What are the Embassy Visa Office opening times?
It is no longer possible to submit visa applications in person at the Embassy. Our visa service operates by post only.
Can I track my visa application online?
There is no online tracking facility for visa applications.
You will be informed of the result of your application as soon as a decision is available.
To ensure that resources are used to the best effect, we ask that you do not contact the Embassy to seek updates on your visa application. We will contact you by email if we are seeking clarifications in relation to your application.
I hold a long-stay residence permit for Belgium. Do I still need to apply for an Irish visa?
Yes. You should also note that your residence permit for Belgium must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave Ireland.
My passport expires in less than 6 months. Can I still apply for an Irish visa?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you plan to leave Ireland. You will need to renew your passport. The Embassy cannot issue a visa if your passport expires in less than 6 months.
Does an Irish visa allow me to travel to Northern Ireland?
No. If you wish to travel to Northern Ireland, you will require a UK visa.
Northern Ireland consists of the counties of Antrim [including Belfast], Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone.
There are limited exemptions to this, please consult the Irish Immigration Service website for more information.
My name is not on my rent contract (one of the required supporting documents). Is there an alternative document I can submit?
If you do not have a rent contract in your own name, you will need a ‘certificate of residence’ (or Composition de Menage/Gezinssamenstelling) issued by your local town hall to demonstrate that you are registered at your address.
Schengen Visas & Ireland
I hold a valid Schengen visa. Can I travel to Ireland?
No, Ireland is not part of the Schengen area. A separate visa is needed to travel to Ireland.
Applying for an Irish visa outside of country of residence
I will be travelling to Belgium (or I am already in Belgium) on a short visit before travelling to Ireland. Can I apply for my Irish visa at the Embassy in Brussels?
No. Visa applications should be made in your country of residence.
However, if there are valid reasons or extenuating circumstances which prevented you from applying for a visa prior to your departure, you should email us.
I am visiting Belgium but there is no Irish Embassy in my country of residence. Can I apply for my Irish visa in Brussels?
No. Visa applications should be made in your country of residence.
If there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country, visa services may be provided by an Irish Embassy or Consulate in a neighbouring country or you may need to send your application directly to Immigration Service Delivery in Ireland. The address to submit your application to will appear on the Summary Sheet after completing your online application form.
You will find a list of Irish Embassies and Consulates on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
Accelerated processing / Fast-Track procedure
Can my application be processed more quickly?
No fast-track procedure is available for visa applications.
In order to ensure that all visa applicants receive fair and equal treatment, we process applications in the order that they are received.
Other questions
More frequently asked questions on visas is available on the Irish Immigration Service website.