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Entry rules to Ireland for Chinese citizens
If you are a citizen of China planning to visit Ireland for up to 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a short-stay C (tourist) visa. This visa is required for visits related to tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, short-term English courses, or medical treatments.
Ireland visa requirements for Chinese
To qualify for a short-term “C” visa, Chinese need to prove strong family, social, or economic ties to their home country. This assures Irish immigration authorities that their stay will be temporary. The visa officer may check any submitted documents.
The visa does not allow:
- Paid or unpaid work.
- Access to public services, like public hospitals.
Chinese citizens can start applying three months before their intended trip. Processing times range from 5 working days to 6 weeks. Visa fees are 60 euros for single entry and 100 euros for multiple entries, plus any additional service fees.
How to apply for an Ireland visa for Chinese citizens
Chinese need to apply for a visa through China or their country of legal residence, starting three months before travel. Follow these steps:
1. Fill out the online visa application: Choose “Short-term stay (C)” as your visa type, select single or multiple entry, and specify the reason for your trip (e.g., 'Visit Tourist' for leisure). Print and follow submission instructions based on your location.
2. Pay the visa fee: Payment options vary by issuing authority. Standard fees are:
- 60 euros for a single-entry short-term visa “C”.
- 100 euros for a multiple-entry short-term visa “C”. Additional consular fees may apply, but visa fees are non-refundable - if you withdraw or if the application is rejected.
3. Submit your passport and documents: You may also need to provide biometric data within 30 days of submitting your application through AVATS. Only original documents are accepted.
What documents are required to obtain a visa to Ireland for Chinese citizens
Chinese citizens need:
- A completed CV form (through AVATS).
- Passport or travel document.
- Two passport photos.
- Proof of fee payment or exemption.
- All previous passports.
- Biometric data (if required).
If living outside the country that issued your passport, include a copy of your residence permit, valid for at least three months post-travel.
Additional required documents:
- Evidence of past visa refusals, any immigration issues (like deportation), and criminal records.
- Insurance policy.
- Application letter with your contact details, visa application number, family details in Ireland, the reason for the trip, confirmation of leaving Ireland before the visa expires, and assurance that public services will not be used.
Financial and accommodation proof:
Provide six months of bank statements or sponsor documentation if someone else is covering your costs. Also, include proof of accommodation (e.g., reservation confirmations or information on staying with family or friends).
Visa requirements for Chinese citizens under 18
Parents or legal guardians must apply on behalf of minors, with additional documentation as required. If certain documents are unavailable, provide a written explanation. Documents must be original and include official contact details. Translations should be certified in English or Irish, and an insurance policy with at least 30,000 euros coverage is recommended.
Letters from companies, universities, schools, colleges, etc. must be official and contain the following information:
- Full name of the organization;
- Postal address;
- Phone number;
- Website address;
- Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted);
- Name and position of the contact person;
- Written signature of the authorized representative (electronic signature is not accepted);.
How do I apply for a visa to Ireland from China?
Prepare your documents, place them in a secure envelope, and send them to the application office. For multiple applicants, place each person’s documents in individual envelopes within a larger one, labeling each with the applicant's name and application number.
How long does it take to make a decision?
Processing times vary by embassy and visa center. Contact the processing office directly for current waiting times, or check online at the Dublin Visa Center.
Your initial visa is typically for single entry. Children under 16 leaving and returning shortly may apply for a re-entry visa. Holders of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) don’t need a re-entry visa.
Visit the official Irish visa application website for further details
- The reason for the trip: "Transit";
- Type of trip: "single" or "multiple".
Your pet must arrive in Ireland with you within five days before or after your arrival in the country if accompanied by a person authorized by you. You must also have the original documents of your pet.
The entry requirements for pets in Ireland depend on where your pet is traveling from.
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If you come from an EU country
You need a European-style animal passport.
This document should contain:
- A note on the complex vaccination against viral diseases. The last vaccination must be carried out no later than 30 days and no earlier than 12 months before the date of departure;
- A photograph of the pet before it reaches the age of 12 months;
- A mark about chipping with an indication of the date of chipping and localization of microchip;
- A mark of rabies vaccination (vaccine name, signature, seal, date). The animal can be vaccinated against rabies after the age of 12 weeks;
- Information on treatments against ecto- and endoparasites (against fleas and worms).
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Travel from the UK
You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Give yourself enough time to agree on appropriate vaccinations and requirements with your veterinarian before the trip and don't forget that your pet will need a new AHC for each trip.
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Travel from outside the EU and the UK
Admission requirements depend on your country of origin.
At a minimum, your pet should:
- Have a microchip (this must be done before anything else);
- Have a rabies vaccination;
- Have an EU medical certificate;
- Dogs need to be treated for chickenpox.
You can only enter the Republic of Ireland via Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, Cork Harbour at Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare Europort and you must pass a compliance check upon arrival.
Pets from certain countries may also need a blood test after rabies vaccination at least three months before entry.
You can find detailed information about the requirements for each country and all animals on the Irish Government's Pet Travel Portal.
For information and advice on Irish customs regulations, visit the official website of the Irish Customs Information Office.
- If you have a driver's license issued by an EU or EEA member state, you can drive in Ireland as long as your license is valid. If you wish to exchange your driver’s license for an equivalent Irish one after their expiry date, you must do so within 10 years of the expiration of your driver’s license.
- If your driver's license was issued by one of the recognized countries, you can travel in Ireland for up to 1 year while in that country, if your license is valid.
- If you normally live in Ireland, you should exchange your driver’s license or start the process of applying for an Irish driver’s license.
- If you have a UK driver's license, you can drive in Ireland under the condition that you live in the UK and are just visiting Ireland. If you live in Ireland, you cannot drive under your British license.
The fee for the exchange of your driver’s license for an Irish one is 55 Euros.
The minimal age for renting a vehicle is 21 years old (for some vehicles – 25 years).
You can find additional information and useful contacts concerning vehicle ownership on the website.
Irish Embassies in different countries can be found here: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/
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