A comprehensive guide on how to acquire an Ireland Visit Visa from Pakistan

Ireland, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm local population, attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year, including Pakistanis. However, this requires them to obtain an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan. The citizens of Pakistan are not on the list of visa-free countries, nor do they have any other method to visit the country of their destination. Therefore, the most reliable option is getting permission from the target authorities to enter the country legally and satisfy the purpose of their trip.

In simple terms, to explore this island, Pakistanis need a visit visa to enjoy this vibrant destination and its natural beauty.

Thus, this article delves into the tiny details of the visa application process for Pakistanis, along with the other available types, the required documents, and the eligibility criteria. Moreover, you will also get to know about the updated visa fees that you need to deposit at the time of application submission, and the standard processing time to witness the visa outcome.

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Tid-Bit About Ireland

Ireland is one of the most popular islands in Northwestern Europe. Moreover, it is geographically divided between Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland (an independent state).

Besides, it is often called the Emerald Isle due to its green and lush landscape. Ireland is renowned for its vibrant music scene, rich literary history, and rapid economic transformation into a global tech hub.

Some Interesting Facts about Ireland

• Ireland is the 2nd largest island in Europe after Great Britain.
• Ireland’s nickname is the Emerald Isle.
• Around 30,000 castles can be found in Ireland.
• The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
• It covers an area of around 70, 273 sq.km.
• Around 5.2 million people are living in Ireland.
• The current Prime Minister of Ireland is Simon Harris.
• The Republic of Ireland left the British Commonwealth in 1949.

Why should Pakistanis visit Ireland?

Ireland is a popular dream destination for travellers from around the world due to its iconic and breathtaking sights, such as the Cliffs of Moher. Thus, for Pakistanis, it’s the ideal place with a range of attractions and picturesque scenery.

Picturesque landscapes

Ireland conjures up images of green rolling hills, rugged seaside cliffs, and windswept rock formations. 

Festivals

Ireland is also known for its lively culture and celebration of different festivals, which include Tradfest held in Dublin every January and a five-day St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

Regal Castles

Irish history is famous as it dates back centuries. There are an estimated 30,000 castles spread around the country. You can visit some of your favorite ones during your visit to the Emerald Isle. Some of these include: Dublin Castle, Ross Castle, and the Rock of Cashel.

Scenic Road Trips

Ireland is an ideal location for a road trip. It offers pleasing views to the eyes. You can hire a car and stop at your favourite destinations at your own pace and desire. 

Rich Heritage

The Irish Immigration Museum, declared as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019 by World Travel Awards, offers a glimpse into Irish culture. 

Delicious Foods

During your visit to Ireland, you have to taste their delicious local cuisines, which include Irish Soda Bread and Irish Potatoes.

Is Ireland a Member Country of the Schengen Area?

No, Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area; it is a member of the EU. It has its own visa policy and immigration control. It has a Common Travel Area (CTA) relationship with the UK. Furthermore, immigration checks are carried out for those entering Ireland from the Schengen Area.

Summary of the Irish Visit Visa 

A visit visa, also known as a C-type or short stay visa, is a travel document placed in your passport that shows you are authorized to enter the premises of the host country. There may be several different conditions that need to be fulfilled before you are permitted to enter Ireland. The validity of the visit visa is only 90 days from the date of your arrival in the country. The visit visa to Ireland is usually available as a single-entry visa, but it can occasionally be granted as a multiple- entry visa. The visitor who wants to stay for more than 90 days can apply for an extension, but it is only available in case of emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Therefore, in simple terms, this means that you have to return to your home state and get a new visa to enjoy a longer stay than 90 days. Moreover, extensions are granted considering the extreme situations, such as humanitarian reasons, force majeure, or medical purposes.

Other than a visit visa, several additional categories are also available that you can choose from while traveling to Ireland. This is directly linked to the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay in the destination country.

Who needs a Visit Visa to travel to Ireland?

Pakistani citizens are required to apply for a visit visa before planning to travel or explore this vibrant country. Only the citizens of the UK, Switzerland, or countries falling under the European Economic Area are exempt from tourist visas and can freely enter the country for 90 days.

For instance, currently, as of February 25th, 2022, Ireland has introduced a visa-free policy for all Ukrainian citizens traveling to Ireland due to the conflict. This is because they can travel without a visa and obtain permission upon arrival. This is a temporary measure that enables Ukrainians to enter and obtain permission within 90 days.

What Other Kinds of Visas are Being Offered by Ireland?

Depending upon the reason and duration of the visit, Ireland offers various types of visas in the following categories. 

Short Stay Visa:

You should apply for this visa if you want to come to Ireland for less than 90 days. The purpose of this short stay visa can be to tour this scenic country, visit somebody, and attend business meetings or a short educational course for less than 3 months. Thus, the subtypes are named as a tourist visa, a visit visa, a business visa, and a short-term study visa. You cannot stay in the premises of Ireland for more than 90 days; if you want, you have to leave Ireland and apply for another visa to return.

Long Stay Visa:

If you want to come to Ireland for a duration of more than 90 days, you are advised to apply for a long stay visa or Type D visa. This allows its holders to work, study, or permanently reside in Ireland with their family members who are already living there.

For instance,

1. A work visa allows you to visit the country for employment purposes. For this purpose, you need to have a job offer letter from the potential Irish employer or company.
2. Besides, the second category is the study visa that allows Pakistani students to continue their educational course or program after getting admission or proof of enrollment from a recognized Irish college or university. Ensure to have the additional or supporting documents with you for a successful application.
3. Lastly, a family reunion visa is used to join the family members who are permanent residents of Ireland or have an Irish citizenship and can sponsor their Pakistani relatives for a longer duration of stay.

Transit Visa:

If you are travelling through Ireland on your way to another destination, you need a transit visa to pass through the transit area at the International Airport of Ireland. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the airport premises.

Moreover, Pakistani citizens require an Irish transit visa when they are transiting from one place to another via Ireland, even if they are staying in the airport. A transit visa for €25 has to be obtained before leaving, and it takes a maximum of 45 days for processing. 

What are the Requirements to Obtain a Visit Visa for Ireland from Pakistan?

Pakistani travelers seeking an Ireland visit visa need to fulfill certain requirements. For instance, this includes identifying the eligibility criteria and submitting the visa supporting documents. Therefore, ensure that you are well aware of the guidelines before starting the application process. Look at the following essential documents needed for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan.

Visa application form

The first and foremost requirement for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan is to download, print, and complete a visa application form. For this purpose, you need to visit the website of VFS Global to get the desired form and download it through the Irish Immigration Website. Furthermore, make sure that the application form is completely and accurately filled out, as leaving any blanks empty will lead to immediate application rejection.

In addition, as a resident of Pakistan, you must sign the form at the end and put the current date for authentication purposes.

AVATS summary sheets

After completing the application form for the visit visa to Ireland, you are obliged to sign the application before submitting it with other supporting documents. Failure to provide AVATS summary sheets can result in the rejection of your application.

Application letter

A signed personal letter explaining your reason for visiting, planned dates, where you will stay, and a commitment to leave Ireland before the visa expires. This is an additional document required by Pakistani nationals to submit to the authorities while applying for an Irish visit visa.

Valid Passport

The applicant must have a Pakistani passport with two blank pages to affix visa stamps, and that should be valid for 6 months beyond the intended departure from Ireland. Other than that, it should not be older than the last ten years and must be free from damage or any signs of wear/tear. If this is not the case, ensure that you renew it before starting the visa application process.

Moreover, you also need to attach the bio page of the passport and any previous visa-stamped passports to show your travel history and credibility to fulfill the visa guidelines.

Passport-size photographs

You must submit two passport-sized color photographs with other essentials that will be attached to the visa application form. You must sign on the reverse side of the application and write your application transaction number and name as well. Applicants are also requested to submit photographs with a dimension of 35*45mm. Additionally, the photographs should not be older than the last six months. For further guidelines, you can check this document checklist to ensure a successful visa outcome.

Financial details

It is necessary to submit your financial documents to support your visit to Ireland. This is mandatory to demonstrate that you are financially capable of managing your own expenses without relying on someone else. The financial documents that can be attached to your application include:

• Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months. Statements should be on headed paper and recently certified by the bank (ideally within 7 days of submission).
• A letter from your employer on official letterhead stating your position, salary, date of joining, and approved leave dates.
• Copies of your personal income tax returns (NTN) for the last 3 years.
• Original payslips for the last 3 months.
• Credit/debit card details.
• Your sponsorship letter or invitation letter, if an Irish resident is sponsoring your visit.

Furthermore, you must have enough balance in your bank account to bear the expenses related to daily food, accommodation, and transportation in Ireland. If you fail to submit any of the above documents, the Irish authorities will turn down your visa application.

CNIC details

You must attach a copy of your Pakistani CNIC (issued by NADRA) with your application to prove your nationality. The authentication of this document increases your chances of getting an Irish visit visa easily. 

Round Trip Flight Itinerary

Getting flight reservation for visa is mandatory while applying for an Ireland visit visa. It is considered proof by the Irish consulate or embassy demonstrating your travel plans and intentions of returning home before the visa expires. It generally contains the passenger information, which includes:

• Passenger name
• Flight details
• Dates of arrival and departure from Ireland
• 6-digit PNR (passenger name record)
• Departure and arrival airport names
• Connecting flight details

Moreover, if you are interested in reserving your flight at low rates, you can get it through Schengen Flight Reservation for Visa. The reason behind having a flight reservation instead of purchasing real flight tickets before the application is approved is to ensure that you do not lose your potential money if your visa is rejected. Therefore, it is a common requirement practiced by embassies or consulates all around the world.

Proof of Accommodation

Make sure to present evidence about your accommodation plans. It is one of those documents on which your visa approval is based. Submitting this visa essential will help the authorities prove that you have managed a place for your stay in Ireland and will not burden the resources of the target country. Moreover, this dummy document provides the details about your place of stay, like hotel booking for visa application, rental agreement, or accommodation provided by the host. For this purpose, you need to submit an invitation letter from the Irish host stating that they are responsible for managing your trip’s expenses.

Also, the proof of accommodation document must include the following details:

1. Name and address of the chosen facility
2. Contact number
3. Reservation ID
4. Travel dates
5. Check-in & Check-out date/time

Travel Health Insurance

You need to provide the documents related to your travel insurance visa application in Ireland. The health insurance policy ensures the coverage of your medical expenses in case of an emergency or accident in Ireland. Furthermore, it also includes other emergencies, such as surgery, hospitalization, death, repatriation, evacuation, luggage loss, flight cancellation, etc.

In addition, the insurance policy must provide a coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros or 9,635,334 PKR to cover medical and travel emergencies.

Other than that, applicants from Pakistan are also required to get their insurance certificate from a reliable service provider. Usually, the list of approved insurance providers is given on the official Irish Immigration website. Moreover, you can also consult visa officials at the embassy/consulate or the officers of VFS Global.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is an additional yet mandatory document that needs to be attached to your visa application for Ireland. This document can be used to personalize your formal application and boost the chances of your visa application getting approved. Why? Because it provides you with a bigger window to discuss your travel plans with the authorities from a subjective point of view. The cover letter contains your personal contact information, your purpose of travel, travel dates, commitment to return to your home country, and your signature.

Moreover, you can also discuss the reason for not attaching or submitting a specific document, if any, in the letter.

If you want to get a customized cover letter in minutes, you can buy it at minimal rates from coverletterforvisa.com.

Proof of ties to Pakistan

You need to prove that you have good grounds for returning. The documents include:

1. NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) showing your family lineage or immediate family, and that you are responsible for their living expenses.
2. Proof of ownership of properties or rental contracts for properties in your name. This will help the authorities accept that you will not leave them open to being devoured by someone else by not returning to your homeland.
3. Proof of business registration, tax returns for the business, and bank statements for 6 months.

Visa payment receipt

Moreover, after depositing the visa application fee, ensure to attach the payment receipt with the rest of the visa essentials. Proof of payment for the visa fee is a crucial document proving your eligibility. Thus, typically you need to pay 60 € for a single entry or 100 € for a multi-entry trip to Ireland from Pakistan.

Additional Supporting Documents Needed Based on the Irish Visa Type

Before submitting the documents, ensure you review the checklist of the additional documents that you need, depending on the specific purpose of travel. For example:

Visit visa (Type C)

If you are planning to visit someone in Ireland, you must have the following documents.

1. A signed invitation letter from your host in Ireland stating the purpose of the invitation, dates of stay, and place of accommodation.
2. A high-quality color photocopy of the host’s Irish passport or their current Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with immigration stamp.
3. In addition, proof of your relationship with your host, such as birth certificates for relatives, photos, emails, and chat logs for friends.
4. Lastly, if your host is sponsoring your trip, they should submit their 6 months of bank statements, 3 months of pay slips, and a letter from their employer.

Business visa

A legitimate professional reason is the most crucial aspect of the business visa that you need to prove. For this purpose, consider looking at the following essentials.

1. An invitation letter on official letterheads from the Irish company/sponsor of the conference stating the purpose and duration of your visit.
2. A letter from your Pakistani employer stating the purpose of your attendance, your role, and a declaration of whether they are covering all, some, or none of your expenses.
3. Last but not least, if you are a business owner, you may submit your Company Registration (e.g., from SECP or Chamber of Commerce) and your last 3 years of business tax returns.

Study visa (Type D)

Pakistani students have to demonstrate academic eligibility and financial upfront readiness to get an Irish student visa. This requires them to have the following complementary documents.

1. An unconditional admission offer from any recognized Irish educational institution for a full-time place in one of the courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.
2. Proof that you have made at least €6,000 (or the whole amount if it is less than that) to the college before making your application.
3. Moreover, NOC, original documents, such as transcripts and degrees, and an explanation for gaps in your educational history.
4. IELTS scores of at least 5.0-6.5 are mandatory for the English proficiency test.
5. If your parents are sponsoring your studies, an affidavit of support along with the latest 6 months’ bank statements and tax returns is required by the authorities.

Minors (under 18)

If you are a minor traveling to Ireland, you need special protection, especially if you are traveling alone or with one parent.

1. A notarized consent letter is required on the stamp paper from both parents or the non-traveling parent.
2. Furthermore, applicants also need to submit their NADRA-issued birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
3. Lastly, if the child is enrolled in any of the educational institutions, they must submit a school letter or a bona fide letter from the respective school confirming their enrollment and return date.

Where can Pakistanis apply for an Ireland Visit visa? 

Travelers applying for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan can either apply online or through the embassy of Ireland present in Pakistan.

Embassy or Consulate:

The Embassy of Ireland is situated in Islamabad. This respective diplomatic mission is responsible for handling diplomatic relations, consular services, and visa information. On the other hand, the Honorary Consulate of Ireland operates in Karachi to provide further assistance.

Therefore, for a physical or offline visa application method, you can opt for this one.

Online Application:

The applicant from Pakistan can submit their application through the AVATS portal. Moreover, the second online option is of VFS Global, which is also operational for Pakistani citizens to start their Irish visa application.

You must be vigilant while entering your details, as misinformation can lead to visa rejection.

This guide will discuss the application method for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan through VFS Global.

How Pakistanis Can Apply for an Ireland Visit Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

As discussed earlier, two main application facilities can be used to start the visa application process. However, this guide focuses on completing certain steps through VFS Global. Moreover, you also need to visit the AVATS portal to complete the visa application form.

Go through the following step-by-step guide.

Log in to the AVATS visa portal

You are required to complete your application form at the Ireland AVATS portal. First of all, you are obliged to select a visit visa or type C visa. You must choose between a single or multiple entry visa, but it should be kept in mind that multiple entry visas to Ireland are given in special scenarios.

Make sure that you provide true and honest information at the AVATS portal.

Completion of the visa application form

In order for your application to be selected by the Irish consulate or embassy, it is advisable to complete your application form duly and accurately. Alternatively, it is known as the Summary Application Form that will be generated by the portal online.

The visa application transaction number will be provided to you once the application is complete. This will be required to be entered during this entire application process. The application must be duly signed by the applicant before the final submission. Print and date the summary form and submit it with your supporting documents.

Schedule an appointment

Once the first two steps are completed, you need to visit VFS Global and enter the home & destination countries (Pakistan and Ireland) to proceed further. For this purpose, make sure to hit the tab ‘book an appointment’ to make the available slot for document and application form submission.

This requires you to create or log in to an account on VFS to complete this step.

Gather the required documents

You need to amass all the relevant supporting documents at the time of the submission of your visa application form. These documents include all the paperwork mentioned above. For instance, the mandatory and additional sets of visa supporting documents.

Furthermore, all the documents should be either in English or the Irish language.

Visit the visa application center

After the above step is complete, the visa application form and all other supporting documents are ready to be submitted to the embassy or consulate of Ireland. You can also visit the VAC to finish this step.

Besides, there are other substeps that need to be completed on the day of your appointment. The visa authorities can also request you to attend a short visa interview to further discuss your travel plans. Applicants from Pakistan are required to submit the biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for identification purposes.

Fee submission

You are required to submit a valid visit visa application fee for Ireland by using a valid payment method. The fee for a single-entry visa is 60 euros, while the fee for a multiple-entry visa is 100 euros. The service charges for the visa application process depend on the consulate or agent you are applying through.

After that, submit the visa payment receipt with the rest of the documents as well.

Wait for the process to be completed

This step needs nothing to be done other than waiting for the application to be processed. In simple terms, return to your home and wait for an answer from the authorities. The standard processing time is 8 weeks, but it can be extended based on various factors. In the meantime, you can also track the status of your application through the VFS Global online tracker. This requires you to enter the application reference number and your date of birth in the given fields.

Collect your passport

Last but not least, collect your visa-stamped passport from the same center, if your application is approved. Make sure that you verify the details on the visa before picking it up to avoid any last-minute issues. Moreover, you can also get it delivered to your home through a courier delivery at additional service charges.

What is the Processing Time for an Ireland Visit Visa from Pakistan?

It usually takes 8 weeks for an Irish visit visa application to be processed from Pakistan. The time frame can vary depending on person-to-person cases. Moreover, several factors play a vital role in specifying the estimated processing time.

For instance, the visa type, the workload at the embassy, or the completeness of your application. So, it is advisable to apply at least 3 months before your trip to Ireland.

In case your application has been rejected by the Irish consulate or embassy, then you can send a letter outlining the possible reasons for refusal. You have a time frame of 2 months to appeal the decision of refusal.

What Are the Tips for a Successful Visa Application?

So, here are some tips that need to be kept in mind while applying for Ireland visit visa from Pakistan.

• You should complete and duly sign your application form.
• Visit visa requirements and supporting documents must be carefully checked before applying.
• It is advisable to apply 3 months prior to your planned trip to Ireland. 
• Avoid providing incorrect or false information or documents. It can lead to visa rejection.
• The passport must be valid for 6 months.

FAQs- Ireland Visit Visa from Pakistan

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Irish visit visa from Pakistan.

1. How much does an Ireland visit visa cost?

The application fee for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan varies depending on the type of entry. A single-entry visit visa costs around EUR 60, and a multiple-entry visit visa costs around EUR 100. 

2. Can I work in Ireland on a visit visa?

No, you are not granted permission to work in Ireland on a visit visa. The Irish immigration authority can punish you according to Irish laws. So, it’s advisable not to work on an Irish visit visa. If you want, you should apply for a long-term work visa, which will give you legal permission to work in a foreign land. 

3. How long will it take for my application to be processed?

It usually takes around 8 weeks or two months for a visit visa application to be processed. But it can vary, depending upon the complexity of the situation or the workload at the embassy. 

4. Do I need a transit visa while passing through Ireland towards my destination?

As a Pakistani citizen, you are not supposed to have a transit visa for travelling through Ireland to your destination. This requires you to stay within the airport premises and not pass through immigration authority check posts. 

5. Why did my Ireland visit visa get rejected?

There can be many reasons for the Irish visa rejection, such as;

• Failed to provide enough financial resources to fund your trip to Ireland.
• Incomplete application form
• Lack of commitment to return or missing proof of strong ties to Pakistan
• False or incorrect information
• Missing supporting documents
• Failure to provide a detailed cover letter explaining the reason for traveling to the target state and your day-to-day plan/activities

6. Can I travel to the Schengen Zone or the UK with an Irish visit visa?

Unfortunately, no. Ireland is not a part of the Schengen Area. Thus, a short-stay or visit visa only grants you access to enter the Republic of Ireland. If you wish to travel to other European regions, make sure to apply for their separate visas.

7. Can I provide a sponsor’s bank statement instead of my own when applying for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan?

Yes, you can submit a bank statement of the host instead of your own. But ONLY if the sponsor is an immediate family member (parent or spouse) or the host you are planning to visit in Ireland. Thus, provide a notarized affidavit of support from them, along with the bank statement from the last six months and proof of income. Moreover, it is also recommended to provide your active bank history to show financial stability in Pakistan.

8. Is it mandatory to buy actual flight tickets before applying for an Irish visit visa?

No. Irish immigration advises the applicants to avoid purchasing non-refundable flight tickets, especially while their application is still in progress. Therefore, you can submit a reserved flight itinerary or flight booking with your application.

9. Is an interview required for an Irish visit visa from Pakistan?

No physical interview is required by Pakistani application for a short-stay Irish visa. However, you are required to book an appointment and appear in person at the nearest VFS Global visa application center to submit your documents along with the visa application form.

10. How far in advance can I apply for an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan?

Applicants from Pakistan are usually advised to start the visa application process at least 90 days or three months before the intended date of departure from Pakistan. Furthermore, feel free to apply as early as possible to give ample time to the authorities in case of processing delays.

Bottomline

Securing an Ireland visit visa from Pakistan can be complex, but if you handle it with an organized approach, you can ace it. Because Ireland is not a part of the Schengen Area, its immigration authorities have their own strict requirements for entry. Thus, the key to success is well-maintained documents that showcase your financial stability and intention to return.

Moreover, applicants are also advised to avoid common rejection reasons, including purchasing a non-refundable ticket or making sudden, large deposits in the bank. Additionally, you can write and submit a cover letter to increase the chances of your visa approval. Schengen Flight Reservation for Visa will help you in acquiring the essential travel documents (flight booking, hotel reservation, and travel health insurance) at a market-competitive price.

Pack your luggage and get ready to experience the rich culture of the Emerald Isle, conduct business in Dublin’s thriving tech hub, or reunite with your loved ones. Ta-da!

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