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Consulate General of Ireland | Chicago

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Consulate General of Ireland | Chicago

COVID-19 Visa Information

Resumption of visa services for certain long-stay visa applications has commenced. For latest information on the resumption of visa services, please see the website of Immigration Service Delivery.

It remains the position that we are not accepting short stay visa applications (including tourism, business, and visit family/friend). However, certain priority/emergency cases will continue to be processed. For further information, please see the website of Immigration Service Delivery.

For priority/emergency visa applications, please contact us directly so that we can guide you through the application process and advise you how to submit your documentation

Please note that current visa processing time is approximately 8 weeks. Processing times vary depending on type of visa and nature of application.

Current single entry visa fee: $81

Current multiple entry visa fee: $136

Current transit visa fee: $34

Who needs a Visa Show the panel body Hide the panel body

You can check if you need an Irish visa on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the short stay visa waiver programme, a valid UK visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

 

Types of Visa and Documentation Show the panel body Hide the panel body

Information on types of visa and required documentation can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Visa Appeals Show the panel body Hide the panel body

If your application has been refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons for refusal.

If you still wish to travel to Ireland, you can appeal this decision within two months of receiving the refusal notice.

Further information on appealing visa decisions can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

How to Apply Show the panel body Hide the panel body

To apply for a visa, you must:

  • Complete the online application form
  • Check the “Fees” information on this page and pay the appropriate fee to the Embassy
  • Compile your application, which must include:
    • The online summary sheet signed by you, with a valid photo
    • Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals unavailable)
    • All required supporting documents
  • The online application system will automatically request you to submit your documentation to the relevant Embassy

You can also send your application by registered post or by courier. Additionally, the completed application may be dropped to the Embassy in person.

Please note that we can only process fully complete applications. The onus is on the applicant to ensure their application is complete. Any missing documentation may result in longer processing times and potential refusal.

On Arrival in Ireland Show the panel body Hide the panel body

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Fees Show the panel body Hide the panel body

Check the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for fees in Euro.

Some applicants are not required to pay the visa processing fee, including visa-required spouses and qualifying family members of EEA citizens (including Irish nationals). To see what other applicants are fee-exempt, please check the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). 

Important Information

If you wish to have your visa mailed to you instead of picking up at the Consulate please include an additional $15 for overnight FedEx charges. All visa and postage fees must be submitted in the form of a money order/cashier's check made out to Consulate General of Ireland and included with your application materials.

Visa applications are processed in order of receipt and with due consideration of travel dates. The Consulate General cannot guarantee that a decision will be made by your intended travel date if less than the requried processing time is given.

Status updates cannot be provided and these queries will not receive a response. Please reframe from contacting the Consulate General during processing (except for genuine emergencies) as this delays the process for both you and other applicants. Once your application has been reviewed in full, you will be contacted via email with further information.

There is no expedite process for visas. It is not possible to track visa applications or decisions at the Chicago Consulate online.

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