How To Attend a Conference or Event in Ireland as a Nigerian Citizen

What is a Conference or Event Visa for Ireland?

The Irish Conference or Event visa allows non-EEA citizens to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to participate in a conference, symposium, or other events as a delegate or speaker. It is one of Ireland’s numerous Short-stay ‘C’ visas. Other short-stay visit visas include:

• Tourist visa
• Visit family/friend visa
• Study visa
• Business visa
• Medical treatment visa
• Exam visa
• Internship visa
• Marriage visa
• Performance/tournament visa
• Training visa
• Join ship

Like other Irish visas, the Conference/Event visa permits travel to Ireland but does not grant the right to enter the country. Entry is at the discretion of an immigration officer at border control. Therefore, you should travel with documents like your invitation letter, travel itinerary, and proof of departure.

Individuals on a Conference visa are not legally allowed to work in Ireland or use public services like healthcare. Additionally, visa holders must exit the country at the end of the 90-day period. If the conference or event in Ireland will last longer than 90 days, the individual should apply for a long-stay ‘D’ visa instead.

Nigerian Emigration

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Who Can Apply for an Irish Conference or Event Visa?

Adults and minors can apply for an Ireland Conference visa. However, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the application process. All applicants must not be under any visa application ban, must get a verifiable invitation to an event in Ireland, and must not intend to work in Ireland.

Applicants must also prove they have enough funds to sustain themselves. There is no minimum financial requirement for the Conference visa, and the immigration officials will consider an individual’s planned activities to determine if the amount in their bank statement can cover the trip.

Additionally, applicants must have a planned accommodation in Ireland and prove they will return to Nigeria at the end of the event.

Documents Needed for an Ireland Conference Visa Application

Nigerians applying for an Ireland conference visa must submit certain documents with their application. These documents are:

• A passport valid for six months beyond the stay
• Signed and dated application summary sheet
• Visa application letter containing:
  • Personal and contact details
  • Reason for proposed travel to Ireland
  • Planned date of travel to Ireland and departure
  • Details of any family member currently residing in Ireland or other EEA countries
  • Commitment that you will adhere to all visa conditions and obey Ireland’s law
  • Estimate of your total travel and event expenses
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Invitation letter from the event organiser indicating:
  • Conference description
  • Details of organisation
  • Confirmation of your registration
  • Proof of necessary conference/events payment (if applicable)
  • A detailed description of the organiser’s obligation to the applicants, such as responsibility for accommodation or all financial obligations if applicable
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details
• Banks statements
• Medical or travel insurance
• Proof of obligation to return home with:
  • Letter from an employer indicating the date you should return to work and three most recent payslips
  • Business details (for self-employed applicants)
  • A school-signed letter (for students)
  • Proof of property ownership in Nigeria
• Proof of previous visa refusal, if any, such as the refusal letter

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Conference or Event Visa in Ireland

Nigerians must apply for an Ireland Conference visa from Nigeria or a country where they are legal residents. The application should be prepared and submitted to ISD at least three months before you plan to travel.

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for a Conference visa:

Begin your Application on AVATS (Irish Online Visa Application System)

Visit the Irish Online Visa Application System (AVATS) to complete the application form. Read the preliminary pages to understand how the system works. Click the “AVATS Online Application Form” on the bottom right corner of the site on the “Before you Apply” page after agreeing to the privacy notice to begin your application.

The initial page of the form will ask you questions such as your country of nationality and reason for travel, of which you should select “Conference/Event.” The system requires you to provide your passport details and planned entry and exit dates from Ireland.

AVATS will take you through a detailed application for an Ireland Conference visa by asking you the required questions. Provide accurate answers to questions because falsities can cause a rejection of your application. You’ll be required to provide your:

• Personal details
• Contact information
• Travel information
• Biometric information
• Previous travel history
• Immigration history
• Criminal record
• Accommodation details
• Financial details

All AVATS applications remain open for 30 days after you start them. You can exit the application and return to provide more information within this time frame.

Note the AVATS reference number. It is a unique eight-digit number that you can use to track your application during and after submission.

After completing the AVATS online form, you must print, sign, and date the application summary sheet. Then, you must submit it in person with other supporting documents.

Submit the Visa Application

Book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to submit your application in person. The Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu handle Irish visa applications in Nigeria. You must make this in-person visit within 30 days of starting your application on AVATS.

Organise all documents into a padded envelope. You must translate all documents in other languages into English. Translated documents must also be certified by a notary public before submission.

The ISD will return state-issued documents like birth and marriage certificates to you after processing the application. You can also include a list of other documents you want them to return.

Accompany documents you want the ISD to return with coloured certified true copies. Also, you must attest all state-issued documents at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Furthermore, ISD requires Nigerian applicants to submit their biometrics at the application centre.

Paying Visa Fees

You can pay for the application at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). The fee is €60 for a single-entry visa and €100 for multiple-entry. Note that additional charges, such as courier and service charges at the VAC, may apply.

Await the Decision

Submitting your application at the VAC concludes the process, and you can await the authorities’ decision. You will receive a confirmation of your application via email or SMS.

You can track your application using your reference number at the official websites of the Embassy of Ireland in Abuja, VFS Global, and ISD.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Irish Conference Visa?

You can receive your Irish Conference visa within 8 weeks of submitting your application. However, submitting your application when there is a high volume of applications can result in a longer processing time.

Issues with your submission can also delay the Conference visa application. These include incomplete documentation, complex applications such as one with previous visa refusals or criminal records, incorrect fee payments, and biometric appointment delays.

The ISD doesn’t offer expedited processing services. They assess applications in the order they receive them. Therefore, you should submit your application early to ensure your visa is processed in time for attending your conference.

Tips for Attending Conferences or Events in Ireland as a Nigerian Citizen

If you are a Nigerian citizen planning to attend a conference or event in Ireland, here are some tips to help you have a seamless travel and event experience.

Get Valid Travel Insurance Covering Health and Travel Emergencies

The Nigeria to Ireland Conference visa doesn’t allow visa holders access to public healthcare services in Ireland. Therefore, having valid travel insurance is essential. It would provide you with proper healthcare if you need one. Good travel insurance also covers emergencies like lost or stolen luggage, travel delays, and personal liabilities.

Cultural Differences and Irish Customs

You may need to learn about the Irish way of life if your event requires you to spend more than a few days in Ireland and interact often with the Irish people.

The cities in Ireland have a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling energy of cities like Lagos or Abuja. The people are lively and welcoming and like to talk about their interests, especially over a pint of beer in a pub. Offer a handshake and a warm smile and maintain eye contact to create a friendly connection.

Prepare Good Accommodation

The type of accommodation you should get in Ireland will depend on the length of your stay and budget. Consider booking a hotel if your event will last only a few days or weeks. You can use Hotels.com or Bookings.com to book hotels in Ireland. Alternatively, you can contact the event organisers to prepare accommodation.

You can also book guesthouses or Bed & Breakfast. Platforms like B&B Network allow you to find top Bed & Breakfasts in Ireland.

Lastly, if you’ll be in the country for three months or less, consider short-term rentals like Airbnb or Vrbo. When booking appointments, consider the proximity to your event’s location to reduce transportation costs.

Depending on your location in Ireland and accommodation type, expect to spend €50 to €200 on accommodation daily.

Know the Transportation Options

Ireland has a well-structured transportation system. You can move around the country via rail, bus, and taxi. Buses are feasible for transporting within cities, while you can use rail for longer transits. Rental cars are also available, although it’s a more expensive option.

Get your Event ID and Badges

Ireland is a highly organised country. Thus, it’s essential to contact the organisers ahead of time for event-related identity items, such as IDs or badges. While an invitation may be sufficient to get the Conference visa, you will need identity documents to access the event.

Network with Experts

Irish people are talented and industrious; networking with them can significantly benefit your career. Research the speakers and participants to identify key people you can connect with. Interact productively with attendees and give out your business card while receiving theirs.

Being courteous during interactions is essential to maintaining good impressions in Ireland. Prepare to take down contacts and attend related social events to network with more people. Remember to follow up on people you meet and stay connected with them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Irish Conference Visa

​​Mistakes can impact your chances of a successful visa application. Therefore, reviewing your application and ensuring it complies with Ireland conference visa requirements before submission is essential. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for this visa.

Incomplete Application Forms

You can’t submit the AVATS application form without completing all the mandatory sections marked by asterisks. However, fill out optional sections relevant to your application because they can help the immigration authorities’ decision-making. Submitting an incomplete or inaccurately filled application form can lead to visa rejection.

Missing or Inaccurate Documents

The ISD can return or reject your application if you submit incomplete supporting documents. You can enquire about the relevant documents from an IAS immigration lawyer if you’re unsure. Call us at +2342013306361 to speak with a lawyer.

Failing To Provide a Valid Invitation Letter

The event organiser must write and send you a letter officially inviting you to Ireland with all the relevant details about the event. Ireland visa authorities won’t consider your application if you submit an invalid invitation letter or proof of conference registration that doesn’t include the required information.

Not Demonstrating Proof of Return to Nigeria

A visa officer can reject your application if they’re not convinced you’ll return to Nigeria when your event ends. You should provide multiple documents showing your ties to Nigeria to convince the authorities of your intention to return.

Inadequate Proof of Financial Support

The ISD must determine that you have enough funds to cover your expenses without relying on public funds throughout your visa. The funds could be yours, the conference organiser, or a third-party sponsor. If the amount in your financial documents doesn’t cover your planned activities and length of stay in Ireland, the authorities will reject your application.

How Can IAS Help?

Applying for the Ireland Conference is straightforward once you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary supporting documents. However, it’s advisable to work with an immigration lawyer to increase your chances of a successful application.

Our lawyers at IAS are experts in Irish immigration laws and have helped numerous Nigerian citizens with visa applications to Ireland. Here’s how we can help you obtain an Irish visa:

• Visa Consultation Services: We will assist you with completing the online visa application on AVATS. We will also help you on how to book a VAC application and guide you on what to expect at your in-person appointment
• Document Review: Our lawyers will help prepare and review the required documents to ensure adherence to Ireland’s immigration specifications. Should you need to certify or attest your documents, our lawyers can guide you through the process
• Irish Immigration Services: In addition to short-stay visit applications, we offer comprehensive Irish immigration services, including personal and business immigration, help obtaining residency permits, and Irish citizenship applications

To get started on your Irish visa application, contact us online or at +2342013306361. Our lawyers are available to help you right away.