Ireland Visa For Indians For Indian Passport Holders

Yes, Indian citizens do need a visa to visit Ireland. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a visa for Portugal or another Schengen country won't suffice for entering Ireland. The visa application process for Ireland is separate from Schengen visas.

A. Short Stay Visas (Less than 90 days)

• Tourist Visa: Holidays, visiting family/friends, or other short-term stays.
• Business Visa: Attending conferences, meetings, or short-term business activities.
• Transit Visa: Passing through Ireland to another country.
• Short Stay Study Visa: Short-term study or research.
  
  

B. Long Stay Visas (More than 90 days)

• Study Visa: Longer study periods, including degree programs.
• Work Visa: Employment in Ireland (requires a job offer and employment permit).
• Family Reunification Visa: Joining family members living in Ireland.
• Retiree/Passive Income Visa: For individuals with independent means.

Step 1: Determine the Correct Visa Type

Why is this step crucial?

Identifying the correct visa type ensures your application is processed correctly and reduces the risk of rejection due to incorrect application type.

How to Determine the Correct Visa Type:

• Reflect on the Purpose of Your Visit:

• Are you visiting for tourism, business, study, work, or family reunification?

• Do you intend to stay for less than 90 days (Short Stay) or more than 90 days (Long Stay)?
  
  

• Match Your Purpose with the Correct Visa Category:

• Short Stay Visas (Less than 90 days):

• Tourist Visa: Holidays, visiting family/friends.

• Business Visa: Conferences, meetings, short-term business.

• Transit Visa: Passing through Ireland to another country.

• Short Stay Study Visa: Short-term study or research.
  
  

• Long Stay Visas (More than 90 days):

• Study Visa: Degree programs or longer study periods.

• Work Visa: Employment in Ireland (requires a job offer and employment permit).

• Family Reunification Visa: Joining family members living in Ireland.

• Retiree/Passive Income Visa: For individuals with independent means.
  
  

Resources to Help You Choose:

• Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) Website: www.inis.gov.ie - Offers a visa type checker tool.

• VFS Global Ireland Website: www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/India/ - Provides detailed visa categories and requirements.

• Embassy of Ireland in India: www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/india/ - Contact them for personalized advice.
  
  

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

(Detailed in Section 5 of the Original Guide)

Please refer to the original guide's Section 5 for an exhaustive list of required documents, as the specifics can vary significantly based on the visa type and individual circumstances.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

A. Online Application (For Eligible Visa Types)

1. Access the AVATS Online Application System: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineApplication.aspx

2. Create an Account or Log In: If you’ve previously applied, use your existing credentials.

3. Fill Out the Application Form:

• Ensure all information is accurate and matches your documents.

• Upload required documents in the specified format.
  
  

4. Submit Your Application:

• Review your application carefully before submission.

• Note the application reference number for future tracking.
  
  

B. In-Person Submission through VFS Global

• Book an Appointment:

• Visit the VFS Global Ireland Website.

• Select your city and preferred date/time for the appointment.
  

• Visit the VAC with All Required Documents:

• Ensure you have all documents as per the checklist for your visa type.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  
  

• Submit Your Application:

• VFS staff will guide you through the submission process.

• Ensure to collect a receipt acknowledging your application submission.
  
  

Booking an Appointment with VFS Global:

• Online: Through the VFS Global Ireland website.

• Helpline: Contact VFS Global’s customer service for assistance with booking.
  
  

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

(Detailed in Section 6 of the Original Guide)

Please refer to the original guide's Section 6 for information on application fees, payment methods, and additional service fees for VAC services.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

Where and When:

• Location: At the designated VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.

• Time: During your scheduled appointment for in-person submission.
  
  

What to Expect:

1. Fingerprint Scanning: Part of the biometric data collection process.

2. Photograph: A digital photo will be taken.

3. Process Duration: Typically quick, around 10 minutes.
   
   

Tips:

• Ensure Clean and Dry Fingers for clear fingerprint scans.

• Remove Any Henna or Tattoo that might interfere with the fingerprint scan.

• Be Prepared to follow the instructions of the VAC staff.

• Passport: Valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay.
  
  
  
• Completed Application Form:
  
  
• Available on the INIS website or through AVATS for some categories.
  
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos (2-3, depending on the application type).
  
  
  
• Proof of Finances: Showing you can support yourself in Ireland (e.g., bank statements, scholarship award, or sponsor’s letter).
  
  
  
• Proof of Accommodation:
  
  
• Hotel booking,
• Host confirmation, or
• Rental agreement.
  
  
  
• Flight Itinerary (if available at the time of application).
  
  
  
• Health Insurance:
  
  
• Covering you in Ireland for the duration of your stay.
  
  
  
• Police Certificate:
  
  
• Required for long-stay applications or if specifically requested.
  
  
  
• Additional Documents by Visa Type:
  
  
• Study Visas:
  
  
• Admission letter from an Irish university.
• Proof of tuition fees payment.
• English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
  
  
  
• Work Visas:
  
  
• Employment permit.
• Job offer letter detailing terms of employment.
• Qualifications and experience documents.
  
  
  
• Family Reunification:
  
  
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Sponsor’s residence permit.
• Proof of sponsor’s income or financial support.

• Short Stay Visa: €60 (approximately INR 5,000, subject to exchange rates).
  
  
  
• Long Stay Visa: €100 (approximately INR 8,300, subject to exchange rates).
  
  
  
• Additional Service Fees for VAC services (if applicable, e.g., form filling, photocopying).
  
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Online (for online applications),
  
  
• Cash, or
  
  
• Demand Draft (at VACs, as per their guidelines).

• Submission: At the designated VAC after booking an appointment.
  
  
  
• Processing Times:
  
  
• Short Stay Visas: Typically several weeks.
  
  
• Long Stay Visas: Up to 4-6 months or more.
  
  
• Check Current Processing Times: On the INIS website or VFS Global Ireland website.

• Tracking Your Application:
  

• Online through the VFS Global website (with your reference number).
• Through the VAC where you submitted your application.
  
  
  

• Biometric Data Collection:
  

• At the VAC during your scheduled appointment.
  
  
  

• Decision:
  

• Approved: Collect your visa from the VAC.
• Rejected: You may be able to appeal the decision (details will be provided with the rejection notice).

• Apply Early: Given the processing times, apply well in advance of your planned trip.
  
  
• Check for Updates: Visa policies can change; refer to the latest information on official websites.
  
  
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or rejections.
  
  
• Respect Visa Conditions: Comply with the terms of your stay in Ireland if your visa is approved.

Need more clarity on the Ireland visa? Check out helpful resources below

Ireland Visa Requirement

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirement

Ireland Business Visa Requirement

Ireland Work Visa Requirement

Ireland Visit Visa Requirement

Ireland Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection