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France Visa, your new door for a Schengen visa

Visa applicants are as of now invited to proceed via France-visas.gouv.fr to register for their Schengen visa applications and then only use TLScontact’s website to book their appointment.

With the help of «visa wizard», you are able to determine which visa you need, obtain the list of documents required and fill in and print out your filled-in application form, individual checklist and application receipt. Once that is done you will then be redirected to TLScontact website to schedule your appointment .

Last modification: 16/10/2021

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Public Entrance and Mail Reception: French Embassy in Ireland 66 Fitzwilliam Lane Dublin 2 D02 HP38 Ireland

For security reasons, you will be asked to present a photo ID at the entrance of the Embassy and suitcases, backpacks, luggage and large bags are not allowed.

For visa queries, please check the website France Visa (click here) before contacting the Embassy.

Also in this section

• Applying for a French Visa
• Guidance for EU FAMILY MEMBERS (other than France) applying for Schengen Visas
• France Visa
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Entry Requirements for American Travelers to France

Inspiration

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

All U.S. and Canadian citizens, including infants, need a valid passport to enter France. Visas are not required for American and Canadian visitors staying in France for up to 90 days. For more information, contact your nearest French Consulate. See a list of local French consulates in the U.S.

It is mandatory in France to carry some form of identification at all times. If you lose your passport, the nearest U.S. Consulate will issue Americans a limited-validity replacement if travel is imminent, or a full-validity passport if further travel is not within two weeks. When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday). There are other Consular Offices in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Rennes, Strasbourg and Toulouse that provide assistance to American citizens.

Entering France : Travelers from countries outside the European Union (EU) must declare certain articles when entering France. Duty and import taxes are levied on items not for personal use that individually or collectively exceed 175€ in value. Certain categories of items for personal use (tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, coffee and tea, etc.) may be brought in untaxed up to certain authorized amounts. The following are forbidden or subject to strict control: drugs, radioactive materials, firearms, endangered species, plants, ivory and food, meat and dairy products. Carry prescriptions to authenticate any controlled substances. “Monetary instruments” equal to more than 10,000€ (whether brought into or taken out of France) must be declared. When in doubt, consult the French Embassy , a French Consulate or the French Customs and Excise Service's “ Info Douanes Service ” in Paris at tel. 08 20 02 44 44 (8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday)

Re-entering the U.S. : Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You're charged a flat rate of duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases, and any dollar amount beyond that is subject to duty at whatever rates apply. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. Have your receipts or purchases handy to expedite the declaration process. Note: If you owe duty, you are required to pay upon your arrival in the United States, using cash, personal check, government or traveler's check, or money order; some locations also accept Visa or MasterCard.

BRINGING YOUR PETS TO FRANCE

Travelers may bring dogs, cats and ferrets into France. Each family is limited to five animals, which must have valid rabies vaccination certificates and be identifiable by a microchip or tattoo. For more information, including details about travel with pet rodents, reptiles, birds or other species, visit www.ambafrance-us.org or contact the French Embassy.

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Visas for tourists visiting Ireland

Who needs a short-stay visa for ireland, how to apply for a short-stay visa, documents to send for a short-stay visa, decisions and appeals, can i stay longer than 3 months, further information.

If you plan to visit Ireland, you should check if you need a visa .

This page has information on how to apply for a short-stay visa. This is also called a ‘C’ visa and is usually valid for up to 90 days from the issue date of the visa. You apply for a C visa if you plan to come to Ireland:

• For tourism
• To visit family or friends
• To get married
• For medical treatment
• For short-term study

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, Switzerland or UK and you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you still need to have documents with you to show the reason for your visit. You must present yourself at immigration when you enter Ireland.

Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You apply for a visa online. You complete a separate application for each person travelling, including children. After you have submitted the visa form, you have 30 days to send the supporting documents. It’s a good idea to prepare your documents before completing the form.

You pay a fee of €60 for each application. A multiple entry visa costs €100.

When you have submitted the form, you will get a summary of your application. This includes:

• Your visa application transaction number
• Your application summary sheet
• Details of the application office where you should send your documents

You send the signed summary sheet with your documents.

You must send documents in support of your application. This section has information on the main documents you need to send. You can get more information about documentation on the Irish Immigration Delivery website.

You must send original documents (not photocopies). If your documents are not in English, you must send a certified translation and the original document.

Birth, marriage and death certificates will be returned to you. If you want other pages returned to you, you should include a note with your application that says this. Send a photocopy (in addition to the original) of the page you want returned to you.

If your visa is approved, you must get travel insurance before you travel to Ireland.

Letter of application

You must write a letter that explains why you want to come to Ireland. You should give the details of your trip, including the dates you plan to be here, where you will stay and how you will pay for things while you are here.

You must say in your letter that you will:

• Obey the conditions of your visa in full
• Leave Ireland before your visa expires
• Not rely on public services or become a burden on the State

If you are visiting friends or family your letter should also have:

• Their names and addresses
• The names and addresses of any of your family who live in Ireland or another country in the EEA or Switzerland, even if you do not plan to visit them

Letter of invitation

If you are visiting someone in Ireland, you should send a letter of invitation written by them. The letter should have information about how they know you, the dates you are visiting them and why they are inviting you to Ireland.

They should include a colour copy of their passport or national identity card. If they are from outside the EEA, Switzerland and UK, they must include a copy of their Irish Resident Permit and the current immigration stamp in their passport.

The letter must also say that they understand you must:

Information about where you will stay

You must include the details of where you will stay. You should include printouts of your booking confirmations. If you are staying with friends, family or colleagues, see ‘letter of invitation’ above.

You must send your current passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland. You must also send a photocopy of each page of all of your previous passports.

Proof of finances

You must show that you have the money you need for your trip. If someone else is paying for your visit (for example a family member), you should send documents to show that they can afford to pay for you.

You don’t need to have a particular or set amount of money to qualify for a short-stay visa.

Passport photos

Include 2 passport photos. You must sign your name and put your visa application transaction number on the back of each photo.

Show that you must return home

You must show that you have strong ties to your home country and that you must return home. This could be family responsibilities, work, education or something else. You should send proof of these responsibilities. For example, if you are working you should send a letter from your employer and recent payslips.

You can read more details of the documents you need on the Immigration Service Delivery website.

If you sent your application to Dublin, you can check visa decisions and waiting times . If you sent your application somewhere else, you can contact the embassy or consulate you sent your documents to for updates on your application. Applications take around 8 weeks, but may take longer.

If your visa application is successful, the visa office will post your passport back to you with the visa attached. The visa will be valid for a particular period. Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You will get a letter that says why your visa application was refused. You can appeal this decision within 2 months.

You are expected to leave the State on or before the date which has been stamped on your passport by the Immigration Officer when you entered.

You can only extend your visa if there is an unexpected change in your circumstances since you entered Ireland.

You cannot get an extension if:

• There is no change in circumstances from the time you entered Ireland
• There is no change in circumstances from the time you were granted a travel visa
• You are in Ireland to seek medical attention
• You are seeking a permission to marry in Ireland
• You are in Ireland to provide childcare facilities
• You wish to live in Ireland full time

Some people do not have to pay the visa fee .

A visa costs:

Single-journey visa : €60

Multiple-journey visa : €100

If you require a visa in order to visit Ireland, your application must be made online .

Irish embassies and consulates

Visa Office

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

Related documents

• Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more. 1954.4292
• Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more. 1065.616
• Returning to Ireland to care for a family member This page includes information on returning to Ireland to care for a family member. 981.42474

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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A visa is a certificate in your passport or travel document that shows you are authorised to land at an Irish port or airport Ireland. However, there may be a number of other conditions you need to meet before you are permitted to enter Ireland.

On arrival at the airport, make sure that you have copies of the documents submitted with your visa application in case of inspection by immigration officers.

Visas for Ireland

There are different visa requirements depending on your country of citizenship. Find out more about applying for a visa to travel to Ireland.

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DFA provides guidance on determining visa requirements for entering your destination country when travelling abroad.

FAQs about Visas

IrishImmigration.ie provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about applying for a visa to travel to Ireland.

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Ireland considers halting visa-free travel for South Africa

• Ireland is considering revoking its visa-free travel for South African nationals as a measure to reduce the influx of people applying for asylum.

• Warnings have been issued regarding the use of South African passports by nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo to gain entry into the country.
• According to Ireland's Department of Justice, 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland this year using South African passports.

Recommended articles

According to the Irish Times, the decision to revoke visa-free travel for South Africans follows reports of alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland to seek protection.

Warnings have been issued regarding the use of South African passports by nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo to gain entry into the country.

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According to Ireland's Department of Justice, 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland this year using South African passports. This number represents more than three per cent of the total number of applicants so far this year.

South African passport holders currently enjoy facilitated entry to 108 countries , according to Henley and Partners. This could change if Ireland decides to exclude South Africa from its visa abolition agreements.

In 2009, the United Kingdom implemented visa requirements for South African passport holders, citing concerns about safety due to the misuse of South African passports.

However, the Republic of Ireland maintained its visa-free entry scheme for South Africa. This privilege could be in jeopardy if Ireland decides to revoke the visa-free entry arrangement.

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Over 5,000 people have applied for asylum in the Ireland so far this year.

The country expects to see a higher number of arrivals in the coming months, and for this reason, it wants to tighten the existing measures.

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Ireland will consider terminating visa-free entry for South Africans. Image: Unsplash

Ireland considers terminating visa-free entry for SA passports

South Africans could lose visa-free entry to Ireland, the only country in Western Europe that offers eased entry for South African nationals.

Ireland is considering revoking its visa-free travel attangements with South Africa.

South African passport holders have eased entry to over 100 countries. However, this may change if Ireland excludes SA from its visa-abolition agreements.

Ultimately, this is bad news for South African passport holders, who stand to lose a visa-free destination .

IRELAND VISA-FREE TRAVEL

In 2009, the United Kingdom introduced visa-requirements for South African passport holders.

It cited raised safety issues resulting from the misuse of South African passports.

The Republic of Ireland, however, did not end its visa-free entry scheme for South Africa.

Nonetheless, the privilege might end soon if Ireland revokes the visa-free entry arrangement.

VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Schengenvisainfo reports that Ireland will discuss ending its visa-free travel scheme with South Africa.

Ireland’s ministers will discuss axing the arrangement so Ireland can tighten up immigration.

Ireland’s Department of Justice says 198 asylum seekers arrived in Ireland on South African passports this year.

ASYLUM SEEKERS ENTER IRELAND

The scrapping of visa-free travel for South Africans comes after alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland, seeking protection. 

According to the Irish Times nationals of Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are using South African passports to enter the country.

IRELAND TO SCRAP VISA-FREE ENTRY SCHEME

Ireland will consider implementing visa requirements for South African nationals to reduce the number of people applying for protection and asylum.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated that over 80% of international protection applicants entered the country through Northern Ireland.

This number represents over three percent of the country’s total asylum applicants in 2024.

CHOOSING IRELAND OVER UK

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that the increase in asylum seekers heading to Ireland proves that Britain’s Rwanda plan is already working.

Britain’s prime minister says that the new Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act is already deterring migrants.

Irish deputy prime minister, Micheál Martin, said the threat of deportation to Rwanda led to people coming to the Republic of Ireland.

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

Embassy of Ireland, USA

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, United States of America website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/washington .

Update on Visa Services

Update on Visa Services - 30 November 2023

The Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC accepts visa applications from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands - Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands, Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands (US), Virgin Islands (British).

We are accepting short and long stay visa application, and preclearance applications.

Full instructions for applying for a visa are available at Home - Immigration Service Delivery . A list of visa required nationalities is included on this website.

To apply for a visa, you must:

• Apply online through the Department of Justice, which will automatically request you to submit your documentation to the nearest Embassy.
• Compile your application package, which must include:
• The online summary sheet signed by you, with a valid photo
• Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals are unavailable).  We require your original passport to confirm that we have seen the original before submitting the application through a security clearance.
• All required supporting documents that are listed in the online application.

      3. Submit the completed application package and payment to the Embassy: Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, addressed to Visa Officer.

• Please submit the visa fee  and  postage fee  together as a total sum in one form of payment  (see below), payable by money order, cashier's cheque or bank draft, and made out to " Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland ." We are  not  able to accept cash or wire transfers.

Single-entry visa: $81

Multi-entry visa: $136

Transit visa: $36

Shipping (FedEx Overnight)

Domestic: $10

International: $20 

Payment is accepted by cashier's check, money order, or bank draft payable to: Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland. Debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, and cash are not accepted.

**Please note that we can only process fully complete applications. The onus is on the applicant to ensure their application is complete with original copies. Any missing documentation may result in longer processing times and potential refusal.**

To ensure that resources can be used to the best effect, we ask applicants to  submit their documentation through registered post so that they can track the delivery themselves . Alternatively, if you live nearby, you can drop off your application package in the secure drop box at the front doors of the Embassy.  We do not confirm receipt to all applicants. We will only contact you if there is missing documentation from your application and/or when the visa is issued or application is declined .

Normal processing time is about  4 - 6 weeks . We  do not  offer an expedited service.

Who needs a Visa

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available here

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the  Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme  or the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Note : A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Types of Visa and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service . 

Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available here .

Information on coming to work in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to study in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to join family in Ireland is available here .

Visa Appeals

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.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service

How to Apply

You need to:

• Complete the  online application form  

This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign and date.

• Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.
• Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living. The summary application form will direct you to the relevant Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

Check the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information on how to submit your application for processing

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision on the visa application has been made.

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.

On Arrival in Ireland

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available here . 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available here .

Information on travelling with children is available here .

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here .

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.

You can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

Ireland might put a stop to visa-free travel for South Africans

T he government of Ireland wants to enhance immigration control amid challenges with accommodating asylum seekers, and is looking at scrapping visa-free travel for South Africans.

Discussions among ministers are underway regarding the potential changes to their visa policies, writes  SchengenVisaInfo .

According to the  Irish Times , concerns have been raised over nationals from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo using South African passports to enter Ireland.

VISA-FREE MOVEMENT ON SA PASSPORTS

Data released by the Irish Department of Justice revealed that 198 people arriving in Ireland on South African passports are currently undergoing processing.

This number constitutes over three percent of the total applicants so far in 2024, it said.

According to Irish politician Simon Harris, the government intends to implement measures that will manage the flow of asylum applicants crossing into Ireland via Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee further noted that over 80% of international protection applicants entered the country through Northern Ireland.

As such, she emphasised the importance of increased cooperation between Ireland’s Garda and Northern Ireland’s Police Service.

Despite existing measures at airports, additional restrictions to effectively address the situation were needed, she added.

HOUSING CHALLENGES

More than 5 000 individuals have already applied for asylum in Ireland this year. The Irish government is anticipating a further surge in arrivals in the coming months.

Irish government is under pressure to accommodate around 1 600 male asylum seekers, and is reaching out to church dioceses for alternate, temporary shelter options.

This mirrors past collaborations with the church, such as providing refuge to individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Authorities are exploring alternative solutions while awaiting an official decision from the government on tightening rules to manage asylum applications.

Currently, an Irish visa is  not required by a citizen of South Africa  to enter into Ireland, but it is needed to work, study and naturalise in the country.

SOUTH AFRICANS REPATRIATING

Meanwhile, many South African expats are returning home to snap up properties due to the favourable exchange rate.

Now equipped with better buying power to invest in property, these South Africans perceive their home country as offering better value for long-term financial stability.

A portion of these buyers are still employed by international companies. The flexibility of remote work has enabled them to settle back in South Africa, or become ‘swallows.’

The post Ireland might put a stop to visa-free travel for South Africans appeared first on SAPeople - Worldwide South African News .