Planning a trip to Ireland involves knowing the entry permissions, which can affect your travel plans. Ireland provides multiple entry and single entry visas/permits, each suited to different travel needs. This guide will explain the differences, eligibility, application process, and other key details for a smooth journey to Ireland.
Single Entry Visa
This visa allows you to enter Ireland once during its validity period. After leaving Ireland, you’ll need a new visa to return. Choose the visa type that matches your travel plans and visa category for a smooth visit
Multiple Entry Visa
It lets you enter Ireland multiple times within a set period. With this visa, you can travel in and out of Ireland as often as needed during its validity without getting a new visa each time.
Choosing the Right Visa for Your Travel Needs
Single Entry Visa:
- Visiting Ireland: For tourist visits or short stays in Ireland, a single entry visa is usually appropriate.
- First-Time Traveler: If it’s your initial visit to Ireland for any purpose, you typically apply for a single entry visa.
Multiple Entry Visa:
- Frequent Traveler: If you frequently travel to and from Ireland due to work or personal reasons, a multiple-entry visa is more convenient.
- Long Stay D Visa: If you hold a Long Stay D visa (for work, study, or family purposes) and need to leave Ireland temporarily before your visa expires, a multiple entry visa may be suitable.
- Married to an Irish National: Being married to an Irish national often makes obtaining a multiple-entry visa easier, especially if you require frequent travel in and out of Ireland due to family commitments.
Eligibility for Multiple Entry Visa
- Previous Irish Visa Holder: You must have previously held an Irish visa.
- Frequent Entries: Have made at least three trips to Ireland within the last 12 months.
- Short Stays: Engage in short periods of stay during visits to Ireland.
- Itinerary Involving Ireland: Your travel plans might include visiting Ireland, traveling to another country, and then returning to Ireland.
- Transit Requirement: Need to transit through Ireland to reach other destinations.
- Work-Related Visas: If applying for a work-related multiple entry visa, your employer may need to provide substantial evidence supporting your application.
Validity Period
The duration of a multiple-entry visa depends on your situation and visa type. Some long-stay D visas last up to a year, and spouse visas can be valid for three years. Short-stay C visas, often for business, are typically valid for 90 days. Your visa will specify its validity period.
Travel History Requirement
A key requirement for multiple entry visas is a positive travel history. This ensures visa holders don’t misuse multiple entries. You should have entered Ireland at least three times in the past year and followed immigration rules during those trips.
Your travel history can include visits to Ireland and other selected countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the Schengen States.
Applying for a Multiple Entry Visa
- Submit your visa application for Ireland through the official AVATS system portal.
- Gather and submit all required supporting documents for your specific visa type within 30 days of creating your application.
- Your international passport is essential to show your travel history, proving that you’ve entered Ireland at least three times in the past year.
- Depending on your visa category, additional documents such as birth certificates or proof of parentage may be needed.
- Immigration officers will approve your visa and entry permit, which will be stamped in your international passport.
- Ensure you follow the specified entry dates on your visa to successfully enter Ireland.
Single Entry Visa Policy
Eligibility:
Long Stay D visa holders, especially those with work, study, or family long-stay visas, are typically granted single-entry visas. They are not usually required to leave the country until their visa expires.
Irish Residence Permit (IRP):
Long Stay D visa holders can apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), which confirms their lawful residence in Ireland. With an IRP, they can travel to and from Ireland without needing a multiple-entry visa.
Applying for a Single Entry Visa to Ireland
Purpose and Eligibility: If you’re visiting Ireland for the first time or don’t need to leave the country immediately, you’ll typically apply for a single entry visa. This process is simple and suitable for various travel purposes.
Application Costs:
- Single-entry visa application fee: €60
- Multi-entry visa application fee: €100
- Preclearance fees
- Consular fees (if applicable)
Please be aware that these fees are non-refundable, and additional costs might apply depending on your specific visa category.
Understanding the difference between multiple-entry and single-entry visas is vital when planning your trip to Ireland. Your choice should match your travel plans, visa type, and how often you’ll visit. Whether you prefer the flexibility of multiple entries or the simplicity of a single entry, following the application process and eligibility criteria will ensure a smooth journey to Ireland.
Ireland’s visa policies cater to diverse travel needs. Choosing the right option can enhance your visit to this beautiful country. Make sure you have all the required documents and meet the criteria for a fantastic start to your Irish adventure.