Pride of the North Atlantic Ocean with its wealth of historical and natural beauty, Ireland is the world’s most fascinating travel destination and the most vacationed country for American globe-trotters. The awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher in County Clare; Killarney National Park in the Kerry Region; Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest working University; the centuries’ old Monastic City of Glendalough; and the Rock of Cashel, which accommodates buildings from 12th century AD.
Obtaining an Irish Visa from the US
Ireland also boasts trouble-free Visa processing and travel-related regulations compared to other European destinations. This is because, though Ireland is a part of the European Union, it does not fall under the Schengen Area. Therefore, if you hold a valid US passport, you do not even needan entry visa, irrespective of whether you are traveling from New York or any other US State. However, you can still apply for an Irish Visa from NY to avoid uncomfortable situations during entry.
Ongoing Covid-19 Restrictions
Covid-19 travel restrictions are currently in place for both long-stay and short-stay visas. As per the latest October 2020 official update, the Consulate is currently processing only D-Type long-stay Visa applications for graduate/postgraduate academic pursuits, employment, and family reunification. Short-stay visas for less than 3 months are being granted only to healthcare professionals, immediate family members of Irish citizens, agricultural professionals, diplomats, students pursuing long-term academic programs, and highly qualified workers whose job commitment cannot be postponed.
Types of Visas and Related Documentation
Visa Stamping at Irish Port of Entry:
If you fall in a category to which Covid-19 restrictions are not applicable, you need to carry immigration documents based on your purpose of visit. The list of documents is available on the Official Website and typically includes passport, travel itinerary, sponsorship letter, letter of admission to university, program fee receipt (the latter two are applicable to students), etc. Visit the Official Website to understand the various visa types.
Applying for an Irish Visa at NY:
You can also apply for an Irish Visa from NY itself by completing all the necessary paperwork beforehand.
- Visit the online system and Read the Online Visa and Preclearance Application guidelines listed therein. Proceed to the AVATS Online Application Form using the button at the bottom of the page. Fill the form completely and submit.
- Print the Online Summary Sheet generated after completing AVATS. Sign it and affix a valid photograph. Check the address to which the application has to be posted.
- Compile the Visa documentation. This includes the Summary Sheet; current and previous passports; and supporting documents based on purpose of visit.
- Courier the Visa documentation to the address given on the Summary Sheet.
- To obtain the travel documents like the flight itinerary, the hotel reservation and the travel insurance, visit the visa service website.
- Pay the Visa Processing Fees online using the transaction credentials indicated on:
Visa Fees for single entry is €60; for multiple entries is €100; and for airport transit is €25.
You will also have to make arrangements for the passport to be couriered back to you from the Visas Division in Dublin, Ireland.
Ireland Immigration Dos and Don’ts
To avail visa stamping at the airport, you will be assigned an Irish Immigration Officer who will verify your documents and engage you in an in-depth interview to understand your purpose of visit. If the Immigration Officer is not satisfied with your answers or documentation is unsatisfactory, you will be denied entry and asked to board the next flight home. However, if all goes well, you will be issued a Landing Stamp indicating the permissible stay date in Ireland.
So, regardless of which channel you use to process your Irish Visa, it is imperative that you exercise complete caution and care when collating your paperwork. Ireland is a land filled with incomparable wonders and awaiting your turn to create unforgettable memories!
