British-Irish Visa Scheme visit

To avail of this scheme your visa must be endorsed with the letters ‘BIVS’. A Visa officer will consider whether to endorse each eligible visa with ‘BIVS’. There is no appeal against a decision not to endorse a visa with ‘BIVS’.

Who is eligible Chinese nationals who are living in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) at the time of the application Indian nationals who are living in India at the time of the application.

The British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) allows certain people to travel to and around the Common Travel Area (CTA) (Ireland and the United Kingdom – excluding the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) on a single visa for short stays only.

UK visas eligible under the scheme Permitted Paid Engagement visas All standard visitor categories where the maximum period for a single visit is six months (except ‘visitor in transit’ and ‘visitor for marriage or civil partnership’).

Irish visas eligible under the scheme Visit (family/friend) Visit (tourist) Conference/Event Business.

The duration of stay in Ireland may be up to 90 days or to the end of the UK permission, whichever is the shorter period. An immigration officer decides how long you can stay in Ireland.

If you are availing of the British Irish Visa Scheme, and have a visa endorsed ‘BIVS’, you must first travel to the country that issued the visa.

A single entry ‘BIVS’ endorsed visa means a single entry to the CTA. You may travel a number of times between Ireland and the UK on a single journey to the CTA.

You can visit as many times as you like, within the permitted duration of stay as decided by the Irish immigration officer when you first arrive.

When you apply for an Irish visa, you will need to demonstrate that Ireland is your primary destination.

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: Your passport Visa (if necessary) Boarding card. Other useful documents may include: A travel itinerary Proof of sufficient funds Proof of health insurance that covers the duration of your intended stay Details of your accommodation Invitations or letters that help to explain the purpose of your visit. 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.

To avail of this scheme your visa must be endorsed with the letters ‘BIVS’. A Visa officer will consider whether to endorse each eligible visa with ‘BIVS’. There is no appeal against a decision not to endorse a visa with ‘BIVS’.

If you are availing of the British Irish Visa Scheme, and have a visa endorsed ‘BIVS’, you must first travel to the country that issued the visa.

If you arrive with a short stay ‘C’ visa, you must leave the country before your landing stamp expires.