Multiple Entry and Single Entry Visas to Ireland- Fees & Requirements

If you are planning a trip to Ireland in the coming weeks or months, it is important to check whether you need to apply for an immigration visa to allow you entry at the border. In this article, we will explain who requires an Irish immigration visa, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the fees.

Who Needs To Apply For An Entry Visa For Ireland?

According to the current Irish government guidance, you do not need to apply for an entry visa if you hold a valid Irish residence permit, you have an Irish passport, or if you are a citizen of a country in the EU (i.e. under the free movement directive). British citizens can also travel to Ireland without a visa (for any duration or reason) as Ireland, and the UK is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA). The UK government website confirms this, stating, “UK citizens do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), the UK 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 our guidance on the CTA”.

For all other countries, it is important to check the criteria which apply – as these vary from country to country. The type of visa you will need is based on the country, duration of stay, and the reason for your stay. For example, for US nationals planning to travel to Ireland for a vacation of less than three months, no visa is required (the US is listed as a non-visa country in Ireland). A full list of countries whose nationals require an entry visa for Ireland can be found on the official Immigration website for Ireland.

Even if you are from a country for which Ireland does not require a visa, you may still need to apply for ‘pre-clearance', including if you are:

• Joining your UK national family member in Ireland
• A volunteer in Ireland
• A Minister of Religion
• A de Facto Partner of a CSEP/ HA Holder
• A de Facto Partner of an Irish National

What Are The Requirements For A Visa In Ireland?

Ireland offers a range of ‘C’ visas covering several different purposes for a period of 90 days or less, including the Tourist visa, Business visa, Family or friends visa, Conference or event visa, Employment (Atypical Working Scheme) visa, Exam visa, Internship (paid), Internship (unpaid), Join ship visa, Marriage visa, Medical treatment visa, Performance or tournament visa, and the Training visa.

When assessing your application, the case officer will want to be assured that:

• you will leave Ireland at the end of your visit;
• you, or relatives or friends in Ireland who are sponsoring your visit, have enough money to support and accommodate you, without you working or accessing public funds;
• you have proof of return or onward travel arrangements;
• you will not breach the Common Travel Area by seeking to enter the UK via Ireland without a valid UK visa;

They will also check that you do not have any history of serious criminal behaviour and that the information you have provided to support your application is correct.

For migrants planning to spend more than 90 days in Ireland, there are a number of ‘D’ visas, including the Study visa, Join a family member visa, Joining a UK national family member in Ireland visa, Employment visa, Employment (researcher) visa, Employment (Van der Elst) visa, Minister of religion visa, and the Volunteer visa. The eligibility criteria depend on which visa you are applying for; for example, if you are applying for a work visa, you will need a job offer and permission to work in Ireland first.

In addition to the ‘C’ and ‘D’ visa types, Ireland offers re-entry visas, transit visas, and multiple entry visas.

How to Apply For A Multiple entry or a Single Entry Visa to Ireland?

As outlined above, before making an application for an Irish entry visa, it is important to check whether you need one. Once you have confirmed that you do need a visa, the application process is completed online using the AVATS website. You will be asked to tick whether your need either a ‘C’ or ‘D’ visa, whether it is for a single stay or for multiple trips, the purpose of your trip, and your passport details.

The application fees for an Irish visa are as follows:

• Single entry €60
• Multi entry €100
• Transit €25

There is an exemption on paying the application fee if you are from one of the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan., Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, and Zambia.

Some family members of Irish nationals also do not need to pay a visa application fee, including spouses, widowers, children under 18, and adopted children under 18.

When completing the online AVATS visa application form, you will be advised how and where to make your payment.

Short stay visas typically take two to three weeks to process, hence it is advisable to apply for your visa around eight weeks before your intended travel date. This will allow time to resolve any issues which arise from your application. Work and employment visas may only take a week to process, but other ‘D’ visas can take up to six months.

Final Words

It is essential that you confirm whether you need a visa before travelling to Ireland for any reason. If you intend to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days, perhaps to work or study, it is advisable to verify which visa you need, check your eligibility, and apply early. In addition, by completing your application carefully and thoroughly and providing any additional documentation requested, you can reduce the processing time and increase your chance of receiving a positive decision.