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Visas for Ireland

Important visa information

The current processing time for visas at the Embassy of Ireland Kampala is eight weeks. Submission is STRICTLY on appointment, requested by emailing kampalaconsular@dfa.ie.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications in a timely manner, with due regard to their travel plans and bearing in mind this processing time.

  • All information, including what documents are required, is available at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/. The Embassy strongly encourages all applicants to carefully read this website and ensure they have fulfilled all requirements before submitting their application. Incomplete applications may result in refusals and delays in processing time.
  • Visas are assessed on a “first come, first served” basis and in light of travel dates. This approach is implemented to ensure all visa applications are assessed in a timely, fair and transparent manner. There are no exceptions to this approach. Consideration may be given to a limited number of emergency situations on a case-by-case basis. Visa applications submitted with less than eight weeks until travel date do not constitute emergencies.
  • The Embassy is committed to being responsive, professional and supportive in our contact. However, it is not possible to provide regular updates on the status of a visa applications. Repeated requests on this topic risk slowing the process down for all applicants due to the time taken to respond.
  • Parents wishing to accompany a child over 18 who is travelling to study in Ireland should apply for a separate visa category in their own right which meets their specific requirements.
  • If an individual who is an accredited diplomat is travelling on personal business then they cannot use their diplomatic passport as they must use their private passport, pay the appropriate visa processing fees and will be considered in the same manner as all other applications received. If an applicant only holds one passport, they must provide official notification of this with their application.
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Who needs a visa

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available on IrishImmigration.ie

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

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Types of Visa and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service. 

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How to apply

You need to:

  • Complete the online application form
  • This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign and date.
  • Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.
  • Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living. The summary application form will direct you to the relevant Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service Visa Decision Weekly Listing using your reference number.

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision on the visa application has been made.

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Visa appeals

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service.

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On arrival in Ireland

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available on IrishImmigration.ie. 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available on IrishImmigration.ie.

Information on travelling with children is available on IrishImmigration.ie.

Information on transiting through Ireland is available on IrishImmigration.ie.

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Fees

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.

See the below Payment details section for further information on fees and payments.

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Payment details

We accept the following forms of payment:

Please note that Ugandan nationals are exempt from paying visa application fees, along with a number of other nationalities, and immediate family members of Irish citizens are also exempt.

For most nationalities, including Rwandans, a non-refundable fee is applicable. Please see here for a list of visa fees payable and a full list of countries exempted from payment.

Payments to the Embassy should be made by bank transfer in Ugandan shillings or Euro. The Embassy cannot accept cash or card payments. As exchange rates vary, please contact the Embassy before submitting your application to find out the correct exchange rate for that month. Please note the rate quoted by the Embassy may differ from that quoted by other sources. If applying from Rwanda, payment must be made in Euro.

Bank details

Bank: Absa Bank Uganda Limited

Account name: Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland Development Cooperation

Euro Account number: 6007108778

UGX Account number: 6007108751

Swift code: BARCUGKX

Sort code: 010147

Please note:

  • Any visa fee payments received are non-refundable.
  • Please include a copy of bank deposit slip with submitted documents. An application will proceed only once receipt of payment has been confirmed.
  • Bank charges and any applicable transfer fees are borne by the applicant.
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