Short Stay 'C' Visas for US Citizens & Residents
A Short Stay ‘C’ Visa will allow the visa holder to enter Ireland for a period of up to ninety days. Typically a Non-EEA national will require a short stay visa to come to Ireland for a variety of reasons. US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ireland for up to 90 days as a tourist, for business purposes, or to study.
If you are planning a trip to Ireland and would like further advice on applying for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa or another Irish visa, contact Total Law for assistance. Speak to one of our expert immigration advisers today. Call +1 844 290 6312 or use the online contact form to get in touch.
Page Contents
What Is A Short Stay ‘C’ Visa?
A short Stay ‘C’ Visa is a type of short-stay visa that permits foreign nationals to visit Ireland or another Schengen country for a period of up to three months.
There are different categories of short-stay ‘C’ visas for activities such as tourism, studying at university or taking a course, or visiting Ireland for business purposes. The type of short-stay ‘C’ visa you should apply for will differ depending on your plans in Ireland.
US citizens are not visa-required, meaning they do not need a visa in order to enter Ireland for up to three months. US citizens can enter Ireland with a valid passport for up to 90 days, subject to approval by the immigration services at border control.
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Do You Need A Visa To Visit Ireland?
EU/EEA or Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland and they also are not required to register. Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area Agreement.
In addition, some other countries like the U.S. also do not require a visa to enter Ireland under certain conditions.
The main condition that must be met is that the total planned time of travel is less than 90 days. This can be convenient for business travelers who are visiting Ireland to attend conferences or U.S. citizens who plan to visit family members.
You will still need to provide your information to border control when you enter the country. Entry is not guaranteed. If border control determines that you do not have a valid reason to visit the country, you can be refused entry.
If you do stay in Ireland longer than 90 days, you may need to obtain a long-stay visa and register your details with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
Eligibility For Irish Short Stay 'C' Visas
There are several requirements visa applicants must meet to be eligible to apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. The exact requirements depend on the visa type you are applying under. Some common visa requirements include:
- Applicant must have a valid passport/ electronic passport
- Applicant must have proof of the fee payment for the travel visa
- Applicant must intend to leave Ireland and return to their home country or another country by the expiration date of their visa and be able to provide proof of significant ties to their home country
- Applicants must have evidence they will be able to financially support themselves during their time in Ireland and will not rely on public funds or services
- Applicant must not intend to enter the UK from Ireland without a valid UK visa
- Applicant must be determined to be of good character
- Applicant does not have a criminal history or violations of prior visas
- Applicant must not intend to take on short-term employment, whether paid or unpaid, while on a short-stay visa without permission from the proper government departments
Categories of Short Stay ‘C’ Visas
When visiting Ireland for 90 days or less, a U.S. citizen may engage in these activities without obtaining a short-stay visa.
- Marriage
- Tourism
- Business
- Conference or Event
- Employment
- Exam
- Internship
- Join Family and Friends
- Training
- Performance or Competition
- Ship
Required Documents For an Irish Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
When you apply for an Irish short stay ‘C’ visa you will be required to provide sufficient evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria as a part of your visa application package. Required supporting documents will vary depending on the category you’re applying under, but generally include the following:
- Visa application form confirmation page
- An explanation of your reason for travel
- An itinerary including the dates you plan to enter Ireland and leave Ireland
- A current and valid passport
- Copies of previous visas and passports if applicable
- Two standard passport-sized photos
- Documents to support your financial stability
- Evidence of your accommodation while in Ireland
- Documents relating to medical treatment if applicable
All the required supporting documents that are not originally in the English or Irish languages must have certified translated copies made by a qualified third party. Letters from universities or companies must be on official-headed paper. Original documents will be returned to the applicant by post. Photocopies of documents will not be returned. There may be a fee for the return of documents at the time of application. If additional documents are requested you will be given a deadline by which to provide them.
How To Apply For A Short Stay ‘C’ Visa
Review the required documents for the category of visa you are applying under. You can apply for a visa online at the Irish government website. The online application will prompt you to provide details on your identity and the nature of your trip.
You must complete the application and pay the visa application fee. You are required to submit your documentation package and passport within 30 days of application. Irish immigration officials will review your documentation and application. If your visa application is approved, your passport will be stamped with an Irish visa.
It is recommended that you complete your visa application process about three months before your planned date of travel to allow for any delays in processing.
U.S. citizens will not need to apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa for a trip to Ireland of less than 90 days. If you plan to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa. In either case, you will need to bring documents pertaining to your visit with you to border control. An immigration officer at border control may review your documents or ask you questions about your trip to Ireland to determine if you are allowed to enter the country. If there is no contraindication your passport will be stamped with a landing stamp that conveys your permissions while in the country.long-stay
Processing Times
There is no guaranteed processing schedule given for the short-stay ‘C’ visa. Visa decisions are generally made within eight weeks of the visa application being received.
Providing adequate documentation and completing your application thoroughly is the best way to ensure that your visa application will be processed in the most efficient time possible. You may choose to work with a legal advisor who can review your application package prior to submission.
Your original documents should be returned to you within two weeks of your visa decision, or you may arrange to pick them up from the Irish embassy.
Costs and Fees
Costs and fees associated with a short stay ‘C’ visa can vary depending on the method in which you are applying and your individual circumstances. Visa application fees must be paid to the Irish embassy or consulate in the amount of:
- €60 for a single entry visa
- €100 for a multiple entry visa
Fees are typically payable by bank draft or money order. You may incur additional costs in the application process for visa services such as obtaining required documentation or certified copies.
U.S. citizens will not be required to make fee payments for a short-stay visa. However, if you stay in Ireland longer than 90 days you will be required to register with a local Garda office and pay a registration fee at that time.
How Can Total Law Help?
With Total Law, visa application packages can be put together by one of our professional immigration lawyers, ensuring you have the best chance of approval.
Your Total Law advisor will provide you with all the necessary advice on which type of visa or immigration permission you need to travel to Ireland.
For further information, contact us today at +1 844 290 6312 or use our online contact form to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration lawyers.
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During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
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With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
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By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a US citizen, you do not need to apply for a visa for a short stay of up to three months in Ireland. When you enter the country, an immigration officer at border control will review your passport and the purpose of your trip. If you will be staying in the country for 90 days or less, you are not required to have a valid visa. Keep in mind that a non-visa-required status does not guarantee entry to Ireland. If you are not determined to have a valid reason for entering the country, you may be denied entry.
Short stay visas can not be extended in Ireland unless the circumstances are considered to be highly unusual. If you will be staying in Ireland for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa or other immigration permission. Because U.S. citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Ireland if you reach the time that is past 90 days, you will need to register your details with immigration.
You can stay in Ireland on a short stay visa for time periods of up to 90 days. U.S. citizens can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without applying for a short stay visa. If you are unsure of whether or not you require a visa for your visit, contact Total Law today. A qualified immigration professional can advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
A visa application may be rejected by immigration services for several reasons. Typically these include inaccurate information, incomplete information, or missing documents. If your visa has been rejected, you may be able to appeal the decision for free. In some cases, it is faster to re-apply for the visa. Contact Total Law for assistance by using the online contact form or call +1 844 290 6312 to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration lawyers.