Head Office
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service,
Department of Justice and Equality
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2, Ireland D02 XK70
Customer Service
Email: visamail@justice.ie (for visa applications)
Email: avatsqueries@justice.ie (AVATS online visa application)
Email: reentryqueries@justice.ie (re-entry visas)
Phone: 1890 252 854 (citizenship queries)
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About Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is a government agency responsible for immigration, visa and citizenship in the Republic of Ireland. Established in the year 2005, INIS is responsible to the country’s Department of Justice and Equality. Besides administering immigration, visa and citizenship matters, INIS also is responsible for matters concerning asylum.
If you are planning on a visit to Ireland, you can visit the website to check if you need a visa. It varies according to nationality and reason for visit. There are a variety of visas available, from short stay, long stay, re-entry and transit visas. A short stay ‘C’ visa is for 90 days or less. Short stay visas include tourist visa, business visa, family or friends visa, conference visa, employment visa, internship visa, marriage visa and training visa. A long stay ‘D’ visa is for more than 90 days and includes study visa and employment visa.
If you require a visa, you can begin your application on the website. Once an application has been submitted, you will need to print the summary application form and follow the instructions on it. The instructions depend on the country you hail from. Most cases, it would instruct you to visit nearest embassy or visa office to submit printed form, along with fee and passport. The visa application will include fingerprints and biometric information.
Payment and appointment booking can be done online.The online portal is only for visas for the Republic of Ireland. For those who wish to travel to Northern Ireland (counties Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone), you will require a UK visa.
Before proceeding with the online visa application, you will need to keep with you the passport details, contacts of host and itinerary. You can save your application as you finish each section and retrieve any time when you need (within 30 days). Note that nationals of some states are required to carry an Irish transit visa when they arrive at a port of entry. It only permits you to transit through Ireland and does not allow you to enter Ireland. You can apply online for a transit visa up to 3 months before your date of travel. You have the right to appeal if your application was refused.
As for citizenship, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship by naturalisation. You must be over 18 years age, meet conditions for residence or character, and be of good character. There are a number of forms available for download. Immigration requests can be made if you want to study, work as a volunteer, start a business or live with your spouse or partner. For more information or queries on office locations, application status, visa types, or others, reach the Irish immigration support.
