Visa Services
Important Information on Ireland's New Visa System
We are currently implementing a new computerised visa system, AVATS, which includes an online facility. This system will be introduced to all Irish Embassies/Consulates/Visa Offices on a phased basis during 2008/09.
For a list of the countries whose residents can currently apply using the AVATS online facility please click here. If you are resident in one of the listed countries and wish to launch an on-line application please click here . Applicants are reminded that completing the on-line application form is only the first step in the visa application process. An application can only be processed when the on-line form is completed AND the required backing documentation, passport photograph and appropriate fee are received by the relevant office as indicated by the on-line system.
Introduction to Visa Services
Citizens of certain countries require a visa to travel to Ireland. For more information on Visa-required countries, please click here.
Applicants should note that all non-EU citizens, whether visa-required or not, will be subject to ordinary immigration controls at the port of entry. An Irish visa is not an entry permission in itself but is rather a document giving permission to present at a port of entry to seek admission to the State. Bearing a visa may not be sufficient to gain entry to the State if the Immigration Officer at the port of entry, who takes the actual decision as to whether to permit entry, reasonably forms the view that entry should be refused. Visitors are therefore advised to have in their possession information as to accommodation bookings, return flights, contact persons in Ireland etc in case this information is requested by an Immigration Officer.
The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for Ireland's immigration and visa policy. In January 2006 the Government established the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) within that Department and this agency has overall responsibility for visa and immigration matters. To contact INIS directly, please click here.
The Department of Foreign Affairs plays an important role in Ireland's visa system, as visa applications from those resident outside Ireland are lodged at our Embassies and Consulates. In some cases, usually for straightforward short stay visas such as business or conference applications, the principle of delegated sanction may apply, and the decision will be made by the Visa Officer at the local Embassy or Consulate. In other cases, our Missions overseas will refer your application to INIS officers in Dublin, or the decision will be made at one of the dedicated Visa Offices abroad (located in Abuja, Beijing, Cairo, London, Moscow and New Delhi).
Applicants who are in Ireland and wish to apply for a re-entry visa or have other queries should contact the Visa Section in INIS directly.
In the case of applicants who are resident in Great Britain, information on Irish visa requirements can be obtained by calling a premium rate number, 0906 6610197. Calls cost £1.50 per minute at all times. Opening hours for this line are 9.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday except for Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. All visa enquiries to this number are handled by ABTRAN. This enables the visa section staff to concentrate fully on processing visa applications as quickly as possible. If you have a complaint regarding this service, please email here.
In the case of applicants who are resident in the United States, information on Irish visa requirements can be obtained by calling a premium rate number 1900-776-5000 or by calling 1800-735-5888 and paying for your call via credit card. Calls cost $2.90 per minute at all times. Opening hours for this line are 8.30 am EST to 8.30 pm EST Monday to Friday except for Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, New Years Day, and Good Friday. All visa enquiries to this number are handled by Abtran. This enables visa section staff to concentrate fully on processing visa applications as quickly as possible. If you have a complaint regarding this service, please email here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need a visa to come to Ireland?
- What sort of visa do I need?
- How do I apply?
- Visa Fees
- Useful links for travellers to Ireland
Information on Service Standards
The Department of Foreign Affairs and its Offices, including Embassies and Consulates Abroad, is committed to providing a quality service to all members of the public. For further information please click here.
Complaints and Redress
Complaints about the quality of services or the manner in which they are delivered by the Consular Section or by an Embassy or Consulate abroad are normally considered in the first instance by a local supervisor. Persons who are not satisfied and who wish to make written complaints may do so by contacting the Customer Service Officer, who will promptly investigate the matter and reply to the person concerned.
Customer Service Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs
80 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2
Tel: 353 1 478 0822
Fax: 353 1 4785924
