UK Tourist Visa from Ireland for Indian Citizens
“Indian citizens in Ireland can apply for a UK Tourist Visa to visit the UK, requiring application, documentation, and approval.”
Planning to visit the UK from Ireland but hold an Indian passport? Navigating the visa requirements can seem daunting, but we’ve got you covered. This guide will answer all your questions about obtaining a UK tourist visa from Ireland as an Indian citizen.
UK Tourist Visa from Ireland for Indian Citizen
How can I get a UK Tourist Visa from Ireland for Indian Citizen?
If you are an Indian citizen residing in Ireland and wish to visit the UK, you will need to apply for a UK tourist visa. The Standard Visitor Visa is the most common type of visa for tourists, and it allows you to visit the UK for up to six months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Determine the Visa Type: For tourism, the Standard Visitor Visa is appropriate.
- Gather Required Documents: These typically include your passport, proof of residence in Ireland, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
- Online Application: Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is usually around £100.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre to submit your biometrics and documents.
- Attend the Appointment: Submit your documents and provide biometric information.
- Wait for the Decision: The processing time can vary but typically takes around 15 working days.
Do I need an Ireland tourist visa if I have a UK tourist visa?
I know Indian Nationals have a waiver under the BIVS scheme if travelling from the UK to Ireland, but I found this caveat on the BIVS site that the Indian passport holder must be living in India to be eligible for this waiver.
If you first enter the UK with a UK visit visa, you can then travel on to Ireland without a separate Irish visit visa.
As an Indian can I directly go to Dublin, Ireland with a 6 months UK visa?
No. You have to go via the UK. The key phrase is “onward travel”.
“Chinese and Indian nationals can visit the UK and Ireland using a single visa when travelling on certain short stay and visitor visas.
Under the British-Irish visa scheme, some Irish short-stay visas will allow onward travel to the UK and some UK visitor visas will allow onward travel to Ireland. For example, under the scheme, an Indian or Chinese visitor in Dublin will be able to make a short trip to London or Belfast without needing a separate visa. Alternatively, an Indian or Chinese visitor in London could travel to Dublin or Cork.
Only eligible Irish short-stay visas applied for after the scheme starts are covered by the scheme.”
Can I go to the UK from Dublin if I have a UK student visa?
You are likely Indian and do not need a transit visa for a flight within 24 hours. But you may not leave the airport without an Irish visa.
Can I travel to Ireland with an Irish visa?
As likely Indian, if you have a short-stay UK visa that you’ve already used to enter the UK and is marked BIVS, then you can enter Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme.
What is the process for getting a visa from Ireland to the UK?
Due to the Common Travel Area, those that hold (or even those that DON’T hold, but would be entitled to hold) either a British or Irish Passport do not need any visa to visit or live in the other.
Post-Brexit, other EU Nationals (who still have the right of entry to Ireland under their continuing membership) should consult the relevant pages of Welcome to GOV.UK to see what is required, based on their specific circumstances.
Travelling from Ireland to the UK Without a UK Visa
Travelling directly from Ireland to the UK without a UK visa is not possible for Indian citizens. You must obtain the necessary visa before your trip. However, there are specific exemptions and schemes such as the Common Travel Area (CTA) that apply to Irish and British citizens, but these do not extend to Indian passport holders.
Can I Travel to the UK with an Ireland Visa on an Indian Passport?
No, holding an Irish visa does not grant you entry into the UK. The UK and Ireland have separate immigration policies. An Ireland visa allows you to travel within Ireland but not to the UK. You will need to apply for a UK visa to enter the UK.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to the UK from Ireland?
Yes, as an Indian citizen, you need a UK visa to travel from Ireland to the UK. Even though both countries are part of the Common Travel Area, this arrangement does not apply to third-country nationals like Indian citizens. You must obtain a UK visa before travelling.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visa from Ireland?
The processing time for a UK visa from Ireland can vary. Generally, it takes about 15 working days to process a Standard Visitor Visa application. However, during peak times or due to specific circumstances, it can take longer. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Is There Passport Control Between Ireland and the UK?
Yes, there is passport control between Ireland and the UK. While Irish and British citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the Common Travel Area, this does not extend to Indian citizens. You will need to present your passport and the appropriate visa when travelling between these two countries.
Useful Links for Indian Citizens in Ireland
Navigating life in a new country can be challenging. Here are some useful resources that might help:
- How to Buy a Car in Ireland as a Foreigner: This guide will help you understand the process of purchasing a car in Ireland, including necessary documentation and procedures.
- BEST Public Golf Courses In Ireland: Discover some of the best public golf courses in Ireland to enjoy your leisure time.
- Visa requirements for entering Ireland: A detailed resource on visa requirements for entering Ireland.
Conclusion
Travelling from Ireland to the UK as an Indian citizen requires careful planning and understanding of visa requirements. Ensure you apply for the correct visa type, gather all necessary documents, and allow sufficient time for processing. With the right preparation, your journey to the UK can be smooth and enjoyable.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the relevant visa application centres or consult the UK government’s official visa guidelines. Safe travels!
