Ireland Visas FAQ's
Irish Immigration & Visa FAQ’s
Gibson & Associates are experts in immigration law, and we have successfully helped thousands of people through the Irish immigration and visa processes.
We get a lot of general enquiries about Irish visa and immigration rules – many of which are easily answered and don’t require our assistance.
Before you get in touch with us today, please check if your enquiry has already been answered in the FAQs’ below.
If you’re unable to find the answer to your query, and still require help with your application, we can help. Our quality fixed-fee service will ensure that your immigration or visa application process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
General Visa FAQ's
This depends on the country you come from. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration service list the countries that require Visas to enter the countryhere.
Which countries don’t require an Irish Visa?
Listed below are the countries where you do not require a visa to enter Ireland. Be aware that there may be exceptions. For more information, see here.
| Andorra | Guyana | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Honduras | Saint Lucia |
| Argentina | Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Hungary | Samoa |
| Austria | Iceland | San Marino |
| Bahamas | Israel | Seychelles |
| Barbados | Italy | Singapore |
| Belgium | Japan | Slovak Republic |
| Belize | Kiribati | Slovenia |
| Bolivia | Latvia | Solomon Islands |
| Botswana | Lesotho | South Africa |
| Brazil | Liechtenstein | South Korea |
| Brunei | Lithuania | Spain |
| Bulgaria | Luxembourg | Swaziland |
| Canada | Macau (Special Administrative Region) | Sweden |
| Chile | Malaysia | Switzerland |
| Costa Rica | Maldives | Taiwan |
| Croatia | Malta | Tonga |
| Cyprus | Mexico | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Czech Republic | Monaco | Tuvalu |
| Denmark | Narau | United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies |
| Dominica | Netherlands, The | United States of America |
| El Salvador | New Zealand | Uruguay |
| Estonia | Nicaragua | Vanuatu |
| Fiji | Norway | Vatican City |
| Finland | Panama | |
| France | Paraguay | |
| Germany | Poland | |
| Greece | Portugal | |
| Grenada | Romania | |
| Guatemala |
I’m from China. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Chinese nationals require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from China, the Irish embassy in China has all the information you need – you can find this here.
I’m from India. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Indian nationals require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from India, the Irish embassy in India has all the information you need – you can find this here.
I’m from Nigeria. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Nigerian nationals require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from Nigeria, the Irish embassy in Nigeria has all the information you need – you can find this here.
I’m from Russia. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Russian nationals require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from Russia, the Irish embassy in Russia has all the information you need – you can find this here.
I’m from Turkey. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Turkish nationals require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from Turkey, the Irish embassy in Turkey has all the information you need – you can find this here.
I’m from the UAE. Do I need a Visa to enter Ireland? If so, how do I apply for one?
Nationals from the United Arab Emirates may require a visa to enter Ireland.
For more information about applying for Irish Visa from the United Arab Emirates, the Irish embassy in the United Arab Emirates has all the information you need – you can find this here.
Can I travel to the UK & Northern Ireland with an Irish Visa?
No. If you want to travel to Northern Ireland and the UK you will need a UK Visa. If you want to travel to both Ireland and the UK, but will travel to Ireland first, you will need a multiple entry Irish Visa as well as a UK Visa. The process of applying for a UK visa and an Irish Visa are different, and there are different requirements.
You can apply for a UK Visa here.
I live in Northern Ireland and hold a valid UK Visa. Can I enter Ireland?
No. You need to hold a valid Irish visa even if you’re only entering for a short amount of time.
I hold a valid Schengen Visa. Can I use this to travel to Ireland?
No. Ireland is not in the Schengen zone. You will need an Irish visa to gain entry to Ireland.
General Visa FAQ's continued...
Where can I apply for an Irish Visa?
You can apply for an Irish Visa online using the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration service website.
Can I apply for an Irish Visa from another country that is not my country of residence?
Generally, NO. You need to make your application from your country of residence.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply for an Irish visa?
Yes. You need to disclose full details of your criminal record with your application. Be aware that if your criminal record includes repeated serious crime or breaches of immigration law, you may be refused a visa.
Does my child need his/her own visa if they’re travelling with me?
Yes. Each child needs their own visa in their own name. The fee is the same for adults and children.
I already have a Visa and I would like to extend it. How do I do this?
This is a separate issue from visas requires you to contact the immigration service and apply for long or short-term residency. You can find more information about the process here.
How long will it take to process my visa? Can I request that my Visa is processed faster?
All visas are processed in the order they are received. You can view the current processing times page to get an idea of how long the process will take. Only in exceptional cases may applications be processed ahead of schedule.
What type of Visa do I need?
This will depend on the purpose of your visit to Ireland. Our Applying for a visa page details the different visa types and which one you need to apply for depending on your circumstances.
Immigration FAQ's
The time frame for the issuance of the notification of intention to deport can vary from applicant to applicant. Generally, it will be issued in approximately 4-6 weeks but in some cases it can take up to a number of months. If you are living in Ireland and your visa has become invalid or expired, but you have not yet been issued with a notification of intention to deport, you can appeal to the Minister outlining your circumstances for Leave to Remain in the State.
I am the Parent of an Irish Citizen Child – Do I Need to Apply for Residency?
Yes, and you can apply for permanent residency in Ireland. Applications are granted depending on whether applicants have not been involved in any criminal activity during their prior residency.
If you are married to/in a civil partnership with an Irish national, and you are a non-EEA national, you must apply for permission to remain in Ireland.
How do I apply for Irish naturalisation/citizenship?
To apply for naturalisation/citizenship you need to have lived in Ireland for at least five years* out of the last nine. All applications are decided on with the absolute discretion of the Minister for Justice and Equality. There are strict rules about applying for Irish citizenship, as set out below.
Gibson & Associates Visa & Immigration Service
We offer a fixed fee visa and immigration service that offers your advice regarding your position, helping you understand what action to take next.
Once you have obtained this initial advice, an immigration lawyer can take your case forward, working diligently to protect your rights in this country.
Get in touch with our team today for more information on how we can help you.
What our clients say
Successful application for family visa
After two years and eight months, we decided to contact Gibson & Associates LLP and received help from Sharon Shaw. Within a couple of weeks, my wife and daughter received their visa, arriving in Ireland on 7th November – a day before my birthday! My family is here now for six months. Thank you so much for your help. If you have a problem with your visa like me and my family, go to Gibson & Associates LLP!
The Rooney Family
Satisfied client following Brexit-related immigration matter
I needed advice upon a Brexit-related immigration matter and instructed Sharon Shaw of Gibson & Associates having come across them on the internet. I am very pleased that I did. As a lawyer myself I appreciate and recognise technical expertise coupled with exceptional client care. The matter was completed ahead of time and I was kept fully informed at every step of the process with email and telephone calls promptly returned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sharon and Gibson & Associates.
Tim O’Sullivan
Successful handling of long and complex immigration case
I have nothing but the highest praise for Gibson & Associates – they handled a long and difficult immigration case and won. I was kept up to date on proceedings throughout.
The firm has a great team of lawyers who deal with various complex proceedings and I would personally never hesitate to use them again.
Satisfied client returns for visa application help
I knew Sharon Shaw for years from another company. She is customer-focused and service-oriented, so when I needed visa services again, I called the number I used to have but it was forwarded to Gibson & Associates and I insisted on speaking to Sharon.
I was delighted to have Sharon’s very good customer service again – she understands her client’s story. It is worthy to mention Gillian too who is always there to speak to you in Sharon’s absence – thank you, Gillian. Also, the receptionist Karol is always ready to forward your call to your contacts.
Thank you to all. Keep up the good work.
1. We arrange a meeting with you to discuss your application
We arrange an appointment with you to get a better understanding of your specific needs and requirements. We can do this over the phone, at our offices or via video.
2. We advise of all the information you will require to support your application
To get things moving, we will discuss your circumstances and advise on all the information you should provide to support your application.
3. We present your case to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
Using our years of experience and insight, our specialist team will then compile a detailed and strategic application for you before presenting the best case possible to the INIS and any other relevant bodies.
4. The INIS assess your case
Once we have presented your application, the INIS will assess it and issue a determination.
5. We help you decide the next step following the determination
If you receive a negative decision from the INIS, our solicitors will give an honest assessment of whether it is fair. This helps you to make a decision about whether or not to accept the decision or make an appeal.