can i travel to ireland on uk visa

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Visa requirements for entering Ireland

Introduction, do i need a visa, types of visa, visa waivers for uk visa holders, school student visa waiver, do i need preclearance, how to apply for a visa orpreclearance, further information and contacts.

If you are travelling to Ireland and you are not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country in the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein), you may need to apply for a visa.

An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document that allows you to travel to Ireland. You still have to present your passport and documents to immigration control when you arrive at the airport or port, and an immigration officer may still refuse you entry to Ireland .

If you are travelling with children , you have to apply for a visa for your children too.

You may also have to register with immigration authorities .

Ukrainian citizens

From 25 February 2022, citizens of Ukraine do not need a visa to travel to Ireland . Read information for people who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine .

You do not need a visa to land in Ireland if you:

• Are a citizen of the EU or the EEA (the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) or Switzerland
• Have a residence card issued by an EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen living in a country outside of the EEA/Swiss family member’s home country (for example, you live in Germany with your French spouse)
• Have a UK short-stay visa and qualify for the short-stay visa waiver or the British-Irish Visa Scheme (see ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below)
• Are a school student who lives in an EU/EEA country and you are travelling as part of a school trip (see ‘School Student Visa Waiver’ below)
• Are a citizen of a country listed in the table below.

From 10 July 2024, nationals of Botswana and South Africa must get a visa before travelling to Ireland.

Note UK: Visa free travel also applies to the following types of British nationality:

• British national (overseas)
• British overseas territories citizen (previously called ‘British dependent territories citizenship)
• British overseas citizen

Visa free travel does not apply to people who have a British passport as a ‘British protected person'.

If you are moving to Ireland to live with your Irish de facto partner, a spouse or partner who holds a Critical Skills Employment Permit, or your UK spouse or partner, you have to apply for preclearance even if you are from one of the countries listed above (this does not apply to citizens of Switzerland or the UK). See ‘Do I need preclearance’ below.

If you have a short stay visa for the UK and are an Indian or Chinese citizen, you can travel to Ireland without a visa. See ‘Visa waivers for UK visa holders’ below.

Travelling with a refugee travel document

If you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland. Visa free travel for travel document holders is suspended until further notice.

Family members of EEA/Swiss citizens

If you are coming to Ireland to join or accompany your EEA family member , you must apply for a visa if you are from a country that is not in the list above. If you are already living in another EEA country or Switzerland because you are the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen who is exercising their free movement rights, you do not need a visa to travel to Ireland.

If you plan to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months you must apply for residence after your arrival.

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your stay in Ireland.

Short stay visas

If you want to come to Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa . You should apply for this type of visa if you want to come to Ireland as a tourist or to visit someone, for a business meeting, or to attend a short course.

You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a ‘C’ visa. You must leave Ireland and apply for another visa if you want to return.

Long stay visas

If you want to come to Ireland for more than 3 months, for example to study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live in Ireland, then you can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa .

If you are granted a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to remain in the State for longer than 3 months you must register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

You can read more information about different types of visa available on the ISD website .

Re-entry multiple entry visas

The first visa issued to you is valid for a single entry to the State. If you leave Ireland, you must apply for another visa to travel to Ireland again.

If you have had single entry visas in the past and you have obeyed the conditions of those visas, you can apply for a multiple entry visa. You can also apply if you need to come to Ireland frequently for business. A multiple entry visa allows you to travel to Ireland on more than one occasion during the period that the visa is valid.

Re-entry visas for people who live in Ireland

If you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP), you no longer need a re-entry visa to re-enter Ireland when traveling abroad. Children under 16 do not get an IRP. They can return to Ireland without a re-entry visa if they are travelling with parents or guardians. The parents or guardians must have an IRP.

Transit visas

If you are travelling through Ireland on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa when arriving in Ireland on their way to another country. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the port or airport. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need a valid Irish transit visa when landing in the State:

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa, to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa. The countries included in the scheme are:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia

Citizens of India and China , who have a short stay UK visa can travel to Ireland under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) without a separate Irish visa. You can also use your Irish visa to travel to the UK. Your visa must be endorsed with ‘BIVS’.

School students who are citizens of a country that would normally need a visa to enter Ireland can apply for a waiver if they live in an EU or EEA country and are travelling as part of a school trip.

The principal of the school must complete an application form and present this form to immigration upon arrival.

If you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you may still have to apply for preclearance. Preclearance is permission to enter Ireland to apply to reside for certain reasons. You have to apply for preclearance if you want to come to Ireland:

• To volunteer
• As a minister of religion
• As the de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit or Hosting Agreement holder
• As the de facto partner of an Irish citizen
• As the family member of a UK citizen

A de facto partnership is when you are in a relationship with someone that is like a marriage.

You can apply for pre-clearance online. If you are approved, and you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you have to register for an Irish Residence Permit after you arrive in Ireland.

You must apply for an entry visa or preclearance online .

There is information on how to complete an online application in English (pdf) as well as in Arabic (pdf) , Chinese (pdf) , Russian (pdf) , Hindi (pdf) , French (pdf) , Turkish (pdf) and Urdu (pdf) .

You should apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to come to Ireland. Details of the photographic requirements and current processing times are on the ISD website.

Biometric data : All visa applicants residing in Nigeria must provide biometric data . Applicants residing in Pakistan, India and China must provide fingerprints.

Appeals: If you are refused a visa you can appeal the decision by writing to the Irish Immigration Service Visa office .

The standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are:

Entry and re-entry visas

A single journey visa costs €60 and will be valid for one entry to the State up to a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue.

A multi journey visa costs €100 and will be valid for multiple entries to the State up to a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.

A transit visa costs €25.

There may also be communications charges in some cases. Information about these charges, and on the fee in your local currency, is available from your local Irish embassy or consulate.

Who does not pay the fee?

Some applicants are not required to pay a fee . This includes visa-required spouses and certain family members of EEA citizens (including Irish nationals) provided that proof of the relationship is provided with the application. In addition, applicants from some countries are not required to pay a fee. As this can change from time to time, you should check with your local Irish embassy or consulate, or with the Visa Office.  

Information about visas is available from your nearest Irish embassy or consulate .

Visa Office

Immigration Service Delivery Department of Justice 13-14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 D02 XK70 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

• Visas for tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days). 2024.5258
• Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more. 1880.3528
• Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more. 1825.5812

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Cancellation and Refund Policy
• Subscribe to our Newsletter

British-Irish Visa Scheme

If you’re a citizen and resident in China or India, you may be eligible for the British-Irish visa scheme that lets you visit both countries without a single visa.

Contact us today via  (+353) 061 518 025  for immediate guidance on your Irish visa, immigration, and citizenship processing. We are here to help you in person, via the phone, or online.

Read our 899 reviews

Request a call back from our immigration experts

• Our Services
• Content /Overview
• Related Pages

Benefits of Choosing IAS ‘ Ireland Immigration Lawyers

When it comes to obtaining an Ireland visa or permit, IAS Ireland immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help you achieve your goal.

Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.

In-house document checks done by lawyers who are well-versed in Ireland immigration matters.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme?

This is a reciprocal agreement and memorandum of understanding between the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was launched in June 2014. The aim of the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) is to foster tourism in both countries.

It follows the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver program that permits nationals of 18 countries to enter Ireland with UK visas. The difference is that the British-Irish Visa Scheme allows travel in two directions: into Ireland and the UK.

As a reciprocal agreement, it means that the UK will recognize Ireland’s short-stay visas and vice versa. Hence, an Irish short-visa holder won’t need to get a British visa to enter the UK. The scheme is open to nationals of particular countries and allows applicants to travel freely through the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The scheme also allows free travel to Northern Ireland. However, it restricts access to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. China and India are currently the only countries the scheme supports.

Irish and UK Visas Eligible for British-Irish Scheme

The British-Irish Visa Scheme only recognizes short-stay visas. As mentioned earlier, the scheme is only open to Chinese and Indian nationals. They also must be residing in China or India, respectively.

If you meet these conditions, you can enter the UK under the British-Irish Visa scheme if you have:

• An Irish Family/Friend Visa
• An  Irish Tourist Visa
• An Irish Conference/Event Visa
• An  Irish Business Visa

In the same vein, you can enter Ireland under the British-Irish Visa Scheme if you have:

• A UK  Standard Visitor Visa
• A UK  Business Visitor Visa
• A UK  Child Visitor Visa
• A UK Prospective Entrepreneur Visitor Visa
• A UK Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
• A UK  Student Visitor Visa
• A UK  paid engagement visa

If you possess any other Irish or  UK visa  that doesn’t fall into the above categories, you’ll need to apply for a separate visa to enter Ireland or the UK. For example, you cannot enter the UK under the British-Irish Visa Scheme with an Irish work or study visa.

A UK visit visa that are valid for more than six months are not eligible for this scheme as they’re not short-stay visas. Also, children under 18 years cannot travel between Ireland and the UK under the British-Irish Visa Scheme unless they are in the company of an adult.

Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to receive assistance with your Irish visa application.

The UK Immigration rules and requirements of the British-Irish Visa Scheme

The British-Irish Visa Scheme requires all participants to be more than 18 years old. Also, they must have any of the Short Stay/visit visas listed above. Several other rules and visa requirements apply to this scheme.

If you have an Irish short-stay visa, for instance, you must first travel to Ireland before you can enter the Common Travel Area (CTA) in the UK. The rule states that you must first visit the country whose visa you’re carrying. When you want to return to Ireland or the UK, you won’t need a re-entry visa.

Another rule to note is that you can only engage in the activities your visa allows. If you’re carrying an Irish short-stay family/friend visa, for instance, you cannot engage in business or paid work of any kind. In addition, there are limits to the duration of your Irish/UK visa depending on the issuing country and the country you’ll be entering. They include:

• With an eligible UK visa, you can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 180 days.
• With an eligible Irish visa, you can only stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days.
• With an eligible UK visa, you can only stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days. Also, it could count as the remaining validity period of your visa.
• With an eligible Irish visa, you can only stay in the UK for the remaining validity period of your visa. For example, if you have an Irish visa that’s valid for 90 days and stay in Ireland for 30 days before entering the UK, you can only reside in the UK for 60 days.

Required documents for British-Irish Visa Scheme

Eligibility for the British-Irish visa scheme depends on the visa you’re carrying. Hence, the required documents are different for each visa type and country. The required documents for a short stay business visa will be different from that of a family/friend visa. Also, Irish and UK embassies may have different required documents.

Nevertheless, the submission of documents is an important part of the Irish and UK visa process. Documents are reviewed with scrutiny to ensure an applicant is qualified before they get their visa.

Therefore, you must make sure you provide all necessary documents as requested by the embassy or consulate. Generally, you would need to have a visa application summary sheet, international passport, proof of fees payment, and proof that you’ll return home when your visa expires.

How to apply

First, you have to acquire an eligible visa. You must apply for your visa from your home country and with the embassy of the country you intend to travel to first. If you’re an Indian or Chinese national not living in India or China, respectively, you can’t apply for this visa.

If all your documents are intact, it’ll take a few weeks to get a decision on your short-stay visa. Once you have your visa, you can apply for the British-Irish Visa Scheme. There are joint application centers in India and China. You just have to find somewhere closest to you. You can either submit your application after getting your visa or apply while your visa application is processed.

How to re-enter the country

As mentioned earlier, you don’t need a re-entry visa if you enter the UK from Ireland and wish to re-enter Ireland. This is true as long as you travel within the CTA.

If you leave the common travel entry area, you can no longer enter Ireland or the UK if you have a single entry Irish visa. For that, you’ll have to apply for a new visa. If you have a multi-entry Irish visa, you can re-enter Ireland if you leave the CTA and then subsequently enter the UK so long as your visa is still valid.

UK visa holders that leave the CTA, can re-enter the UK and then enter Ireland if your visa is still valid.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

1420 86579 1 Ireland Visas

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Editorial team.

This content was developed by a team of writers, SEO specialists, editors, and lawyers who provide valuable information to those with immigration queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the british-irish visa scheme (bivs) different from the irish short stay visa waiver programme.

The British-Irish Visa Scheme is only for Chinese and Indian citizens and residents. Meanwhile, the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme is for citizens of certain Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries. It allows eligible persons with short-stay UK visas to visit Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish visa.

How long is the BIVS visa valid for?

The validity of your BIVS-endorsed visa varies depending on the issuing country and where you visit. For example, a short-stay Irish visa is limited to 90 days, while that of the UK is 180 days.

Even if you hold a six-month UK visa, you can only stay in Ireland for 90 days. Likewise, if you have a 90-day Ireland visa and spend half of it in Ireland before visiting the UK, you can only stay in the UK for the number of days left on your Irish visa.

I do not require a visa to enter Ireland; can I still visit the UK?

Only Chinese and Indian nationals can apply for the British-Irish Visa Scheme. Even if you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to enter Ireland, you may still need one to enter the UK. Similarly, those who do not require a visa to enter the UK may require one to enter Ireland.

Which country do I travel home from?

You can travel back to China or India from the UK or Ireland. What’s important is that you must travel before your visa validity expires.

What if I just want to go to the UK or just Ireland?

You should apply for the usual UK or Irish visa. If you don’t want to visit both countries. As a national and resident of China and India, it’s not compulsory that you partake in the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

Note that if you obtain a UK Visa without the BIVS endorsement, you will not be permitted to enter the Republic of Ireland. If you want to visit Ireland, you may need to reapply in your home country or obtain a second Irish Visitor Visa.

What our clients are saying

We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists

OISC Accredited UK Immigration lawyers

We’ve had over 9000 applications approved

We are now open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6pm.

How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.

Get in Touch

Head Office:

Immigration Advice Service Ashwood House, Ellen Street Oldham, OL9 6QR, United Kingdom

Head Office Phone:

We have over 12 offices across the world, find a branch near you.

Related pages for your continued reading

Irish Work Visas

Looking to work in Ireland or obtain a work visa for your employee? We can help. Learn more here.

Irish Residency

There are a few routes to permanent or long-term residency in Ireland. Click here to explore them.

Irish Family Visas

IAS Ireland immigration lawyers can help you reunite with your family in Ireland. Contact us today for support.

Irish Business Visas

You may need a business visa in order to establish and run a business in Ireland Click here to learn more.

Irish Study Visas

If you want to study in Ireland, you may need to obtain a study visa. Click here to learn more about Ireland’s study visas.

Irish Visitor Visas

Are you looking to visit Ireland for tourism, to see family/friends, for business meetings, or any other reason? Reach out to us to discuss.

In the news

Get in touch with our team

Learn about our professional services and find out how we can help.

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Can I travel to Ireland? The rules for travelling from the UK right now

Ireland is part of the common travel area. This means that, even when there were Covid-related quarantine rules for international arrivals entering   England , Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland in place, those travelling from Ireland to the UK didn’t have to quarantine on arrival. 

Since Sunday 6 March 2022, if you are travelling to Ireland, you do not need to show any proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. You do not need to show proof of negative test or Irish passenger locator form receipt regardless of your vaccination status and are not required to quarantine or test on arrival.

So what impact does this have on holidays to Ireland right now? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting at the moment.

Is it legal to travel to Ireland?

Yes. UK residents have been legally allowed to travel for leisure to certain places from Monday 17 May, and from Monday 19 July Ireland has allowed British and US travellers, as well as EU visitors, into the country. Any UK travellers may enter Ireland without proving their vaccination status or presenting a negative test.

What are the entry requirements for Ireland?

There are no entry requirements related to coronavirus in Ireland or Northern Ireland at the time of writing (Monday 14 March 2022).

What are the lockdown restrictions in Ireland?

Since Monday 19 July, international travel has been permitted for Irish citizens and residents. Theatres and cinemas are open, as are galleries, museums, bars, cafés, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and self-catered rentals.

What if I’m travelling from Northern Ireland?

There are no restrictions on travel to or from Northern Ireland into Ireland.

Note: It's always a good idea to check official government entry guidelines before booking or travelling anywhere, as well as to purchase travel insurance with Covid cover that is appropriate for your destination.

Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Ireland offers visa-free travel to citizens of many countries © David Levingstone / Getty Images

Visiting Ireland is a cinch if you’re visiting from a country that requires no visa or with whom Ireland has a visa waiver agreement. If you are visiting from a country with a visa requirement, then things can get a little more complicated, but here’s what you need to know to get you started.

Ireland is a small island, but it is home to two jurisdictions – which means two sets of immigration laws. Let us talk you through how it works.

This article was first published Mar 23, 2021 and updated Mar 30, 2024.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Aug 16, 2024 • 9 min read

To visitors, New Zealand can feel comfortingly familiar and completely strange all at once. Here are some key things to know before you go.

Aug 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Aug 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Aug 1, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 31, 2024 • 4 min read

Jul 30, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 24, 2024 • 8 min read

Jul 17, 2024 • 18 min read

• 020 4538 5124
• Meet the Team

Can I Travel to Ireland With UK Student Visa?

Ireland is a beautiful country, with a lush green landscape, a long history of the arts and music, and plenty of great food and drink. So if you’re staying in the UK, you should definitely try to visit Ireland while you’re so close.

But when you travel, wherever it is in the world, your passport is the most important document, and any visas you have are usually irrelevant. However, the island of Ireland is divided into two: the Republic in the South and the State of Northern Ireland in the North. So can you visit any of Ireland with a UK student visa, and if so, which part?

Let’s take a look now.

Who Can Enter Ireland without a Visa

Ireland is a part of the EU and is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK, so some citizens can enter Ireland without needing a visa for up to 90 days, including:

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Citizens of the UK can go to Ireland indefinitely, living, working and studying without the need for a visa or residence permit. Since 25 February 2022, Ukrainian citizens can also travel to Ireland without needing a visa.

Citizens from other nations will have to apply for some kind of visa to visit Ireland. To visit for less than 90 days, you can apply for a Short Stay Type C visa online. Once you have applied, pay the 60€ or 100€ application fee (depending on if you are applying for a single or multi-entry visa) and submit your travel documents to the address given to you at the end of your application. It usually takes up to 8 weeks to receive your visa or a rejection letter.

If successful, your passport will be sent back to you with a certificate indicating the type of visa you have to visit Ireland, which you will need to present at passport control.

Travelling to Ireland with a UK Visa

You need to have a British passport, i.e. be a British citizen to be able to move freely to and from Ireland or move there to work or study. If you have a foreign passport and British residency, it’s your passport that counts when you apply for an Irish visa. However, if you have a Standard Visitor visa for the UK, if your visa is marked with BIVS, you can enter Ireland for up to 90 days without needing a separate visa.

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) allows citizens from certain countries to get a short-stay visit visa for either Ireland or the UK and visit both countries without needing to get a visit visa for the other. So if you apply for a Standard Visitor visa for the UK and indicate in your travel plans you wish to visit Ireland, you may receive a visa with BIVS, allowing you to also visit Ireland, and vice versa.

A UK Student visa is a long-term visa , usually given from 2 years to 5 years depending on the course , so it is not applicable in this scenario, and foreign students in the UK would need to apply for an Ireland visit visa to be able to travel to the country, unless they are from the EU or EEA.

However, as the island is split between two countries, foreign nationals with a visa in the UK can visit Northern Ireland without needing an extra visa.

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

In the 1500s, Great Britain ruled over the whole island of Ireland, but due to the religious divide between the large population of Catholics and the Protestant King Henry VIII, there were several centuries of power struggles on the island. Great Britain divided the country in two in 1920 , with a predominantly Protestant North and a predominantly Catholic South and finally became a republic in 1949.

Although there were many years of violence following the division of Ireland, the country is now rather peaceful and a popular place to visit for tourists from all over the world.

There is a border between the countries, although it’s known as a ‘soft border’. If you’re from the UK or EU, you can pass the border easily by showing your ID. However, if you’re from another country, you should have your passport and Irish visa ready to show at the border. You cannot cross the border without the appropriate visa.

Travelling with a UK Student Visa

If you are staying in the UK with a Student visa, you cannot enter the Republic of Ireland without a visa, unless you are from one of the exempted countries. You can travel to Northern Ireland with a UK Student visa , as it is part of the UK, however, you may not cross the border into Ireland.

If you wish to travel while staying in the UK as a student and have the appropriate visas for the countries you wish to travel to, you can leave and reenter the UK with a Student visa. However, you are only permitted to travel with a UK Student visa during vacation periods. Any absence from your course should be approved by your educational institution before you travel so you have a document to show to avoid problems at UK border control.

Different UK institutes have different term times and vacation periods, so it’s advisable to keep an official copy of your term dates on you as well as your student ID and a letter from your institution’s principal or your personal tutor to prove you have permission to travel even outside of term time.

You can also travel when your course has finished if you still have time left on your UK visa, but you may also need to provide evidence that you have finished your course when passing border control.

If you need to travel to Ireland as part of your course, for example as a school trip, your principal needs to apply for permission to bring a school group, and you can apply for a visa waiver so you may travel to Ireland with your school group.

Applying for a UK Student Visa

When you apply for a Student visa, you need to gather the right documents to prove you meet the eligibility requirements , submit your application online, pay the application fee and IHS fee and wait for 3 to 8 weeks for the Home Office to process your documents.

It may seem easy to get a Student visa when the steps are listed as such, but securing a place at a UK institute can be a difficult first hurdle. Before submitting your application, you need an offer from an eligible educational institute to sponsor you to the UK. For this, you’ll need excellent grades, attendance and potential.

Another key factor affecting your ability to get a Student visa is your finances. You need to show:

• £1,334 per month for courses in London
• £1,023 per month for courses outside London

This must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before you start your application, as well as enough money to cover your course fees, or a letter from a loan company or sponsor, indicating your course fees will be paid.

As of January 2024, you may also only bring close family members if you are studying an eligible course .

Your Rights as a UK Student Visa Holder

Student visas can be refused , but if your application is successful, you’ll receive your permit to enter the UK with the length of your permission to stay. You may extend the visa if necessary to complete your studies.

While studying in the UK, you may also work , however, the number of hours is determined by your age, qualification level, and term dates. No student can work more than 20 hours a week during term time, and you may work full-time during the holidays. Full-time is no more than 48 hours a week for over 18-year-olds and 40 hours a week for under 18-year-olds.

Need Visa Help? Contact Synergy Immigration Solutions

Navigating the UK visa process can be hard. Luckily, Synergy Immigration Solutions is here to help everyone get their UK visas. Contact us for more information !

synergyisadmin

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Entering and staying in the UK

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA): residents of Ireland

If you're eligible for an ETA, you may be exempt from the requirement to get one if you live in Ireland.

If you’re a national of a country eligible for an ETA , you do not need an ETA if both of the following apply:

• you’re legally resident in Ireland
• you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

The only people who can currently apply for an ETA are nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

If you’re a national of another country, check if you need a visa .

You should bring proof you live in Ireland. Any of these can be used:

• Irish driving licence
• Irish learner permit
• medical card
• GP visit card
• European Health Insurance Card
• Irish Residence Permit
• Permanent Residence Certificate
• National Age Card

The document must be:

• an original
• issued by the Irish government
• valid at the time you travel

If you’re under 16, you do not need to bring proof you live in Ireland.

Updates to this page

Sign up for emails or print this page, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Best UK beaches you need to visit this summer - 12 of the most stunning spots

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer weather and head off in search of sun, sea and sand - and here in the UK, we certainly aren't short of options

• 05:00, 18 Aug 2024

During the summer , there is truly nothing better than getting together with your family and friends and heading off to the beach for a day of sun, sea and sand.

Whether you're in search of a prime sunbathing spot, a new place to explore or just a scenic location for a picnic, you really can't go wrong with a beach visit. And thankfully, here in the UK, there are countless beautiful spots to choose from all over our island.

But if the choice is simply too overwhelming, don't panic - as we have put together a list of the very best beaches all over the UK that you should add to your list to visit before the summer is out.

From Wales to the Wirral, here are 12 UK beaches that all boast stunning natural beauty where a fun day out is guaranteed.

READ MORE: Stunning walk from pretty UK town taking in waterfalls, peaks and a cave

West Shore Beach, Llandudno

A real 'hidden gem' close to the ever-popular North Shore Beach, this tranquil oasis boasts all of the beauty but with fewer crowds.

The stunning sheltered cove is surrounded by picturesque sand dunes and is a fantastic place to escape from the busy attractions in Llandudno and find some peace.

On the beach, you'll spot gorgeous views of the Conwy Estuary and Snowdonia in the distance. It's great for paddling too, although there are no lifeguards, which is something to keep in mind.

And if you like walking, you can join the Wales Coast Path, or climb up the nearby Great Orme headland. There's also a café with parking and toilet facilities by the beach.

Thurstaston Beach, Wirral

The gorgeous beach sits on the Dee Estuary shoreline, looking toward Wales and the Clwydian Hills with breathtaking views that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Lying below clay cliffs, this sand and shingle beach is protected from eyesores and overcrowding, making it the perfect scenic spot to visit.

And there's so much to see and do nearby too. Just behind the beach you'll find the Wirral Country Park, a large area of parkland with woods and picnic areas that also has a cafe and ample parking for the beach.

Also running behind the beach is the Wirral Way- a walking trail that follows the old railway line.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

This beach in Rye truly looks like something straight out of a film. Covered in fine, golden sands and boasting the only sand dunes in the whole of East Sussex, it's definitely a location to add to your list.

According to the UK beach guide, the best section of beach is the western end, near where the River Rother empties into the sea. This is where you'll find the most sand, whilst further along the beach, shingle becomes more common.

Situated around two hours from London, it's perfect for a beachy escape - and it's a big one too, stretching nearly five miles east of the village. It could be worth packing a windbreak if you're heading here as it can get quite blustery - and because of this, it's a popular windsurfing spot.

Nairn Beach, Moray

If you're looking for a real slice of paradise, look no further than Nairn Beach. Located east of Inverness, this oasis boasts turquoise waters accompanied by white sandy beaches and scenic surroundings.

You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, or if you're looking for a bit of adventure, try some water sports like surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.

There's also a playpark for kids nearby and two championship golf courses if that's your thing. And of course, no beach trip would be complete without stopping off for some fish and chips or ice cream.

There are plenty of food stalls around, so it's definitely worth a visit.

Saltburn Beach, Yorkshire

Not to be confused with the fictional stately home featured in the hit 2023 film, Saltburn beach is a fabulous location within a seaside resort that is very popular with visitors.

Saltburn’s shingle and sandy beach boasts a Victorian Pier that extends 200 metres out to sea, and a unique water powered Cliff Lift for easy access down the banking to the pier that still functions today.

If you like water sports, this is the perfect place to catch some waves. Raving about the beach, one person on Tripadvisor said: "Really lovely quaint place with lots of history to still see. Lovely beach and great ice creams on the front!! Loved the beach huts and the wonderful pier."

West Sands Beach, St Andrews

Another Scottish gem not to be missed this summer. Famous for its appearance in the opening credits of the film Chariots of Fire, the beach extends for almost two miles of uninterrupted sand, backed with dunes and the world-renowned golf courses.

It's very popular for walking and running as well as for swimming. The beach is just a 15 minute walk from the town centre and there is plenty of car parking.

Shops and restaurants are close by and there are plenty of things to do if the weather isn't on your side, including the British Golf Museum and the nearby castle and cathedral.

Blackpool Sands, Devon

This spot has been hailed as one of the UK's most Instagrammable beaches , and it's easy to see why.

Situated in Dartmouth, South Devon, this Blue Flag-awarded beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you're planning to visit with the family or just on your own, Blackpool Sands has something for everyone.

The calm seas are perfect for swimming and watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. There's even saunas that you can hire, which are especially popular with wild swimmers in the cooler months.

Rhossili Bay, Swansea

This beautiful beach located in the Gower Peninsula is the first in the UK to be awarded Britain's best beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for the second year running - and it's not hard to see why.

Rhossili Bay is made up of three miles of sandy shoreline, a huge expanse of which is exposed at low tide. Surfing is increasingly popular here as this is one of the most exposed beaches in Wales picking up any Atlantic swell.

The beach is also famous for several remarkable landmarks. When the tide goes out, the remains of the Helvetia, which shipwrecked here in 1887, can be seen on the beach. Visitors will be treated to the sight of grey seals sunning themselves on the rocks.

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Weymouth is an award-winning sandy beach overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront at the heart of the Jurassic Coastline.

The waters within this sheltered bay are perfect for swimming and water sports, meaning people of all ages will love it here.

And if you're hungry, there are plenty of places to eat nearby, as well as fun things to do like pedalos and sand sculptures to see.

Waxholme Beach, Hull

If you fancy going somewhere that's a little off the beaten track, then this is the place to be. This 'hidden' beach on the East Yorkshire coast is perfect for a bit of peace and quiet this summer.

In fact, it's said that many locals in Yorkshire have never even heard of it. Compared to other popular beaches such as Hornsea or Withernsea, but it's all part of the charm.

The sandy beach surrounded by sea cliffs with a broad tide, and you can spot marine birds and if you're fortunate, sea mammals. Whales have been known to traverse this part of the Yorkshire coast.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

Luskentyre sands is found on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, and it's a real-life slice of paradise.

It's is one of the largest and often described as the most spectacular beaches on Harris. Named one of the UK’s best beaches in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Luskentyre sands boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue water that is perfect for paddling.

Raving about the beach, one Tripadvisor user said: "Luskentyre Bay is a little slice of Maldives on the coast of the Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides - honestly worth the drive." Nearby activities include hillwalking, cycling and much more.

Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland

This pristine sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes is perfect if you want to take a long, windswept walk along its shores.

But what really makes Bamburgh beach stand out though is the breathtaking castle dominating the skyline behind the beach, dating back centuries.

Walk along this beach heading north and you'll find Stags Rocks, named this because of the white stags painted on them, with some rock pools and a lighthouse to explore as well.

Again, this beach is ideal for surfing, and is often regarded as one of the most consistent spots on the coast.

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

MORE ON West Lothian Days out Staycation

Can we send you the mirror travel newsletter with weekly travel news and inspiration.

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Germany Work Visa

European Romantic Getaways

Delhi Yamuna Water Alert

Long Weekend Getaways

Delhi Traffic Advisory

Maasai Mara National Reserve

From Uluru to The Pinnacles: 8 must-see rock formations in Australia

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , AUSTRALIA / Created : Aug 17, 2024, 20:51 IST

You're Reading

Australia's rock formations, including Uluru, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock, and Kata Tjuta, have captivated visitors, offering insights into Earth's history. Other notable formations like the Devils Marbles and Remarkable Rocks displa … Read more

Australia's rock formations, including Uluru, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock, and Kata Tjuta, have captivated visitors, offering insights into Earth's history. Other notable formations like the Devils Marbles and Remarkable Rocks display the effects of natural sculpting over millions of years, highlighting the rich cultural significance of these ancient landmarks. Read less

More from Travel News

Most stunning visa-on-arrival countries for Indians

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

India's best backpacking destinations for adventure enthusiasts TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA

9 living UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA

5 most romantic European getaways, beyond Paris TRAVEL TRENDS

Trending stories.

• 5 reasons why Phuket should be your next travel destination

India's best backpacking destinations for adventure enthusiasts

Top 10 safest cities in the world in 2024

• 48 hours in Amsterdam: An ideal itinerary for a memorable travel experience

• From Hawaii to Oxford: Iconic locations from your favourite blockbuster movies
• 1 From Uluru to The Pinnacles: 8 must-see rock formations in Australia
• 2 5 reasons why Phuket should be your next travel destination
• 3 From Hawaii to Oxford: Iconic locations from your favourite blockbuster movies
• 4 Kaas Plateau: Maharashtra’s floral wonderland and the best time to visit
• 5 48 hours in Amsterdam: An ideal itinerary for a memorable travel experience

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• Heavy rainfall in Rajasthan: Flood-like situation in Jaipur, alerts sounded in multiple districts
• Most beautiful train rides through Canada’s countryside
• Kaas Plateau: Maharashtra’s floral wonderland and the best time to visit
• A trip to paradise: 5 most magical villages to explore in Japan
• 5 quintessential Italian experiences: A journey through Italy’s timeless charms
• 10 must-see destinations in Switzerland for first-time visitors

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

Australia's rock formations, including Uluru, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock, and Kata Tjuta, have captivated visitors, offering insights into Earth's history. Other notable formations like the Devils Marbl...