Travel To The Uk With Irish Stamp 4 Visa

If you are a non-EEA family member or dependent of a UK citizen and are resident on the basis of the Free Movement Regulations and Directive (i.e. you have an EUFam 4 stamp on your IRP card), you will need to exchange your current IRP card for a new one. This new card will confirm that you benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement, allowing you to continue to live, work and travel freely in Ireland. However, it is important to note that family members of UK nationals will no longer automatically be able to enter other EU member states with their EU Fam Residence Card and will need to check the entry requirements for each country. When it comes to travelling to the UK specifically, there have been mixed experiences reported by individuals with an Irish Stamp 4 visa. While some have been able to transit through the UK without any issues, others have faced delays and questioning by UK border police. It is recommended to apply for a visa if possible to avoid any potential complications.

Irish Stamp 4 holders transiting through the UK

Irish Stamp 4 holders can transit through the UK, but it is a complicated process and there are conflicting reports of how straightforward it is. The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area, which means that when travelling through the UK to Ireland, you will be considered to have entered UK territory. This means that you will need a visa.

However, there are some reports that it is possible to transit through the UK without a visa, and that you can appeal to TWOW 3(h) at the border if you have any issues. TWOW 3(h) states that you can transit through the UK if you:

> Hold a valid common format residence permit issued by an EEA state (pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002) or Switzerland.

As an Irish resident, you will have an IRP card, which qualifies as an EEA residence permit. However, this is not explicitly stated in plain text, and it is up to the discretion of the airline and border agents whether they will allow you to transit without a visa.

If you do choose to attempt to transit without a visa, you should be prepared to show evidence of TWOW 3(h) and be aware that you may have to deal with UK border police, who may not be aware of this rule. You may also have to wait in a long queue at immigration control.

Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for a visa if you can, to avoid any potential issues.

Irish Stamp 4 visa requirements for non-EEA family members of UK citizens

The Irish Stamp 4 visa is a residence permission stamp that allows non-EEA family members of UK citizens to stay in Ireland for a specified period. This stamp is not an automatic right for non-EEA family members of UK citizens and they must apply for residency. Here are the requirements for non-EEA family members of UK citizens to obtain and travel with an Irish Stamp 4 visa:

Applying for an Irish Stamp 4 Visa as a Non-EEA Family Member of a UK Citizen:

• Non-EEA family members of UK citizens must apply for residency in Ireland and do not have an automatic right of residence.
• The application process involves checking if a visa is required for entering Ireland and, if not, applying for pre-clearance before travelling to Ireland.
• The income requirements for sponsoring a non-EEA family member are generally €30,000 per year for a spouse or partner and based on the Working Family Payment income limits for children.
• For dependent elderly relatives, the income requirement is €60,000 per year for one relative and €75,000 for two relatives.
• The application process also involves providing proof of the family relationship and meeting eligibility criteria.

Travelling to the UK with an Irish Stamp 4 Visa as a Non-EEA Family Member of a UK Citizen:

• When travelling to the UK with an Irish Stamp 4 visa, it is important to note that this visa only allows for visa-free transit through the UK for a maximum of 24 hours when travelling to Ireland.
• There have been mixed experiences reported by individuals with an Irish Stamp 4 visa transiting through the UK, with some reporting smooth entry and others facing delays and questioning by UK border authorities.
• It is recommended to have relevant documentation, such as proof of onward travel to Ireland and the TWOV (Transit Without Visa) rules, readily available when transiting through the UK.
• In some cases, individuals may need to apply for a separate UK visa, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card

The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) is a credit-card-sized plastic card that acts as a certificate of registration for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days. It is not an identity card, but it is an important document that proves the holder is legally in Ireland. The IRP card is valid for travel to and from the state, but it does not allow the holder to travel to the UK or any other EU country.

The IRP card includes the holder's name, photo, date of birth, and registration number, signature, a brief description of their immigration permission, and a microchip with a copy of their photo, fingerprints, and personal details.

To obtain an IRP card, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must first apply for immigration permission and then register it once it is granted. Registration is done through the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) and can be done online or by contacting your local immigration registration office. The IRP card will then be posted to the holder. The fee for the IRP card is €300, but it is free for those with subsidiary protection status, leave to remain under Section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015, those resident based on their marriage to an Irish citizen, and family members of EU citizens.

The IRP card must be carried at all times and shown to an immigration officer or Garda Síochána if requested. It is important to note that the IRP card does not grant the holder any new rights or entitlements, and all existing international travel and immigration rules still apply when travelling to other countries.

Permission to work in Ireland

Stamp 1

Stamp 1 indicates permission to work or operate a business in Ireland and is valid for a specified period. To obtain a Stamp 1, you must hold an employment permit or a letter from the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) stating that you can work without one. This letter will also state if you can set up a business or be self-employed.

Stamp 4

Stamp 4 indicates permission to stay and work in Ireland for a specified period. Stamp 4 holders can work without an employment permit. You may be granted Stamp 4 permission if:

• You have a valid Critical Skills Employment Permit for 2 years.
• You have a valid employment permit for 5 years.
• You are a researcher with a valid Hosting Agreement for 2 years.
• You have permission to join and reside with your Irish spouse, civil partner, or de-facto partner.
• You are a convention or programme refugee, or have been granted subsidiary protection.
• You have permission to join your child, who is an Irish citizen.
• You are eligible under the Investor and Entrepreneur Programme, including as a spouse/partner and eligible family member.
• You are applying for Long-Term Residence.
• You are a non-EEA family member of a UK citizen seeking to reside in Ireland after 01/01/2021.

Applying for Permission to Work

If you are from outside the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, you must apply for permission to work in Ireland. This generally involves applying for an employment permit, which can be done once you have been offered a job. You may also need to apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

However, some people do not need an employment permit to work and can get permission through the immigration system. This includes:

• Family members of EU/EEA citizens, who can apply for an IRP with a Stamp 4EUFAM, which gives the right to work without an employment permit.
• Family members of UK citizens who moved to Ireland after 01/01/2021 can apply for residency and permission to work.
• Family members of people who have been granted refugee or subsidiary protection status can apply for a Stamp 4 IRP, which allows them to work without an employment permit.
• Family members of certain employment permit holders can get a Stamp 1G, which allows them to work without an employment permit.
• Family members of Irish citizens can apply for residence and will receive a Stamp 4 IRP, which allows them to work without an employment permit.
• International students and graduates with certain permissions may be able to work part-time or full-time without an employment permit.

Travel between Ireland and the UK for British citizens

British citizens do not need a passport to enter Ireland, but it is recommended to carry one as proof of identification. Airlines and ferries may ask for ID, and some only accept passports. Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality.

British citizens can live, work, and study in Ireland without a visa or residency permit. They can also access social benefits, healthcare, and social housing supports, as well as vote in certain elections.

When travelling with pets, British citizens should refer to the relevant guidelines for travelling to the EU with their pet and check the Irish entry requirements.

If carrying cash or travellers' cheques worth 10,000 euros or more, British citizens must declare them. Failure to do so may result in money being seized when leaving Ireland.

British citizens driving in Ireland with a UK driving licence do not need to exchange it unless they become a resident.

Frequently asked questions