Ireland has always been an interesting country for Russians in terms of tourism. It is famous for its unique original culture and picturesque nature. When planning a trip to this state, it is necessary to clarify in advance whether a visa should be requested. It is also important to understand whether Ireland is included in the Schengen or not. The ability to navigate these issues will help avoid difficulties with obtaining entry permits and visa denials.
What is the Schengen area
The problem of crossing the borders of European states after the Second World War was quite acute. To solve this problem, a special zone was created. There were no boundaries within her. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by five countries. Later, other powers joined them. The process of formation of the zone was slow. The treaty entered into force only in 1995. Even after this date, various countries continued to join.
To ensure the order of entry of foreign citizens, the states of the Schengen zone began to issue entry permits of a single sample. Rules for their design and sizeconsular fees are also the same for all countries.
Which countries are in the Schengen area
This list included 26 European countries in 2019. The borders of the Schengen area are shown in the image below.
Ireland: Schengen or not?
This state is located on the second largest island of the British archipelago. It is interesting to note that a quarter of its territory in the northeast is under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. This part is called Northern Ireland.
The state has been a full member of the European Union for several decades. Moreover, the euro currency is in circulation on its territory. The question arises, is Ireland included in the Schengen or not? The country, unfortunately, has not yet become part of the zone mentioned above.
Which visa is required to enter
To visit the amazingly beautiful and original Ireland, you need to apply for a visa in advance. You will need a national entry permit, and not some other. Is it possible to enter Ireland on a Schengen visa? The answer is no.
About British visas
In 2011, the authorities of the Russian Federation and Ireland signed an agreement on a visa regime for Russian tourists. According to this document, our compatriots are now en titled to visit Ireland on British type C visas. However, this can only be done on those permits that are valid for several entries and have already been used to travel to the United Kingdom. Thus, it is possibleleave the UK for Russia and then go to Dublin from Moscow or another city.
If we talk about Northern Ireland, it is still possible to visit it on a British visa. It is important to note that the United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area either. It is also impossible to visit 26 states on a national English visa.
Types of Irish visas
There are several types of entry permits issued by the Irish authorities to Russians:
- Tourist.
- Guest (for trips with a maximum stay of 3 months under invitations from individuals).
- Training (for those who are going to take training, the period of which is not more than 90 days).
- Business visas (issued upon invitation from business partners in Ireland).
- Transit (required when the traveler's route to other states lies through the territory of the country).
- Workers (for temporary or permanent employment).
Basically, they are issued for the requested period and only for one visit. However, multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years can be obtained by relatives of those legally residing permanently in the EU.
Design scheme
The procedure for obtaining an entry permit is as follows:
- Filling out the visa application online through the portal of the Government of Ireland. The applicant should print and sign it. Filling out the form is allowed only in English.
- Collect allnecessary papers, their execution.
- Filing an application with an authorized organization.
- Decision making.
- Getting a passport. Putting a visa in it.
Documents
Before you get a visa to Ireland, you need to start preparing a set of documents. It includes:
- Filled out application form.
- Passport for visiting foreign countries. It must contain at least 2 blank pages and must be valid for at least 180 days from the date you intend to leave Ireland.
- The original of the old passport, if available, and a photocopy of all its completed sheets.
- Russian internal document, as well as copies of all its spreads on separate sheets.
- Two color photographs.
- Confirmation of sufficient funds for the trip.
- Medical insurance for traveling abroad.
- Documents confirming the applicant's marital status (marriage registration certificate, birth documents of children).
- Additional paperwork regarding the purpose of the visit and the method of travel (round trip air tickets or driver's license and insurance policy for an international car).
- Certificate from the current place of employment on the official letterhead of the company with the seal and signature of the head (the position of the applicant, length of service, monthly salary, as well as the fact of granting leave for the period of the trip) are indicated.
All documentation that the visa applicant prepares in Russian must be translatedto English. This must be done by a certified professional. The translation must be notarized.
The following papers can be submitted as proof of financial solvency:
- Bank statement from an account in the name of the applicant.
- Certificate confirming the availability of funds on the payment card.
- Letter from the sponsor who has assumed responsibility for funding the visit.
From the unemployed will need a sponsorship letter, and from students - a certificate from an educational institution. Additionally, it is allowed to attach copies of property documents to confirm non-immigrant intentions. Do I need to submit a Schengen visa to travel to Ireland or not? Pay attention to the presence of entry permits from other countries in the passport. Therefore, you can attach a copy of the spread of the Schengen documents.
Additional paperwork for different visa categories
Tourist entry permits will require additional papers confirming the availability of a place for temporary residence (hotel reservation, lease, letter of invitation from a private person).
If we talk about student visas, then here you need to submit a letter from the educational organization. It must confirm the fact of payment for the course and enrollment of the student. In addition, parents or guardians provide papers confirming their ability to pay.
Business visa requires the applicant to have a letter from Irish partners, work - from the host organization, guest - from an individual.
When in transit, the applicant mustpresent tickets to the country of destination and previously obtained entry permits.
Visit with a baby
To obtain a visa to Ireland for a minor, you will additionally need his birth certificate. Consent to travel abroad may also be required:
- From both parents - when the child travels alone or accompanied by third parties.
- From mother or father to travel with one of them.
Until the age of 14, Russian minors may not have their own passport. In this case, they fit into the parent document. Do children need a visa to Ireland in this situation? It is definitely necessary. The visas of the parent and child are immediately put in the document.
Documents are prepared by the child's parent or guardian. He must correctly fill out and sign the visa application form.
Visa for pensioners
Is the Schengen in Ireland valid for pensioners? This category of applicants does not have such privileges. Therefore, they also need to apply for an Irish visa.
As additional documents, pensioners will be required to:
- Original and photocopy of pension certificate.
- Copies of each spread of the passbook, as well as a bank card for making payments.
- Financial documents.
Where to contact
The visa department of the embassy is responsible for accepting applications for issuing an entry permit and considering themIreland. It is located in Moscow at the address: Grokholsky pereulok, 5.
Applicants living in any locality in Russia can apply here.
Besides, there are visa centers for Ireland in Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg. They serve residents of the Ural and Northwestern districts.
You must pre-register for the submission of documents. You must apply for a visa in person. The exception is cases when applicants are not able to visit the visa center. In such a situation, you can resort to the services of courier services.
Cost
The price of an entry permit issued through the Irish Visa Application Center depends on the type of document. For single trips, it is 60 euros (about 4,400 rubles), for multiple trips - 100 (7,400 rubles), and for transit - 25 (1,850 rubles). The visa fee must be paid on the day of submission of documents and only in Russian currency at the current exchange rate.
If a traveler decides to use the services of travel agencies or intermediary firms, the cost of a visa will be increased by 3-7 thousand rubles. Therefore, preparing documents yourself is much cheaper.
Close relatives of EU citizens (parents, spouses, children) and holders of diplomatic identity cards are exempt from all fees.
In case of refusal of a visa, the fee is not returned to the applicant.
Terms of registration
A visa for a trip to Ireland is prepared within 5-15 days. The most common waiting period isno more than a week. However, during the high season, when the consulate processes many applications, the deadline may be extended. This usually happens in spring and summer. Therefore, it is best to apply about a month before the scheduled visit.
Rejections
As a rule, there are no problems with obtaining Irish visas. However, there are failures. If you were not given a visa, you need to find out the reason for the negative decision. Here are the most common reasons for rejection:
- The applicant did not submit all documents to the visa department.
- Insufficient finance to support travel.
- It is not desirable for the applicant to be in Ireland.
- Mistakes were made in the design of the invitation letter.
- The provided documentation package could not confirm the purpose of the visit.
- The Consul is not sure that the applicant will not violate the regime of entry into the country in the future.
- Filing dubious papers.
- Employment permit has not been previously obtained.
- Applicant did not provide evidence that he plans to return home.
The following factors can also influence the decision of the consul (positive or negative):
- Problems with residence at home.
- Issuance of visas by other countries.
- Facts of violation of entry regimes of foreign states.
- Criminal record.
- Having close relatives in Ireland.
If the reason is clear and the problems can be corrected in a short time, it is necessary to eliminate it and resubmit the documents for consideration. If the applicant does not agree with the decision made, he can make an appointment with the visa department and explain the situation to the consul.
Is Ireland part of the Schengen area? Many Russians begin to think about this issue immediately before the trip. The country is not included in this zone, so travelers should pre-apply for a national visa. It's not very difficult to get it. To prevent rejection, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the Irish Embassy in advance.
