How to Apply for an Ireland Visa While Holding a Schengen Visa

Europe is the place most of Indian travelers dream to visit and enjoy various sceneries, cultures, and historical sites. In most cases the European countries, travelers usually seek the Schengen visa where they can freely move freely across the 29 countries in the Schengen region. Ireland does not however fall under the Schengen zone and most travelers have a misconception that their Schengen visa automatically grants them a travel right to Ireland. Although a Schengen visa provides a broad access to travel, Ireland is an independent country that needs its own visa even to people who have a valid Schengen visa.

As an Indian travelling to Ireland to go on tourism, business or study, it is important to know the visa conditions and procedure. Being aware of the procedure to follow in seeking an Ireland visa under Schengen visa would save you time, confusion, and even a set back during travel. Though the possession of a Schengen visa might not specifically allow you to gain entry into Ireland, it may simplify the process of getting your visa to Ireland, particularly with a clean travel history, and with previous European travel history.

The Competitor: Ireland Visa vs Schengen Visa.

The Schengen visa applies to 29 European countries under the Schengen Agreement wherein the country undertakers can smoothly travel without any border checks. Ireland, however, together with the UK, withdrew out of this agreement. Thus, Ireland has its visa policy. Although you may have a valid Schengen visa granted to you by France, Germany, or Italy, you cannot enter Ireland unless you have an Ireland visa--unless you are the nationals of the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) allowing some nationals such as Indian nationals to visit Ireland provided they have a valid UK visa under certain conditions. Thus, when traveling to the European country and including both places within and outside the Schengen zone, the Ireland travel visa should be applied separately.

Application to Ireland Visa with Schengen Visa in hand.

When you already have a Schengen visa, then you are at an advantaged stand when seeking an Ireland visa in India. Carrying around a Schengen visa will show that you have been screened to travel to Europe and that you have track record of adhering to international travelling laws.

The following are the simple requirements:

• You should have a legitimate Indian passport.
• You need to have a confirmed intention to travel to Ireland (tourism, business, education, etc.).
• You should not be forbidden to come to Ireland.
• You need to prove that you have the money to sustain you.
• You have to demonstrate a history of travels (the presence of a Schengen visa is a great boon).
• You need to be very determined that you will leave Ireland at the end of your stay.
•  Ireland Visas that Indian Citizens can get.

In making an Ireland visa application in India, you need to select the necessary visa type depending on the intended reason of visiting the Ireland country:

1. Short Stay (C) Visa- Up to 90 days of visit.

• Tourism
• Business meetings
• Family visits

2. Long Stay (D) Visa -Stays of more than 90 days.

• Study
• Work
• Join family

A Short Stay (C) visa is the option applicable to most of the travelers with a Schengen visa in the first place, whether they are visiting on a tourism basis or a brief business trip.

How to apply Ireland Visa with Schengen Visa Step-by-Step.

Step 1: Requirement Analysis.

The official Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) site should be reviewed beforehand to verify new requirements of the Indian citizens.

Step 2: Fill out Visa Application online.

• Choose the type of visa (Short Stay C or Long stay D).
• Enter personal information, traveling plans and purpose of visit.
• Print the summary form after submission.

Step 3: Compile Necessary Documentation.

Following documents will be required to apply to your Ireland travel visa:

• Finalized online application form (AVATS summary).
• Legitimate passport (at least six months to intended residence).
• 2 new passport size photos.
• Cover letter on the reason why you have come.
• Travel itinerary and accommodation evidence, Ireland.
• Flight booking (round trip).
• Evidence of adequate financial capabilities (bank statements, salary slips).
• Evidence of employment or letter of student (where applicable).
• Duplicate of your Schengen visa and travel history (visa stamps, entry/exit documents).
•  Ireland medical insurance.
• Evidence of going back to India (employment letter, property ownership, and so on).

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

The visa fee to visit Ireland differs with the visa type:

• Short Stay (Single Entry): €60
• Short Stay (Multiple Entry): €100
• Long Stay Visa: €100

The fees are not refundable even when the visa is rejected.

Step 5: Application Submission.

You are required to forward your printed application form and other supporting documents to the Ireland Visa Office or VFS Global office located in India after filling the online form and the payment.

VFS Global has visa offices and processing centers in New Delhi and Mumbai and several other large cities of India.

Step 6: The Biometric Appointment.

Go to your closest VFS center to submit biometrical information (fingerprints and photograph). Along with the original passport, bring with you the appointment confirmation.

Step 7: Track Your Application

After sending your documents, you can follow up your Ireland visa in India with the help of the VFS global site on the basis of your reference number and date of birth.

Step 8: Wait for Visa Decision

The time used to process is between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the season of the year and the visa type. A Schengen visa and past European travel can be a great asset in proving credibility and this will lead to an easier process.

The Benefit of Schengen Visa in Visa Process in Ireland.

In case you have a valid or expired Schengen visa, this may have a positive impact on your Ireland visa application. Here’s how:

• It proves the credibility of travels and the compliance with the visa terms.
• It demonstrates that you can afford international trips.
• It can result into quicker background checks.
• It makes you more of a prospective approval in case you have already had some experience of European travel without any overstays or violations.

A Schengen visa would be like a plugger of your visa to Ireland although with a Schengen visa, you might not be guaranteed entry, it is a good supporting document.

Indian citizens Visa processing time in Ireland.

A visa to Ireland in India takes 4-8 weeks (typically).

But there can be a varying time according to:

• Kind of visa used (short or long stay)
• Season (delays during holiday times)
• Sufficiency of your documentation.
• Previous visa history

You should also apply early, at least 810 weeks before your planned travelling date.

Ireland Visa Validity and Length of stay.

• Short Stay (C) Visa normally covers a period of 90 days in Ireland.
• Depending on the travel plans and the past travel history Visa validity can either be single entry or multiple entry.
• In case you want to extend your stay, then you will have to seek a Long Stay (D) Visa and enroll with the Irish Immigration on arrival to Ireland.

The reasons why Ireland Visas are rejected.

During an application of an Ireland travel visa, one can be denied the visa in case the documents are incomplete or inconsistent. Common reasons include:

• Lack of financial documentation.
• Poor travel purpose or uncertain itinerary.
• Lack of accommodation information.
• Invalid or damaged passport
• Past visa violations
• Loss of evidence of intent to relocate to India.

To escape rejection, make sure that your documents are complete, clear and verifiable.

Before Visiting Ireland, Travel Tips.

• Make a reservation in advance reservation Flights and rooms are in high demand during popular tourist periods.
• Purchase travel insurance- It is compulsory within all visa applications.
• Carry copies of your documents- Never leave home without copies of your passport, visa and travel documents.
• Currency- Ireland uses the Euro (E).
• Transport - Cities such as Dublin and Cork have good transport networks that are cheap.
• Local etiquette -The Irish are hospitable; courtesy and timeliness are appreciated.

Conclusion

It can be easy to seek Ireland visa in India and already have a Schengen visa in ones possession, but through proper preparation and advice, the process can be hassle free. Ireland is not within the Schengen zone but as long as you have a record of traveling in the Schengen zone, your case will be enhanced, meaning that you are a responsible traveler.

Knowing how to use Ireland travel visa is beneficial in that you are able to organize your schedule well, not getting lost at the border and enjoy your European tour. Always remember to submit your applications early, package your documents well and consult an expert whenever necessary.

It could be sightseeing the Cliffs of Moher, the historic charm of Dublin or cultural heart of Galway, but Ireland is always ready to accept a traveler who is well-informed and keen on visiting the beauty of this place. To find a smooth help in your visa process, travel and a personal Europe travel itinerary, rely on Gokite Tours -the companion to make memorable trips to Ireland and other destinations.