insurance and vaccinations, visa requirements, passport validity, driving licences, country-specific entry requirements.

When travelling abroad from Ireland, it is important to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities. This can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong and ensures that you get the medical attention you need. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euros, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Make sure your travel insurance policy covers:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you are making more than one trip in the year.
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sports activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Insurance Ireland recommends that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million. It is also important to note that most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

If you are an Irish resident travelling within the EU, you can renew or apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to receive healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance as it does not cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment, or treatment of a non-urgent nature. Some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so it is important to check with the hospital administrator beforehand.

In addition to travel insurance, it is important to check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you leave. You can find information about vaccinations on the HSE's website or by consulting your doctor. Certain countries may require you to show an International Certificate of Vaccination (a yellow card that serves as a record of your vaccines) to gain entry. Make sure to also bring enough medication for your entire trip and any unexpected delays, along with copies of your prescription. Remember that not all over-the-counter medications available in Ireland are legal in other countries, so be sure to do your research before travelling.

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Before travelling abroad from Ireland, it is important to check the visa requirements of your destination country. Many countries require you to have an entry visa or travel permit. You can consult your travel agent or contact the country's embassy or consulate to find out this information. It is also recommended to check the validity requirements for your passport and any other entry requirements.

You may be able to obtain your visa upon arrival at your destination country, such as at an airport, land border, or seaport. Alternatively, you may be able to apply for your visa online. However, in most cases, you will need to apply for your visa at the country's embassy or consulate in Ireland. Each country will have its own processing time and fees for visa applications, so be sure to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate.

If you are a citizen of Ireland, as of 2024, you had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 193 countries and territories, ranking the Irish passport 2nd in the world according to the Henley Passport Index. This means that for many countries, you may not need to obtain a visa before travelling. However, it is always best to check the specific requirements for your destination country.

In addition to visa requirements, some countries may have other entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination or specific identification documents. It is important to familiarise yourself with these requirements before travelling.

When travelling, it is always a good idea to make photocopies or electronic copies of your important travel documents, such as your passport and visa, and keep the originals in a safe place. This will help ensure a smooth travel experience and provide backup in case of any issues.

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For travellers to the Republic of Ireland who require a visa, passports must have six months' validity from the planned departure date.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require passports or visas to travel to the Republic of Ireland. However, a valid passport is required for entry to Northern Ireland for tourism.

UK citizens do not require passports or visas to enter or travel in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Regardless of your citizenship, it is important to check the specific requirements for your destination and mode of travel. Airlines and ferry companies frequently require passports as proof of identification.

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If you have a driving licence from a country in the EU or EEA, you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. If you wish to exchange your driving licence for an Irish one, you must do so within 10 years of your driving licence expiring.

If you have a driving licence from a country outside the EU/EEA, you may drive in Ireland for up to 12 months. After this period, you will need to apply for an Irish driving licence.

To exchange your driving licence for an Irish one, you will need to make an appointment at the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), which you can do online. You will need to bring the following to your appointment:

• Your driving licence
• Proof of your residency entitlement
• Evidence of your Personal Public Services Number (PPS)
• Completed Medical Report Form (if applicable)
• Completed Eyesight Report Form D502 (if applicable)
• A completed Driving Licence Application Form D401
• The appropriate fee

During your appointment, you will be asked to provide your documentation. Your photograph and signature will be captured digitally and printed onto your new driving licence. Once you have completed the application process and paid the fee, your application will be sent to the Central Licensing Processing Unit (CLPU) and your new licence should be posted to you within five to eight working days.

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United States

U.S. citizens can enter Ireland without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required, and it is recommended to have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. U.S. citizens must also provide evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay in Ireland and a return airline ticket. It is important to note that there is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland.

United Kingdom

British citizens do not need a passport to enter Ireland, but some airlines may require identification. Irish immigration officers check the ID of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and may ask for proof of British nationality, especially if the passenger was born outside the UK. It is recommended to carry a British passport when travelling to Ireland from the UK. Additionally, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Ireland from the UK.

European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

Citizens of the European Economic Area (EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa. However, if planning to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, individuals must apply for residence after their arrival.

From February 25, 2022, citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to travel to Ireland.

China and India

Citizens of China and India who have a short-stay UK visa can travel to Ireland under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) without needing a separate Irish visa. The visa must be endorsed with 'BIVS'.

Other Countries

For citizens of other countries, visa requirements may vary depending on the purpose and length of the stay in Ireland. It is recommended to check the Irish government's website or contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate for specific entry requirements.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, but there are several rules and requirements you must follow. You will need a valid passport, travel insurance, and you may need a visa depending on your destination. You should also check the latest travel advice and entry requirements for your destination, as well as any restrictions on arrival.

It is recommended that you check if any vaccines or immunizations are required at least 8 weeks in advance. You should also make a note of the 24-hour emergency number of your bank in case your credit or debit card is stolen, and check your mobile data allowance with your service provider for travel outside of the EEA.

Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially if you are only going on a short trip. It is important to check that your policy covers medical expenses, additional travel and accommodation expenses, and cancellations due to COVID-19 or travel restrictions.

As of February 2024, there is a Government Advisory in operation against all non-essential international travel. If your travel is essential, you are advised to monitor the official advice and information provided by the authorities at your destination, especially any restrictions on arrival.

• Annie Rangel Author Editor Reviewer

• Arjun Yadav Author Editor Reviewer

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