In This Section
Introduction
If you are a non-EU, non-EEA, non- Swiss or non-UK national you must present to an Immigration Officer on arrival by air or sea from a place outside the State.
Please read below to find out what steps you need to take.
What documents will need?
You will be asked some basic questions by the Immigration Officer in relation to your stay. You must be able to present to the Immigration Officer any documents necessary to explain the purpose of your visit. It is your responsibility to ensure you have everything with you. At a minimum, this includes:
Other useful documents may include:
Even if you have a valid visa for Ireland, you may be refused entry by the Immigration Officer if he/she is not satisfied by your documents or explanations.
What happens if you are allowed to enter?
If you are given permission to enter the state, the immigration officer will place a stamp in your passport which sets out the duration and conditions of your stay in the State. The stamp placed in your passport by an immigration officer gives you permission to stay in Ireland up to the date indicated on the stamp.
The duration of stay permitted is at the discretion of the immigration officer, up to a maximum of 3 months. If you arrive with a short stay ‘C’ visa, you must leave the country before your landing stamp expires.
If you arrive with a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to stay longer than 3 months, you will need to comply with the requirements of Registration under section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004 before your stamp expires to extend your immigration permission and register your details.
What happens if you are not allowed to enter?
If you are refused permission to enter the state, you will be returned to your point of embarkation.
What to do if you arrive via the border with Northern Ireland
If you arrive via the border with Northern Ireland, you must report to an Immigration Officer at the Dundalk Immigration Office, a port of entry at Dublin Airport or Port, or a local Garda Síochána (police) immigration office within 30 days of your arrival, or within 7 days if you are engaging in business or employment.