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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. 1067.3062
• 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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Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/london .

Visa Information

Update 30/10/2023 - Christmas & New Year Travel

**Christmas & New Year Travel**

Please note that the Visa Office cannot guarantee that any Visit Visa application made at a Visa Application Centre (operated by VFS) later than the 17/11/23 will be processed in time for travel by 22/12/23. Those seeking to travel earlier than 22/12/23 should tailor their submission time accordingly.

Similarly, postal applicants from Northern Ireland, IoM and the Channel Islands should send their applications by tracked post on or before 17/11/23 to meet a travel date of 22/12/23.

Update 2nd March 2023 .

Please note that, on a temporary basis, VFS can only facilitate ‘walk-in’ customers at their Visa Application Centres (VACs) in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff & Edinburgh, between 08.30 am to 11.00am. It is not possible to make reserved appointment on-line.

Update 30th November 2022.

We are pleased to advise that the Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland, London, can now facilitate Irish Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) applications for New Zealand citizens who are currently in the UK, on the same basis as for Australian citizens.

Further information can be found  here .

Visas for Ireland

Please note that it is only permitted to apply for an Irish visa to the Embassy of Ireland in London if you are legally resident in the UK. Those in the UK on temporary visas (e.g. tourism) cannot apply for an Irish visa through this Embassy. Applicants for Irish visas worldwide must do so from their country of ordinary residence, in advance of travel, and in accordance with the arrangements in place for visa applications for that country.

As such, this page contains information for permanent residents of the UK who may require a visa to travel to Ireland. Please be aware that possession of a residence permission in the UK has no bearing on the requirement for a visa to travel to Ireland.

Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area. An Irish visa does not permit travel to the Schengen Area, nor does a visa issued by a country in the Schengen Area allow for travel to Ireland.

The Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland caters for visa required non-EEA citizens who wish to visit Ireland, not for Irish citizens who may require visas to travel internationally. Irish citizens who wish to ascertain if they need a visa for a third country can find information  here .

Australian & New Zealand Citizens who wish to avail of a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) in Ireland can find information  here .

Who needs a visa

You need to check if you need an Irish visa on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

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 have a visa issued as part of the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) , a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

How To Apply

You should apply for a visa in good time before you travel. You are advised  not  to pay for a travel ticket before you receive a decision on your visa.

Submitting your application

1. Complete the  online application form . 2. Refer to the checklists available in the 'Types of Visa and Documentation' section of this website and gather your supporting documentation 3. Submit your signed application form and supporting documents to the appropriate office

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you need to submit your application by attending VFS Global in person at one of the following Irish Visa Application Centres. It is not possible to make an appointment on-line at present. Please attend in person, without an appointment, from 08.30 to 11.00am, at the Irish Visa Application Centre of your choice.   

If you live in  Northern Ireland , the  Channel Islands  or the  Isle of Man,  you should submit your application by sending a tracked post envelope to the following address:

Visa Office,

Ground Floor,

114A Cromwell Road,

You should ensure that you note the tracking number of the envelope used to send your documents to this office.

4. Decisions will be made on applications in date order from the date received in the Embassy of Ireland Visa Office. Due to the volume of applications received it is not possible to provide an update on individual applications. However, we do publish target processing time information under the visa processing times category. We also publish a  Weekly Decision Report  so you can check if a decision has been made on your application.

Please Note

All supporting documentation should be in English or accompanied by a notarised translation . Failure to translate your documents into English may result in your visa application being refused. It is not sufficient to send in copies of your documents. All documentation submitted must be original and verifiable (e.g.) employment/study details, accommodation bookings must have correct contact details on each document. If this Office is unable to verify the information supplied this may result in your visa being refused.

Remember…

The onus is on you, the applicant, to ensure that your application is fully complete before submitting it for consideration.  You should note that if you submit an incomplete application, it may result in your application being refused.

 If you have been refused a visa for any country, details of this must be given in your application. Submit a copy of the visa decision letter issued to you by the authorities of that country, including a notarised translation if not in English.  Concealment or non-submission of previous visa refusals will result in your Irish visa application being refused.

Please note that if you provide false, fraudulent or misleading information or documentation, your application will be refused. You may also lose the right to appeal the decision. Any future applications made by you may also be refused, or you may be prevented from making further Irish Visa applications for up to 5 years.

If deemed necessary, additional documentation / information may be requested by the Deciding Officer upon detailed examination of the application.

If you submit false or misleading information in support of your application, you may become liable for prosecution and/or deportation.

Types of Visa and Documentation

The following  checklists  outline the requirements of the most common types of visa applications

• Visit Visa  
• ‌ Business Visa ‌
• Conference Visa
• Exam or Interview Visa
• Performance Visa
• Employment Visa  
• Join Spouse (Employment Permit)
• Student Information
• Join Family Information

Further information on travelling to Ireland on a short or long term basis, and the documentation involved, can be found on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Payment Details and Fees

Visa Application Fees

Some applicants are required to pay a visa application fee, while others are exempt. Please refer  here  for information.

If you are resident in the UK and you are a national of a country included in the Irish Visa Waiver Programme you require a separate Irish visa but you are not required to pay an application fee. Details of the countries included in the programme can be found  here .

For those applicants required to pay a fee, the following amounts are currently applied by the Visa Office in London:.

Visa fees are paid in local currency – i.e. pounds sterling. Fees may vary from time to time to take account of currency changes

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales payment for your application will be taken by VFS Global at the Irish Visa Application Centre when you submit your application.

If you live in Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man payment for your application submitted by post should be made by including a postal order or bank draft with your application. Personal cheques are not accepted. Postal orders and bank drafts should be made payable to 'the Embassy of Ireland' for the appropriate amount.

The visa fee is an administration fee which covers the cost of processing your application.  This fee cannot be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.

VFS Global Fees

VFS Global is a commercial company who facilitate visa applicants in making their visa applications to the Irish Visa Office. VFS Global manages the Visa Application Centres (VACs) on behalf of the Embassy of Ireland, where applicants in England, Scotland & Wales should submit their completed visa application form, supporting documents and biometric data. 

Whether or not an applicant is exempt from paying a visa application fee, VFS Global will levy a service fee for the submission of an application at a VAC. VFS also provide a range of additional services which an applicant may choose to avail of in making their application.

Your visa application will be processed and decided by Embassy of Ireland staff. VFS Global and its staff do not play any part in, or influence, the outcome of your visa application. VFS Global can only provide services to ensure that your visa application is correctly submitted.

Processing Times

Check our visa processing times.

Visa Appeals

If your application has been refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons for refusal.

If you still wish to travel to Ireland, you can appeal this decision within two months of receiving the refusal notice.

Further information on appealing visa decisions can be found on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

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.

Prior Visa Refusals

I understand that any false or misleading information , or false supporting documentation may result in the refusal of my application may be refused and I may be prevented from making further visa applications for a period of up to 5 years. An appeal, against the decision to refuse to grant the visa sought, may not be permitted.

The Embassy applies a zero tolerance policy with respect to fraudulent applications. An application containing a deception such as a forged document, a document containing false information or information withheld from an application (such as a previous visa refusal) may result in your application being refused without the prospect of appeal. If the application was submitted as part of a group, all applications in that group maybe refused without appeal. Where applications are rejected on the grounds of a deception, a 5-year ban may also be applied.

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

Mon - Sun, 8.30 am - 6 pm

Find our Ireland Office

British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) permits Chinese and Indian nationals to enter both the UK and Ireland without needing a separate visa per each jurisdiction and visit. To find out more about this visa route and if you are eligible, do not  hesitate to contact our specialist immigration consultants who are well-versed in both UK and Irish immigration law.  

Call us today on   (+353) 061 518 025 to find out how we can help you.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Page contents.

• What does the British-Irish Visa allow?  
• Can children apply?

Who is eligible for British Irish visa scheme?

• The rules and requirements of the British-Irish Visa Scheme
• Which documents are needed?
• Is a Transit Visa necessary?
• How to apply
• How to re-enter the country

BIVS visa processing time

How long is the bivs visa valid for.

• Which Irish Short-Stay Visas are covered by the scheme?
• Which UK Visitor Visas are covered by the scheme?
• Frequently asked questions

What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)?

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) is a “memorandum of understanding” and reciprocal agreement between the UK and Ireland to promote tourism in both countries. The scheme allows applicants of a certain nationality to freely travel through the Common Travel Area (CTA) excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands under one, singular visa.   

The Common Travel Area is the commonly used term that indicates an understanding between the two countries, the UK and Ireland, which grants specific rights for citizens of each jurisdiction. In addition, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom collaborated on the BIVS route for Indian and Chinese nationals in 2014, granting applicants of these nationalities to enjoy certain visa advantages and travel freely though the UK and Ireland without needing separate visas for each. Even after the UK leaves the European Union (Brexit), the CTA and thus British-Irish Visa Scheme remains intact.   

The route builds upon Ireland’s Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme that was implemented in 2011, although while the waiver programme allows applicants to travel in one direction only, the British-Irish route allows travel throughout the UK and Ireland.  

What Does the British-Irish Visa Allow?

Generally speaking, the BIVS allows Chinese and Indian nationals to travel for a short time across the UK and Ireland under a single visa.  

The scheme is mutually recognised by both the UK and Ireland, meaning Ireland will accept a UK Visa and vice versa. For example, an Indian or Chinese national who is visiting Dublin or Cork in the Republic of Ireland for tourism or other short visiting purposes will also be able to make a short trip to London in the UK or Belfast in Northern Ireland without needing to apply for a separate visa.   

However, it is only applicable to those travelling on certain short stay and visitor visas – and applicants must ensure they meet the requirements and eligibility criteria in order to be successful. It is also important to note that there are strict conditions attached to the British-Irish Visa Scheme, for instance applicants must ensure they arrive in the UK first if they have a UK Visit Visa, or Ireland first if they have an Irish Short Stay Visa .  

Can Children Travel Under the British-Irish Visa Scheme?

Minors under the age of 18 travelling alone are not permitted to enter the BIVS scheme.  

However, persons under the age of 18 may use the scheme if they are travelling in the company of an adult specified on the visa.  

Ring IAS today if you are unsure about what the BIVS allows you to do. We can help you with your application, check over your documents or give you general advice on your next steps.

As of 2023, only Chinese and Indian nationals are eligible for the British-Irish visa scheme.

Other countries may join the British-Irish visa scheme at some point in the future. Until then, however, travellers to the UK or Ireland must obtain dedicated visas to be able to visit each country and to travel between them.

The Rules and Requirements

To be accepted under the BIVS route, you must be at least 18 years of age and meet the Visitor Visa requirements.   

In addition, you must first travel to the country that is responsible for your visa. For example, if you have an Irish Short Stay Visa but wish to visit the UK, you must make sure you first land in Ireland before moving on to travel to Northern Ireland and the UK. Fortunately, the BIVS visa means you will not need a Re-Entry Visa if you wish to return back to Ireland or the UK again.  

You must also be wary that there are things you cannot do while under your specified visa. You can only undertake activities that are allowed under the purpose of which the visa was granted. For example, if you enter Ireland or the UK for tourism purposes, you cannot engage in any business or form of employment.   

It is crucial you identify which country you intend on arriving in first as this will decide whether you need a UK Visa or an Irish Visa. However, each visa gives a certain amount of time in which you can exercise  your  travelling rights across the CTA.  

Get in touch with our expert immigration specialists to learn how to apply for the British-Irish Visa Contact us

Which Documents are Needed?

To successfully apply for the BVIS scheme, you must meet the requirements of your stipulated visitor visa which varies depending on which type of visitor you are.  

However, a note to be wary of is that both the UK and Ireland assess all Visit Visa applications with particular scrutiny. The decision-maker wants to ensure that you intend on leaving the country at the end of your trip and that you won’t become an illegal overstayer. Many people are refused a Visit Visa for failing to outline a genuine intention to visit and then return back to their home country.  

For this reason, you must provide a portfolio of evidence and proof which may entail your travel tickets and any compelling reasons you have to return to your country of origin, such as a full-time job, a mortgage or children to look after. It is crucial that your application is prepared with thorough evidence to give your application the best chance of success.  

Our dedicated team of specialist immigration specialists are able to assist you in gathering your supporting evidence. Contact us today on (+353) 061 518 025   to get started on your application.  

Is a Transit Visa Necessary?

If you have an Irish Visa, then you must first land in Ireland before travelling on to the UK. However, you are allowed to travel through the UK providing that your first destination is Ireland. In other words, you will not need a Transit Visa.  

How to Apply for a British-Irish Visa

Once you have identified which country you are seeking to make your application from, you can begin the application process itself.   

Both Ireland and the UK have joint application centres across China and India from which you can submit your application. However, the appropriate authorities in either the UK or Ireland will process your visa application depending on which country you are seeking your initial visa to.  

How to Re-Enter the Country After Visiting

If you enter Ireland, visit the UK and then wish to re-enter into Ireland again, for example, you shouldn’t need a Re-Entry Visa. However, you should be wary of the following conditions:

• If you are travelling on a Single-Entry Irish Visa , once you have left the Common Travel Area, the visa is no longer valid and cannot be used to re-enter Ireland or the UK
•  If you are travelling on a Multi-Entry Irish Visa , re-entry to the Common Travel Area is allowed during the period of validity of the visa but the first country of arrival must be Ireland again
•  If travelling on a UK Visa, re-entry is only permitted during the period of validity on the UK Visa

That said, if you are only travelling across the Common Travel Area (UK and Ireland), you will not need a re-entry visa if you receive a BIVS visa. This means you can enter the UK, Ireland and back to the UK again, or vice versa.  

As the BIVS is not a separate visa or scheme that travellers need to apply for, there is no specific processing time that you need to contend with.

Instead, the processing time will simply be the normal time it takes for you to apply for a standard visitor visa from either the UK or Ireland.

For the UK, the processing time for a standard visitor visa is around 3 weeks.

For Ireland, the processing time for a visit visa is around 25 working days.

Travellers will only be able to take advantage of the BVIS for as long as their UK or Irish visitor visa is valid.

The validity windows of these visas are as follows:

• The maximum stay in the UK allowed to someone with a UK Visa is 180 days
• The maximum stay in Ireland allowed to someone with an Irish Visa is 90 days
• The maximum stay in Ireland allowed to someone with a UK Visa is 90 days or the remaining period of validity on your entry permission
• The maximum stay in the UK allowed to someone with an Irish Visa is the remaining period of validity on the applicant’s permission to remain in Ireland that is granted upon arrival in the State and as evidenced by the stamp in their passport

Which Irish Short Stay Visas are Covered by the Scheme?

Not all Irish Visas are endorsed by the BIVS, but many under the ‘visitor’ category are coded with BIVS advantages.   

The Irish Visas that can be used to travel through the CTA for Indian and Chinese nationals are as followed:  

• The Visit Visa which encompasses short visits for tourism or visiting family and friends  
• The Conference or Event Visa  
• The Short Stay Busines Visa  

All other visa categories such as a Work Visa or Study Visa is not permitted under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

If you are applying for an Irish Visa, you must ensure that you meet the Irish Visitor Visa requirements and send your application to the appropriate immigration authorities in Ireland. At IAS, our Irish immigration consultants can help you with every stage of this application process – and can even liaise with the Irish government over your application for you. Get in touch to hear more about our custom-made and tailored packages by ringing our client care team today on (+353) 061 518 025.

Which UK Visas are Covered by the Scheme?

While Irish Visit Visas are processed by a decision-maker in Ireland in accordance with Irish immigration law, UK visas are processed by the UK Government in accordance with UK immigration law. It is important to make this distinction as the immigration rules and visa requirements in the UK and Ireland differ.  

Generally speaking, all standard visitor categories in the UK where the maximum visit period is six months permits applicants to undertake the British-Irish Visa Scheme.   

This includes:  

• Standard Visitor Visa  
• Business Visitor Visa  
• Child Visitor Visa  
• Prospective Entrepreneur Visitor Visa  
• Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa  
• Student Visitor Visa  
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visa  

However, the BIVS is not covered under a Visitor in Transit or a Visitor seeking to enter for the purpose of marriage/civil partnership.  

It is further important to note that the UK Visitor Visa you apply for cannot be for a period longer than six months.  

If you wish to find out how you can visit Ireland for personal or tourism reasons, our team is happy to assist. Learn more

Last modified on October 6th, 2023 at 2:55 pm

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With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration experts will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.

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With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Department of Justice & Equality on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package

Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our team and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.

The Document Check Package

Our Document Checking Package is a service for those who need to submit their application but choose to do so on their own but want help with ensuring their documents are in line with the requirements for the visa. Our immigration consultants will check your documents in this case.

We offer immigration advice sessions face to face, on the phone and online. Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the bivs visa different from the short stay visa waiver programme.

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

This scheme is separate as the BIVS is applicable to Chinese and Indian applicants.  

Can my BIVS entry permission be refused and how do I appeal?

There are certain circumstances under which your BIVS visa may be refused. Each jurisdiction reserves the right to refuse your visa application at the appropriate bodies’ discretion.  

Generally speaking, there is no appeal mechanism to challenge a refused BIVS visa. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that you fulfil your visa application to the highest standard.  

What if I arrive in the wrong country first?

If, for example, you have an Irish Visa but you arrive in the UK first, you may face complications with your visa permission.  

Whether you arrive in the wrong jurisdiction through no fault of your own, such as an aircraft diversion, or you have made a genuine error, the immigration authorities at the port you arrive in will decide on a case by case basis whether to grant you entry.  

In the event that your entry is not granted, arrangements will be made. If you made a genuine error, arrangements may be made to transport you to the correct  jurisdiction  that your visa permits.  

Which country do I travel home from?

You can travel back home from either the UK or Ireland.  

However, the date of permission to be in Ireland or the UK must still be valid on transit through either jurisdiction and cover the time to get back home again.  

I do not require a visa to enter Ireland, can I still visit the UK?

The British-Irish Visa scheme is only available for Chinese and Indian nationals.  

If you are a national of a country that means you do not need a visa to visit or enter Ireland, you still may need one to enter the UK, even if you are visiting.   

The same rule applies to people who do not need a visa to the UK, but who may need one to enter Ireland.   

How do I know whether I need a UK Visa or an Irish Visa?

Knowing whether you need to apply for a UK visa or an Irish visa depends largely upon which country you intend on arriving in first. Transit through either of the countries does not count as the first point of entry in this case.   

In other words, if you are arriving anywhere in the UK, you should apply for a UK Visa; if your first arrival is in Ireland, then an Irish visa is required.  

What if I just want to go to the UK or just Ireland?

If you don’t wish to travel to both the UK and Ireland, you should just seek the appropriate visa in the normal way. This scheme does not apply to you.  

However, it is important to note that should you secure a UK Visa that is not endorsed by the BIVS scheme then you will not be allowed to travel to the Republic of Ireland. You may even need to return to your country of origin and make a fresh application if you want to enter Ireland – or seek a separate Irish Visitor Visa.  

How can IAS help me?

Our expert immigration specialists are OISC trained and certified, meaning they are well-versed in all areas of domestic UK immigration law, Irish immigration law and even international immigration law such as the US.  

The IAS team can help you from start to finish with your BIVS application; advising you on which documents you made need as proof to support your claim to fulfilling the application for you on your behalf.   

Our expert team is fully qualified to give you the same advice as an immigration lawyer.

By entrusting the Immigration Advice Service with your case, you can rest assured that your application is in the best hands. Contact us today on (+353) 061 518 025.

Immigration Advice Service in Ireland is operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in Ireland.

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UK Tourist Visa from Ireland

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK. However, foreign travellers coming to the UK from Ireland may need to apply for a tourist visa. If you are looking for more information about whether you need a tourist visa to enter the UK from Ireland, what eligibility criteria you must meet, what supporting documents you may require, what activities you are allowed as a tourist in the UK, or to receive bespoke advice from a team of expert immigration advisers, reach out to us today on +353 061 518 025 .

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• Visit the UK as a Tourist From Ireland

The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between the UK and the Republic of Ireland bestows a variety of rights upon each other’s citizens, including the right to travel freely between both countries. Even after Brexit, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU did not affect the rights of Irish and British citizens in each other’s territory protected under the CTA.

Irish citizens will not need to show their passport to the UK immigration officers while travelling from Ireland to the UK. However, they may be asked to confirm their identity and nationality via documents such as a valid passport or passport card, a legible copy of the same, an expired passport or passport card, or any evidence of having obtained Irish citizenship. EEA and Swiss citizens can also travel to the UK for holidays without a visa.

However, if you are a third-country tourist travelling to the UK from Ireland, you may need to obtain a Standard Visitor visa for tourism purposes, commonly called a UK tourist visa. Even if you are from a visa-exempt country for Ireland, you may still require a valid UK visa to enter the country. Moreover, even visa-exempt foreign nationals for the UK may have to produce certain documentary evidence to the UK border control officers at their port of entry.

Page Contents

The british-irish visa scheme, what i can or cannot do as a tourist in the uk, eligibility requirements for a uk tourist visa, how to apply uk tourist visa from ireland, documents required for visiting the uk from ireland, uk tourist visa fees and processing time, how total law can help, frequently asked questions.

The British Irish visa scheme allows Indian and Chinese tourists to visit the UK from Ireland if they are holding certain Irish short stay visas, such as the visit (family/friend), visit (tourist), conference/event, or business visas . However, Indian or Chinese nationals holding any other type of Irish visa, such as a work or a study visa in Ireland, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa to travel to the UK.

Under the British-Irish visa scheme, Indian or Chinese nationals will have to apply at an Irish visa application centre in India or China, respectively, for entering the UK from Ireland. Visa applications made at centres outside either of these two countries will not get the travel advantages under this scheme.

Foreign tourists coming to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa are allowed to engage in certain activities as permitted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Even if you are a visa-exempted foreigner for the UK, if you are entering the UK for tourism purposes you will not be permitted to:

• Do paid or unpaid work for an employer
• Work as a self-employed person
• Access public funds
• Enter matrimony or register a civil partnership, or give notice of the same
• Live in the UK for a considerable length of time through frequent or successive visits

As a tourist, you will be able to stay in the UK for up to six months (or as long as your Standard Visitor visa is valid, whichever is shorter). You will be able to travel through the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey as per your proposed itinerary submitted with your visa application.

You will be eligible to apply for a Standard Visitor visa in the UK for tourism purposes if you can prove that you:

• Are coming to the UK as a tourist
• Will leave the UK at the end of your visit (or when your visa validity ends, whichever is shorter)
• Have sufficient financial means (or a sponsor) to cover for your and your dependants’ (if any) expenses, including accommodation in the UK and return/onwards journey
• Have funds or travel health insurance to pay for any medical treatment, emergencies or repatriation
• Will not stay in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits
• Do not have any intention to make the UK your main home

Moreover, in case you are under 18 years of age and are travelling alone, you must have written consent from your parent(s) or guardian to be eligible for a UK tourist visa.

Similar to other UK visas , a UK Standard Visa application for tourism purposes has to be made online. You may apply for your UK tourist visa three months before your planned travel date at the earliest.

Please start with creating an account on the Home Office website with a valid email ID. It is recommended to have your supporting documents and other necessary information ready with you so as to fill in the online application form correctly and completely.

After completing the form, you will have to submit the same online along with scanned copies of your supporting documents. You will then be redirected to the payments page where you will have to pay your tourist visa processing fees online.

The next step will involve booking a visa appointment at a UK visa application centre (VAC) for submitting your passport and supporting documents as well as providing your biometric information i.e. your facial image and fingerprints. TLScontact is the official partner for UKVI in Ireland and they have a VAC in Dublin.

Speak to our legal team for assistance with your UK tourist visa from Ireland. Contact Us

To apply for a UK tourist visa, you may need to submit the following supporting documents along with your application:

• A valid passport or any other travel document
• A copy of your travel itinerary in the UK
• Proof of accommodation, e.g. a hotel reservation etc.
• Details of your tour operator, if applicable
• Proof of funds (or sponsor details)
• Your current residence address proof (including how long you have been living in that address)
• Your parents’ names and dates of birth
• Proof of income, e.g. salary slips, pension, income from any other sources etc.
• Record(s) of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• Your travel history for the last 10 years
• Your employer’s details (if you are employed in your country of residence)
• Tax returns
• Your spouse/civil partner’s name, date of birth and passport number, where applicable
• Details of your family members (if any) in the UK
• Written consent from your parent(s)/guardian along with their full contact details if you are under 18 and travelling without an adult

If you are under 18 and are travelling with an adult who is neither your parent nor your legal guardian, you must have documentary evidence to show that you have your parent(s)’ or guardian’s consent with regard to your travel and accommodation arrangements in the UK, even if you are visa-exempt.

Even if you are exempt from applying for a UK visit visa (except Irish citizens), please carry the supporting documents mentioned above with you while travelling to the country, since UK immigration authorities may ask for them at your port of entry. You may even be refused entry to the UK if you are unable to show these documents.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, please submit certified translation copies.

A UK Standard Visitor visa for tourism purposes will cost you £115. This is a non-refundable fee, meaning you will not get your money back even if your visa application is not successful.

After submitting your documents and providing your biometric details, it may typically take UKVI up to three weeks for processing your visa application. You may also be eligible to get your visa decision faster by paying an additional fee, i.e. £500 for a ‘priority service’ to get the decision within five working days or £1,000 for a ‘super priority service’ to get your UKVI decision letter by the end of the next working day.

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK, but if you are a visa-required foreign national coming to the UK from Ireland for holiday or vacation purposes, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa UK for tourism purposes. You, however, may travel to the UK on an eligible Irish short stay visa if you are an Indian/Chinese citizen and qualify under the British-Irish visa scheme.

Even visa-exempt country nationals have to meet the applicable eligibility requirements as specified by the Home Office as well as carry required documents with them to be able to enter the UK. You should also be aware of what activities you are allowed to do in the UK while on a tourist visa, so as to avoid a cancellation of your current visa or any future UK visa implications.

Speak to Total Law. Our expert immigration lawyers can assist with your application as well as resolve any query or doubts you may have regarding the UK tourist visa requirements and application process. To know more about the bespoke services we provide and how we can help you, call us today on +353 061 518 025.

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Related pages for your continued reading.

Uk visit visa, business visitor visa uk, british irish visa scheme (bivs), uk visa from ireland, marriage visitor visa uk, immigrating to the uk from ireland, can i extend my tourist visa in the uk.

You may be able to extend your UK tourist visa if your current visa validity is less than six months. You cannot, however, extend your stay in the UK on a tourist visa for more than six months.

For example, if you have been granted permission to stay in the UK as a tourist for two months, you may be able to extend the same for a maximum of an additional four months.

Can I Travel to the UK With My Irish Work Permit?

UKVI does not recognise an Irish work permit as a valid travel document for the UK. However, it may prove to be beneficial in your UK tourist visa application if you have one.

Disclaimer: Total Law operates under different capacities in the various countries we cover, including as immigration consultants or lawyers; We connect clients with our network of immigration lawyers if we are not registered as a law firm in a particular country

UK-Ireland Travel: A Guide for Visa Nationals

In two previous posts, we explained the impact of the Common Travel Area (CTA) on travel between the UK and Ireland. In our first post , we explained how non-visa nationals may automatically benefit from  “deemed leave” when travelling within the CTA – for example, from London to Dublin and back. In our second post , we explained how travel works for British citizens and their family members going to Ireland, and for Irish citizens and their family members coming to the UK.

As explained in our previous post, “visa nationals” – i.e. nationals of countries listed in the visa national list of Appendix Visitor to the Immigration Rules – do not benefit from deemed leave. As such, this post provides an overview of how travel between the UK and Ireland works for visa nationals who are in the UK with some form of permission to be in the UK. It will explain how travel works for those in the UK with a short-term visa, and for those with longer term forms of permission, including indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

As with our previous posts, please note that we are only able to advise on UK immigration law, and we cannot advise on Irish immigration law. Any references to elements of Irish law are only intended as a starting point, and do not constitute advice on Irish immigration law. For further information on Irish immigration law, you may wish to consult the Irish Immigration Service webpage , or a lawyer qualified to advise on Irish immigration law.

I Have a Short-Term UK Visa – How Does Visiting Ireland Work?

If you are a visa national in the UK on a short-term visa (e.g. a six-month UK Visitor visa), the default position is that you still need to apply for an Irish visa to visit Ireland . 

However, there are a number of exceptions to this. You do not need a visa to enter Ireland as a Visitor if:

• You have a valid Irish residence permit, or a travel document issued by Ireland;
• You are a citizen of a country in Ireland’s list of non-visa-required nationalities ;
• You have a residence card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland, as you are a family member of an EEA/Swiss citizen who is living in the EEA/Switzerland but outside of their home country (e.g. you are an Egyptian national with a French residence card, because you normally live in France with your Swedish spouse);
• You are a Ukrainian citizen ; or
• You have a short-term UK visa, and you qualify for either Ireland’s Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British-Irish Visa Scheme (see below).

Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme

If you are a national of an eligible country (in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America), and you entered the UK on an eligible short-stay visa, you may benefit from Ireland’s Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme.

According to the Irish Immigration Service webpage , the UK visas that are eligible for the Programme are “UK short-stay visit visas”, except for those issued to “visitors in transit” or “visitors seeking to marry or to enter a civil partnership”. The webpage also states that “long-term visitors” to the UK – including those on long-term Student visas and persons seeking to join a spouse or for family reunification (though none of these entail true “Visitor” visas in UK immigration law) – are not eligible for the Programme.

While the concept of “UK short-stay visitor visas” is not fully defined on the webpage, there are references to periods of leave to remain in the UK for “up to a maximum of 180 days each time”. As such, it would appear that qualifying UK visas are those granted for up to 180 days.

However, given the webpage’s rather flexible use of the word “visitor”, it is slightly unclear whether the excluded category of “visitors seeking to marry or to enter a civil partnership” includes those in the UK on Fiancé visas , as well as those in the UK on Marriage Visitor visas . Further, unlike other pages on the site, the webpage does not specify whether Permitted Paid Engagement visas are eligible or ineligible. If either of these situations is applicable to you, please consult a lawyer qualified to advise on Irish immigration law for further clarification.

If you are eligible for this Programme, you can travel from the UK into Ireland without applying for an Irish visa. You can then stay in Ireland as a Visitor for the shorter of: (i) the length of permission remaining on your short-stay UK visa, or (ii) 90 days. For example, if you had 20 days remaining on your UK short-stay visa, you would only be able to stay in Ireland under this Programme for 20 days. By way of further example, if you had 100 days remaining on your UK short-stay visa, you would only be able to stay in Ireland for 90 days, in line with the Programme’s overall time limit.

Note that the Programme only applies if you first use your short-stay UK visa to lawfully enter the UK, and then travel on to Ireland. However, this also includes the scenario where you enter the UK using your UK short-stay visa, travel elsewhere, but still have time remaining on your UK permission. In this case, you can travel directly to Ireland from the third country, and stay in Ireland for the length of permission remaining on your UK short-stay visa.

British-Irish Visa Scheme

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) allows eligible Indian and Chinese nationals to visit both the UK and Ireland using a single Irish short-stay visa or a single UK Visitor visa.

You are eligible for BIVS if, at the time of application, you are an Indian national living in India or a Chinese national living in China (including those living in Hong Kong and Macau).

As an eligible person, the Scheme applies to you if:

• You hold an eligible Irish visa (visit (family/friend), visit (tourist), conference/event, business); or
• You hold an eligible UK visa (all standard Visitor visas where the maximum period for a single visit is 6 months, and Permitted Paid Engagement visas – but not visas for “visitor in transit” or “visitor for marriage or civil partnership”).

Please note that, similarly to the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme, the BIVS only operates if you first travel to whichever country issued your short-stay or Visitor visa before travelling on to the other country. For example, if you hold an Irish short-stay visa, you must first travel to Ireland before coming to the UK. Likewise, if you hold a UK Visitor visa, you must first come to the UK before travelling on to Ireland.

In addition, in order to avail of the BIVS, your visa must be endorsed by an immigration officer with the letters “BIVS”. Please note that there is no right of appeal against a decision not to endorse a visa in this way.

As with the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme, the maximum period of time you will be able to remain in Ireland under the BIVS is the shorter of: (i) the length of permission remaining on your UK Visitor visa, or (ii) 90 days.

Given that Irish short-stay visas are only granted for up to 90 days, the maximum period of time you will be able to remain in the UK under the BIVS will be the length of permission remaining on your Irish short-stay visa, which will at most be 90 days.

I Have a Long-Term UK Visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – How Does Visiting Ireland Work?

If you do not have a valid UK short-stay visa (as discussed above), and you do not qualify for any of the other exceptions listed above (e.g. Irish residence permit or travel document, non-visa required national, relevant EEA/Swiss residence card, Ukrainian citizenship), you must apply for an Irish visa to visit Ireland .

Entering Ireland for a Longer Period

If you are a visa national in the UK with permission (whether on a short-term visa or long-term visa), and you want to enter Ireland for longer than 90 days, you must normally apply for the Irish visa or preclearance relevant to your reason for entering Ireland (e.g. work, study, joining family). 

Though having a long-term UK visa or ILR will not exempt you from the requirement to apply for an Irish visa, it may mean that you are exempt from paying the visa fee. 

For more information on applying for Irish visas, please see the Irish government website .

Contact our Immigration Barristers

Please note that the information in this blog post is current at the time of writing, and is subject to change, particularly in relation to the full roll-out of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements.

For expert advice regarding travel and entry to the UK, or regarding your immigration status in the UK, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance

eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

Photo: Getty Images

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025.

From today (17 April 2024), the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status.

Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024.

eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border.

It is free and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:  

We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.  Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.

eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.

An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC , to protect against identity fraud.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks.

eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of customers already using them across routes including the EU Settlement Scheme ( EUSS ). Most physical documents, such as biometric residence permits or cards (BRPs or BRCs), are being gradually phased out, with most BRPs expiring at the end of 2024.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status.

Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to do anything as we make this change, but should continue to update their UKVI account with any changes to personal information, such as a new passport or contact details. Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally, until they expire.

Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as we transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. 

Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on GOV.UK, if this is not already linked to their account, to avoid delays when travelling.

As part of the wider transformation of the UK border and immigration system, the government has already introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme. ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. It gives the government greater ability to screen travellers in advance of travel and prevent those who pose a threat from coming here.

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