1. We arrange a meeting with you to discuss your case
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 on Skype.
Ireland Visas FAQs
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 FAQS
Do I need a Visa to Travel to Ireland?
This depends on the country you come from. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration service list the countries that require Visas to enter the country here.
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.
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 FAQS
I am living in Ireland but have not yet been issued with notification of intention to deport. What should I do
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.
I am married to/in a civil partnership with or in a long-term relationship with an Irish national. Do I need to apply for permission to remain?
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…
I received an excellent service from Oliver and his administrative staff, especially Clodagh O’Donnell. It was my pleasure to do business with you all. Many thanks.
Martin Burke, Finglas
Gibson & Associates acted for me in the purchase of my first home. I found the service offered to be first class and would highly recommend this firm to my friends and colleagues.
Tony Gillespie, Strabane
I would have no hesitation in recommending Gibson & Associates Solicitors to any person who needs a good professional team to represent them on any legal matter. The team was courteous at all times.
Leigh Howard, Dublin
I would recommend Gibson & Associates Solicitors to my family and friends. My solicitor kept me updated regularly and was courteous and professional at all times.
Kim Nolan, Dublin
OUR EXPERTISE
Gibson & Associates is one of Ireland’s leading law firms. No matter your situation, our team will use their experience to make sure that you benefit from the best possible outcome.
OUR ETHOS
We put our clients at the heart of everything we do and work tirelessly to get the best results.
We treat clients and each other the way we’d like to be treated and for us “good enough” just isn’t good enough!
WE’RE FAST & RESPONSIVE
When you make contact with our team, you’ll hear back from us within 3 hours or less – that’s our promise.
WE USE CLEAR, SIMPLE LANGUAGE
We don’t try to impress with “legalese” and jargon. We use clear, plain language.
WE GIVE YOU A DEDICATED POINT OF CONTACT
The person responsible for your case will never change. You’ll be assigned a dedicated point of contact who will take charge of your case from start to finish.
OUR TRANSPARENCY
At Gibson & Associates, we’re clear about our processes and transparent when it comes to costs. Before progressing any case, we offer a no-obligation consultation with our client care team and will provide you with practical options. Integrity and transparency are core to how we work with all of our clients and means we’ll always treat your case as if it was our own.
