O. R. SalahudeenThese are the steps to take on how to apply for an Ireland Visa in Nigeria, whether on a short or long-term visa. Going to Ireland an English-speaking European country and a preferred destination for many African immigrants over a long time requires obtaining a visa as a pre-entry clearance at the border.
It is important to note that The Republic of Ireland remains an active member of the European Union, therefore the visa you obtain here is a Schengen Visa.
PREAMBLE NO HOW TO APPLY FOR IRELAND VISA IN NIGERIA
Please note the following points:
1. VSF GLOBAL: The Irish embassy in Nigeria isn’t involved directly in the issuance of the visa. Your visa application should be channeled through the Facilitation Services Global (VFS) Office in your area.
2. VISA APPOINTMENT: You don’t need an appointment to apply for an Ireland visa in Nigeria, you can walk in and submit your completed visa application.
3. GRANTED A VISA: If you were granted a visa, endeavor to take along copies of the documents submitted with your application because immigration officers at the entry point may want to verify them.
4. INFORMATION NOTE: Before you start completing the online visa application form, endeavor to read the information note to guide you through the filling of the form.
5. IRELAND: Be sure Ireland is your main destination.
6. ENGLISH: All the documents you’re submitting must come in English.
THE TYPES OF VISA YOU CAN OBTAIN
There are two types of visas that are available for processing:
1. SHORT TERM VISAS
Visiting visa – tourist visa that allows the holder to stay for a maximum of 90 days.
(b) Visiting visa – This is for the spouse/partner of a European Union national.
(c) Visiting visa – This category is for the child of a European Union national/children of a spouse of a European Union national
(d) Business visa
(e) Conference visa
(f) Exam/interview visa
(g) Cultural events /performance visa.
2. LONG TERM VISAS
(a) Student visa
(b) Employment visa
(c) Join a spouse visa
(d) Starting a business in Ireland visa.
HOW TO APPLY FOR IRELAND VISA IN NIGERIA
1. The foremost thing to do is to download the visa application form online.
2. Carefully fill in your details online (questionnaire) print out the hard copy, and sign and date the form.
3. Take note of your 8-digit visa reference number.
4. Attach the following documents:
IRELAND VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Your International passport with at least 6 months validity and unused visa pages, to allow for the visa sticker on your passport.
2. Two recently acquired photograph-sized photographs with a white background.
3. A photocopy of full pages of your passport, that is pages 1-32 must be produced.
4. Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30,000 covering the whole of Schengen area.
5. Basic traveling allowance sufficient to cover your entire stay in Ireland. Or proof that you can take care of yourself or you have relatives who can provide for you during your stay in Ireland.
6. Your bank account statement for the last 6 months is duly endorsed by the Bank. (Please note that statements from microfinance banks, cooperative societies, and mortgage instructions are not acceptable)
7. Police clearance certificate.
8. Evidence of hotel reservation for the duration of your stay in Ireland or private accommodation from your person in Ireland.
9. Photocopies of all previous visas in your passport.
10. Proof of flight booking, indicating the airline, departure, and arrival dates. (Please note that you are not expected to buy tickets in advance until you obtain the visa)
11. Written statement for visit.
12. An under-age person traveling alone or accompanied by a guardian must present:
– Original birth certificate
– Letter of consent from both parents
– Attach the photocopy of the parent’s identity card or data page of their passports.
– The visa application form must be signed by the guardian.
13. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLER’S VISA APPLICATION.
– Original letter of invitation from your business partner or the organization inviting you, stating the purpose of your visit and the duration and they are to undertake your financial responsibility.
– Photocopy of the company’s certificate of incorporation.
– Your tax clearance certificate.
– Proof of commercial activities and recent business dealings such as frequent contacts and recent correspondence.
14. Additional requirements for applicants participating in Conferences, Seminars, Cultural events, and congresses: Original letter of invitation from an organization in Ireland permitting you to attend an event connected with your profession, evidence of registration, and ticket for the event.
15. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT VISA.
– Original letter of admission or acceptance of an offer.
– Your original birth certificate.
– Evidence of payment of school fees (part payment or full)
– Original and photocopies of all documents used in processing the school admission.
– if you’re under sponsorship, a letter of sponsor from the person.
– Evidence of financial capabilities from the sponsor to cover the duration of your studies.
– Bank account statement for the last six months from your sponsor duly stamped and signed by the Bank.
– Any other documents as may be required by the embassy.
16. Additional requirements for applicants traveling on tourism:
– Proof of continuous employment in your country.
– Production of a comprehensive travel plan.
– Your letter of leave duly endorsed by your employer.
17. Additional requirements for applicants visiting relatives or friends in Ireland:
Letter of invitation from the person inviting you.
Photocopy of the person’s International passport data page, identity card, or residence permit.
Evidence of family ties between you and the person, such as a birth certificate of the same name, marriage certificate, or photographs.
18. Teachers and lecturers should produce the original letter of introduction from their institution.
19. All original documents you’re submitting must come with a set of photocopies.
STILL ON HOW TO APPLY FOR IRELAND VISA IN NIGERIA
After the compilation and collation of all the required documents, you’re to submit them personally at the Ireland Visa Application Centre.
Please note the following points before submission:
1. Pay a non-refundable visa processing fee, (the equivalent of €60 in local currency) and the biometrics charges (amount unknown) The fees should be paid at the designated Bank located at the Visa Application Centre.
2. Do the biometric fingerprint at the VAC.
3. Go with the exact amount because most of them don’t give change at the VAC.
4. Be sure all the required documents you’re submitting are completed and genuine.
5. All the documents you’re submitting should come with a set of photocopies.
6. Note that the visa interview is mandatory for some applicants.
7. Be sure your visa application form is dated and signed by you.
8. It is advisable you do the submission of your application well ahead of your travel to allow time for visa processing.
9. For a short-term visa, it’s advisable to place your application at least weeks in advance of your scheduled travel.
10. For long-term visas such as Student visas, commence the processing at least 12 weeks before your proposed date of travel.
13. Ensure you submit a prepaid envelope along with your application (This can be obtained at VFS Offices)
STILL ON HOW TO APPLY FOR IRELAND VISA IN NIGERIA
ADDRESSES OF IRELAND VISA APPLICATION CENTRES
ABUJA
Ireland Visa Application Centre,
No 38, Lobito Crescent,
Wuse 11,
Abuja.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
LAGOS.
Ireland Visa Application Centre,
Manor Hall,
Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way,
Opposite The Treasure Garden Estate,
3rd Roundabout,
Lekki-Epe Expressway,
Lekki Phase 1,
Lagos
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday.
That’s all for now on How to apply for an Ireland visa in Nigeria for more information you can contact this website.