Entry Requirements
Ireland is part of European Union and Schengen Visa is accepted in Republic of Ireland.Visitors from most countries including the USA, Canada, and those from the Schengen area, do not require visa when visiting Ireland for holidays and tourism. There is no requirement to apply for a visa when travelling to Ireland for the purpose of tourism or short-term business or educational activities. However, travelers must meet certain conditions in order to be allowed entry and stay in the country.
The basic requirement for an entry into the Republic of Ireland is the possession of a valid passport or travel document issued by an eligible country. Citizens of certain countries must also possess a valid visa before traveling to Ireland, either for tourism, business or other purposes. Citizens of the United States of America do not need a visa to visit Ireland and can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Furthermore, citizens of EEA countries like Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein do not need to apply for a visa in order to enter, stay, work or study in Irelands.
Travel Documents Required
Apart from a valid passport, visitors to the Republic of Ireland must carry other documents needed as proof of identification and purpose for the visit. A valid travel document must show the visitor’s photograph and personal details, and should be valid for the entire duration of his planned stay in the country. Although the passport should have at least 6 months validity left, those from certain countries like Thailand and Viatnam must have a passport with at least 18 months validity left. Visitors must also be able to present evidence of accommodation in Ireland and sufficient funds for their entire stay.
When travelling with children, both parents’ passports and the child’s birth certificate must be presented to the immigration officer. The passport of the accompanying adult who is not the child’s parent, such as a guardian, must also have the written consent of both parents. A short-term visitor visa can also be obtained for the duration of the visit, but it should be noted that each application is decided on a case-by-case basis, and a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the country
Short Term Travel Visa
Entry into the Republic of Ireland with a valid Schengen visa is allowed for many international visitors. Travellers who have been issued with a valid short-term Schengen visa by an EU member state can use this visa to also travel to Ireland for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days within a six month period.
However, the validity of the Schengen visa should not exceed 90 days in order to be accepted, and it should be noted that holders of a Schengen visa may not be allowed to work in the country unless a separate work permit has been obtained. Also, if an individual overstays for more than 3 months, the individual will be subject to criminal proceedings and a removal order.
Border Controls
Upon arrival in the Republic of Ireland, visitors should expect stringent border control procedures. Immigration officers have the right to ask visitors to show certain documents, and they are also allowed to search bags and vehicles if necessary.
Furthermore, visitors from certain countries must also go through customs control at ports and airports. Visitors will be asked to produce a valid customs declaration form if they are carrying specific items into the country like goods for commercial gain, or large amounts of money (more than 10,000 Euros), weapons or ammunition.
Extension of Visa Permits
In exceptional cases, the Irish Visa Office may extend visa permits to stay in the Republic of Ireland for up to 6 months in a single entry. This short-term extension can only be applied for if the individual can prove a ‘compelling reason’ for the extension, and the relevant fees will need to be paid before a decision can be made. Applicsnts must apply for the extension at the visa office of the country concerned at least 14 days prior to the expiry date of their current visa.
Health Insurance Requirements
In addition to the entry requirements as detailed above, foreign nationals entering the Republic of Ireland are required to take out Health Insurance before the start of a journey. This insurance should cover the duration of the intended stay and should cover the cost of medical treatment and repatriation. On arrival, a proof of health insurance coverage must be presented at immigration. Failed to do so can result in being returned from the country at the traveler’s own expense.
Conclusion
Overall, travelling to Republic of Ireland with a Schengen Visa is possible under certain conditions. Visitors should ensure they have a valid travel documents, sufficient funds for their stay and health insurance. Furthermore, all visitors to Ireland should also be aware of the country’s entry requirements and follow the strict border control measures as laid out by immigration and customs.
