Ireland Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

A type of the short term ‘C’ category, the tourist permit lets individuals enter the Republic of Ireland and take part in tourism-related activities. Even though the permit is available as the single-entry type and multiple-entry type, the multiple-entry permit is issued in limited cases. However, nationals of the EU and a few other visa-exempt nations do not require the permit to enter. 

The application for the Ireland tourist visa for Indians is done online. The application submission, however, must be done at one of the Irish Visa Application Centres (VAC) across India. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible to apply for the tourist permit. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

• Acquire all the necessary documents you will need for the tourist category.
• Visit the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and enter the online portal and fill in your application form. 
• Proceed to pay the fees online.
• You must then proceed to make an appointment for the application submission at one of the VACs located across India. You must submit the application within 30 days of filling the form. 
• Along with the payment confirmation, appointment confirmation, and the documents, visit the respective VAC for your visa appointment. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

To be able to apply for the Ireland tourist visa from India, you must meet the following set of eligibility criteria - 

• You must be a resident of India if you are applying from India. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it to the concerning authority over there. 
• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, as well as submit any old passports.
• Your only purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You must possess proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ireland.
• You must apply for the permit only if you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland, and not Northern Ireland.

As per the Ireland tourist visa requirements, you must submit the following documents to successfully apply for the permit - 

• A valid Passport- 
  • The passport should consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  • It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
  • Passports issued beyond 10 years are not accepted.
  • Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• Covering letter - 

• • The letter should include the applicant's basic details such as name, designation, address, passport number, etc.
  • It should clearly mention the person providing the funds. 
  • It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Irish embassy.

• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• • A day wise travel itinerary 
  • Confirmed flight tickets
  • Proof of accommodation - hotel/hostel bookings, an invitation letter from a host, etc

• Medical travel insurance (in certain cases, will be required only after visa approval)
• Proof of return to home - one of the following - 

• If employed -

• • Employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy
  • Recent salary payslips
• Family ties -

• • Marriage certificates/Proof of relationship
  • Description of the family
• Property ties - 

• • Rental agreements/Property papers, etc
• If student -

• • A letter stating the duration, and other details of the current course.

• • Financial documents -

• • Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of updated passbook showing sufficient funds
    
    
    

The following are the Ireland tourist visa photo requirements - 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 70-80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Irish tourist permit depends on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as on your previous travel history. It can take up to 8 weeks from the date of document submission to get your tourist visa. As a result, it is advised to apply for it well in advance. 

The fees for the tourist permit depends on the foreign exchange rates as well as the embassy’s decision. The embassy can update the fees without a prior announcement. Apart from the application fee, there will be biometric charges, as well as additional service charges. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Upon successfully submitting the application at a VAC, the application is then transferred to the Ireland Embassy in New Delhi. Note that even though the application has been made at the VAC, the processing is solely in the hands of the embassy. 

After approval, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

You can check the status of your Irish tourist application by clicking here and entering the reference number and your email address. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track it for you. 

When you have this visa

Once you have received your passport with the visa, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a pleasant journey. 

• Before you travel - 

• • Keep in mind the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries on the sticker. You must not stay in Ireland beyond this period.
  • Carry all your travel documents before travelling. 

• At the border

• • The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. This is dependent on the decision of the border control in Ireland.
  • You may have to show a copy of supporting documents you have submitted for your visa application at the border control. 
• In Ireland

• • While on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in paid or unpaid work. 
  • You are not allowed to use public funds.
  • You cannot extend the permit.
  • You are only allowed to travel through the Republic of Ireland. You cannot visit Northern Ireland or other countries without specific entry permits. To visit Northern Ireland, you will require a UK visa.