Ireland Visa Application Process

Here is a comprehensive document checklist for applying for a visa to visit Ireland
(Holiday, visit friends/family, attend a wedding etc.) visitor visa to Ireland across different categories. Documents to be provided by all visa applicants must be in English and must be Original.

1. Application Form: Online application form
   (https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome2.aspx), signed and dated by the applicant.
2. Passport(s): Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages, valid for at least 6 months after departure from Ireland. Include photocopies of bio-page and all visas/stamps, along with previous passports if applicable.
3. Photo: 2 recent photos (not older than 6 months) that meet the requirements specified at (http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/visa-application-photos).
4. Residence Permission: Photocopy of permission to reside in the country of application (front & back of residency card/stamp/sticker in passport).
5. Processing Fee: Check website for payment requirements. Include proof of payment for postal applications or pay in cash at Embassies/Honorary Consulates (no card payments).(https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/great-britain/our-services/visas/visas-for-ireland/)
6. Purpose of Travel: Signed letter providing details of the reason for the visit to Ireland and any family/friends in Ireland.
7. Previous Visa Refusal Details: Include details of previous Irish visa applications and refusals, as well as any visa refusals for other countries. Include photocopies of relevant documentation.
8. Family/Friends in Ireland: Original, up-to-date, signed letter of invitation from reference in Ireland (including address), copy of reference’s passport bio-page and residence permission. Provide details of relationship to reference and supporting evidence if required.
9. Accommodation: If staying in a hotel, guesthouse, or B&B, include a copy of the reservation confirmation with address and exact dates of stay.
10. Proof of Employment/Study: Original, up-to-date, signed letter from place of employment/study on headed paper with contact details. Confirm intention to return after the visit to Ireland.
11. Self-Employed: Provide documentary evidence of business/company, including a letter from solicitor/accountant/tax consultant, recent correspondence from relevant government authority, original letter of incorporation, and up-to-date bank statements for the past 6 months. Include photocopies of documents needed back.
12. Evidence of Funds: Provide recent payslips, up-to-date bank statements for the 6-month period prior to the application (stamped by bank), showing regular income and availability of sufficient funds. If supported by a spouse/family member/reference in Ireland, include their letter, bank statements, and evidence of relationship. Include photocopies of bank statements if needed back.

13. Obligation(s) to Return: Provide evidence of economic, family, and social reasons to return to the country of residency, such as a letter from place of employment/study and supporting documents like family book, marriage certificate, children’s birth certificate, tenancy contract, or property title deed.
14. Applications for Children under 18: Include child’s original and photocopy of birth certificate, letter from school/nursery confirming attendance, consent of both parents for travel OR legal documentation for sole guardianship with photocopy, and original photo IDs of both parents with photocopies.

Purpose of Visit Documents:

• For Tourist Visa:
  1.Detailed travel itinerary, including places you plan to visit and activities you plan to engage in.
  2.Proof of accommodation bookings or an invitation letter from a friend or family member residing in Ireland.
• For Business Visa:
  1.Letter of invitation from the company or organization you will be visiting.
  2.Details of the business meetings or conferences you will be attending.
• For Family Visit:
  1.Invitation letter from your family member residing in Ireland.
  2.Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or family photographs.
• Transit Visa:
  1.Confirmed flight tickets for your onward travel.
  2.Valid visa for your final destination (if required).

Note: Remember that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the discretion of the embassy or consulate. Always consult Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa application process.

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.

Create your online visa application form on AVATS:

Note: It’s important to note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time. Therefore, we always recommend visiting Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Ireland visitor visa from India.

The process for applying for a Ireland visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:

Identifying the visa type:

• Before applying for a visa to Ireland, it is essential to accurately determine the specific visa type that aligns with your purpose of travel, such as a tourist, student, or work visa.
• Understanding the appropriate visa type is crucial as it dictates the specific requirements, necessary documents, and eligibility criteria for your application.
• Ensuring the correct identification of the visa type will enable you to submit a comprehensive and precise application, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Beginning your application:

• Access the online visa application form on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website.
• Fill in the application form accurately and thoroughly, and print the completed form for submission.
• Consult the Embassy of Ireland’s website for any additional mandatory supplementary forms.

Booking an appointment:

• Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
• Remember that each individual, including family members or group members, must book separate appointments.

Paying your fees:

• Determine the required visa application fee amount and make the payment as per the instructions provided.

Visiting a Visa Application Centre:

• Attend your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
• Ensure you bring all the required documents and the printed application form for submission.
• Familiarize yourself with the procedures that take place at the Visa Application Centre to ensure a smooth experience.

Tracking your application:

• Stay updated on the status of your application, including the final decision, through email notifications.
• Check if SMS updates are available for more detailed tracking information.
• Utilize the reference number and your last name to track your application online.

Courier Return of Passport:

• Opt for the convenience of having your passport and documents returned through a courier service instead of personally visiting the Visa Application Centre.
• Arrange the delivery of your passport and documents at a suitable time and location for you.

Note: It’s important to note that these guidelines provide a general overview of the Irish visitor visa application process. For specific and up-to-date information, refer to the official website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service or consult with the Embassy of Ireland or the Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) in your country.