Travel To Ireland With A Philippine Passport: Is It Possible?

If you're a Philippine passport holder and want to visit Ireland, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, Ireland is different from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, so if you're planning to go to Belfast, you'll need to apply for a UK visa instead. To enter the Republic of Ireland, Philippine passport holders must obtain a tourist visa, which can be done through the Consulate in Manila. The process is relatively simple, and you can submit your requirements by courier or in person. The visa is typically valid for up to 90 days, and you should apply for it at least three months before your intended travel date. The cost varies depending on the type of visa, with a single-entry visa costing Php 3,600 and a multiple-entry visa costing Php 6,000. There is also a communication fee of Php 400-1,000. It's important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry, and you may still be refused by an immigration officer at the border.

Can you travel to Ireland with a Philippine passport?

Visa requirements for Philippine citizens

Philippine citizens are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. The visa application process is straightforward, and applicants can submit their requirements via courier or in person at the Consulate in Manila.

Types of Visas

There are two types of tourist visas available for Philippine citizens:

• Single Entry Visa: This visa allows for a single entry into Ireland and costs Php 3,600.
• Multiple Entry Visa: This visa permits multiple entries into Ireland and costs Php 6,000.

Application Process

• Online Application: Visit the official website and complete the online application form. Print the completed form, which will be submitted along with the supporting documents.
• Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, cover letter, travel itinerary, proof of travel insurance, and financial documents.
• Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the Ireland embassy or consulate where you will submit your application. You can usually do this online or by contacting the embassy directly.
• Submit Application: Submit your application, passport, and supporting documents at the scheduled appointment. Ensure that all your documents are in order and up-to-date.
• Visa Processing: The visa processing time typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the case. During this time, your application will be reviewed by an immigration officer.
• Visa Decision: If your application is approved, the visa will be placed in your passport, and you can collect it from the embassy or consulate. If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision, which will take approximately 4-6 weeks for another decision.

Important Considerations

• It is recommended to apply for the visa at least three months before your intended travel date to account for any potential delays.
• Applicants must provide a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and at least two blank visa pages.
• A communication fee of Php 400-1,000 is applicable, depending on the visa type.
• In some cases, you may be required to provide biometric information as part of your application.
• The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
• Ireland is not a party to the Schengen Agreement, so a Schengen visa or residence permit does not allow visa-free travel to Ireland.

How to apply for an Irish tourist visa

To apply for an Irish tourist visa, you must complete the following steps:

• Complete the online application form: Visit the Irish Online Application facility, AVATS, and select "Short Stay Visa" and "Tourist/Visit". Answer all questions truthfully, as any misleading information will lead to your visa being rejected, and you may be banned from applying for an Irish visa for five years. Once you have completed the form, a summary will appear that you must print out. This will include information on where to submit the printed application form along with your passport and required documents.
• Find out where to submit the application: The location and method of submitting your documents will depend on the country from which you are applying. You may need to submit your application in person at an Irish embassy or consulate, or you may be able to mail it to the Dublin Visa Office or an International Visa Application Agency.
• Collect the required documents: The documents you will need to submit along with your application form and passport include:

• A letter stating the reason for your travel to Ireland (i.e. for tourism purposes), which you must sign.
• A letter of invitation from a family member or friend in Ireland, if you have a host.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a letter from your host stating that they will accommodate you.
• Proof that you can financially support yourself during your trip, or that your host can provide for you.
• Evidence of a round-trip flight reservation.
• Proof that you will return to your home country after your visa expires, such as family ties, a work contract, ongoing studies, or property ownership.
• Proof that you have no criminal record.
• Details of any previous visas, even if they were rejected.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of travel and health insurance valid for your entire stay in Ireland.

• Pay the visa fee: The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is €90, while a multiple-entry visa costs €100.
• Submit your application: Submit your printed application form, passport, and supporting documents to the appropriate visa application centre/office. You must submit your documents within 30 days of starting your online application.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for an Irish tourist visa is typically about eight weeks, but this may vary depending on the office handling your application, the time of year, and your specific case.

Please note that even with a valid tourist visa, entry to Ireland is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at Border Control.

What documents are needed for the application

To apply for an Irish tourist visa from the Philippines, you will need to gather several important documents. Here is a list of the required documents:

• A completed visa application form and application summary sheet. The form must be filled out accurately and legibly, with all sections completed. Incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or denial of your visa application, so be sure to double-check for any errors before submission.
• Your Filipino passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Ireland.
• Two recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific requirements set by the Irish authorities, such as size, background colour, and facial expression. Ensure the photos are of high quality to avoid any issues.
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, travel dates, and commitment to visa conditions. The letter should provide a clear explanation of your trip's purpose, your travel plans, and any other relevant details that support your visa application.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements from the last 6 months. There is no fixed amount, but you should demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your entire stay. As a general guideline, aim to show at least €100 per day of your trip, plus accommodation costs.
• Evidence of ties to the Philippines, such as employment records, business ownership documents, or proof of family responsibilities. Providing strong evidence of your intention to return to the Philippines can significantly increase your approval chances.
• Proof of travel and health insurance valid for your entire stay in Ireland. You can also provide a letter from your bank confirming that you have insurance with them, along with a copy of your credit card and the table of benefits.
• Accommodation details for your trip, including the name and address of the accommodation, your check-in and check-out dates, and confirmation of your booking.
• Proof of fee payment for the visa, such as a receipt or bank statement showing the payment. Ensure you keep a copy for your records as confirmation of your payment.
• If applicable, a document stating any previous visa refusals by other countries.
• If you are travelling with children, you must apply for a visa for them as well and provide the necessary documents.

It is recommended to apply for your Irish tourist visa at least 3 months before your intended travel date to allow for potential delays or requests for additional information. The processing time typically takes around 6-8 weeks, and the visa fee is around €60 for single entry and €100 for multiple entries.

How long does the visa remain valid

The validity period of the Ireland Tourist Visa for Filipino citizens is up to 90 days. This is a short-stay 'C' visa, which allows Filipinos to visit the Republic of Ireland for stays of up to 3 months. The maximum stay is 90 days per entry. The visa must be used within 90 days of issuance.

The average processing time for the visa is 6-8 weeks. Applicants are advised to apply at least 3 months before their intended departure to allow for any potential delays.

How much does the visa cost

The cost of a single-entry visa for Philippine passport holders is €60, while a multiple-entry visa costs €100. The VFS service fee is Php 3152.31.

In addition to the visa fee, you may also need to pay for communications charges. You can contact your local Irish embassy or consulate for information about these charges and to find out the fee in your local currency.

Frequently asked questions