Multi Entry & Single Entry Permission to Ireland
Depending on your visa and travelling intention, you’ll need a valid multi entry visa or single entry permission to enter Ireland.
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What are the Multiple Entry and Single Entry Visas/Permit?
With a multiple entry visa, you can enter Ireland more than once. On the contrary, a single entry visa allows you to enter the country just once. You must know the type of visa you need for your visa type.
For example, you can apply for a single journey entry visa or re-entry visa if you’re accompanying a Long Stay D visa or Short Stay C visa. Each requires a different type of visa.
Multi entry visas are typically for people who regularly travel to work from time to time in Ireland. That way, they can travel in and out of the country without needing new visas. However, some multiple entry visas may require re-entry permissions whenever you travel out of the country.
Furthermore, there may be limits to the number of times you can enter with a multi entry visa permit. If there is, the dates will be stamped in your permit. Single entry visa permits typically fit those who are just visiting Ireland.
If you’re a resident in Ireland, you may also need a single entry visa permit if you’re travelling out and will return. It’s easier to get a single entry visa permit than a multi entry visa permit. Most multi entry visas are issued under special circumstances.
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Multi entry Visa Policy
The multi entry visa policy is very strict. The State’s Visa Office has complete authority over all standards and considerations. As mentioned earlier, you can travel in and out of Ireland with multiple entry visas. However, you must have a good travel and immigration history.
Getting a visa to travel in and out of Ireland doesn’t make you a resident in the country. You can only become a resident with a permanent visa. If you hold a long-stay D visa with a multiple entry permit, your status expires once your visa expires; most short stay D visas expire in 90 days.
You can no longer enter Ireland once it expires. To re-enter, you’ll have to apply for a re-entry visa and also obtain re-entry permission. If you abuse your multiple entry visa, it may affect your future chances of obtaining an Irish visa or permit.
Those with a Short Stay Business Visa can get a multi entry visa permit for up to five years. This is, however, only possible if the applicant has an active business in Ireland and a good visa record.
Applicants with limited but compliant visa records may still qualify for a Multiple Entry Visa, although for a lesser period.
Requirements For Multi entry Permit/Visa?
There are several requirements to meet before obtaining a multiple entry visa.
These requirements include:
- You must be a previous holder of an Irish visa
- You must have entered Ireland at least 3 times in the past 12 months
- Your intention for travelling must be for short periods
- Your purpose requires that you travel to Ireland, travel to another country, and return to Ireland
- You have to travel through Ireland to and from other countries
Notably, it’s easy to obtain a multiple entry permit if you’re married to an Irish national and you have a spouse visa. If your reason for needing a multiple entry visa/permit is for work, your employer will have to provide considerable evidence.
Single Entry Visa Policy
Most single entry permit applicants are Long Stay D visa holders. More specifically, they are holders of work, study, or family long stay visas who do not need to travel out of the country until their visas expire.
Furthermore, long-stay D visa holders can easily apply and obtain a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This makes them lawful residents of the country hence, they can travel in and out without needing a multiple entry visa.
Applying for a multi entry visa requires that you entered Ireland at least 3 times in the past 12 months. Therefore, if it’s your first time travelling to Ireland for any purpose, you can only obtain a single entry visa.
Multiple Entry Permit Validity
The validity of a Multi entry Visa depends on the unique circumstances of the applicant and the visa itself. For example, the applicant can be a long-term resident of the state or a frequent tourist.
Some long-stay D multi entry visas are valid for up to a year, or even 3 years like the spouse visa. On the other hand, a short stay C multi entry visa can only last for 90 days. Most multiple-entry visas last for a year as the majority of applicants are long-stay D visa holders.
Travel History Requirement
The travel history requirement is one of the most important requirements for multiple entry visa applicants. This is important both for short stay C and long stay D visas. It’s to ensure that visa holders don’t abuse the route.
Aside from having entered Ireland about 3 times in the previous 12 months, you must have a history of good compliance. The embassy officers will check your previous visas and stamps to confirm that you didn’t fault any immigration rules during your previous travels.
Your travel history can be for your travels to Ireland or other selected countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the Schengen States.
Application Procedure
Normally, you’ll apply for your multiple or single entry visa permit along with the visa application. Both go hand in hand because your visa will not be useful if you don’t acquire an entry permit. Hence, you’ll apply outside Ireland, in your resident country.
You apply for an Ireland visa via the AVATS system portal. Next, you prepare all the supporting documents and submit them for processing. You must submit the documents within 30 days after creating your AVATS application.
Your international passport is very important when seeking a multiple entry permit. This is because the embassy can only grant you the permit after accessing your travel history. They must confirm that you entered Ireland at least 3 times in the past 12 months.
Similarly, several vital documents apply depending on your visa type and circumstances. For example, a child visa will require a birth certificate or any other proof of parentage or guardianship.
For the immigration officers to approve your permit, they must have already approved your visa. The visa/permit will be stamped in your international passport. You must be mindful of the dates that you’re allowed to enter the country.
If they deny your permit application, you’ll get a letter of refusal explaining why. Most visa refusals are usually due to the applicant’s failure to submit all required documents. In some cases, you can seek an appeal, or you simply re-apply.
Application Costs
Since you apply for your permit along with the visa, you pay the same fees. The general cost for applying for Irish visas include:
● Single-entry visa application fee: €60
● Multi entry visa application fee: €100
● Preclearance fees
● Consular fees (if applicable)
Other costs may apply depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. Note that all visa application fees are non-refundable.
Last modified on August 8th, 2023 at 11:23 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Single or Multi entry Visa is not valid in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so it has UK immigration and visa regulations. You need a Multiple Entry Visa and a UK Visa to enter Northern Ireland.
The processing time varies depending on the visa and permit type. After completing your online application and submitting all documents, it takes about 15 to 20 working days to get a decision. Generally, you should submit your application 8 weeks prior to when you intend to travel.