Questions about Americans entering Ireland...please help?

Question

1) I know that Americans do not need a visa to enter Ireland, but if an American is going to study in Ireland at University does she need a student visa prior to entering Ireland? Does she need one at all? Or does she have to see the Guarda after entry and apply for student status?

2) If an American enters Ireland as a tourist for 90 days and during her stay she plans on leaving to visit another country and then come back into Ireland, is she then entering on the same 90 day duration as before? Or does she enter on a new 90 day duration?

Would she need a multi entry visa?

3) Is there any limit to how many times a year an American can visit/enter Ireland? (each time staying under 90 days)

4) If an American enters Ireland on a 4 month work permit, while on the work permit she applies, accepts and pays funds for an Irish Unversity , could she then go to the Guarda and apply for extended stay as a student? or does the American have to leave after the work permit ends, go back to US and then re-enter Ireland?

5) Can a tourist after being in the country for 40 days, go to the Guarda and seek extended stay for student status if she will enter irish university in 2 months' time?

Answer 1

1) If a U.S. citizen wishes to study in Ireland then they will not need not need a student visa. Just arrive at the port of entry with the following:

- Passport

- Round-trip ticket (if your course of study is less than 6 months)

- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay.

- A letter of acceptance and registration from the school which states the duration and that all of fees have been paid.

- Provide proof that you have full medical insurance for the duration of your stay.

http://www.irelandemb.org/howto.html

2) As a U.S citizen you are not required to hold a visa to enter Ireland and if you wish to leave and visit another country you may then return to Ireland at any point within the valid 90 days and a re-entry visa is not required to do so.

For example if you stay in Ireland for 20 days and the leave to visit another country, you have 70 days to re-enter Ireland.  If for example you then spend 10 days outside of Ireland that is 30days. So when you re-enter Ireland you will 30days left to stay.

3) No there is no limited to the number of times a U.S. citizen or any other citizen can visit/enter Ireland.

4) I am not 100% sure on this question. Ireland is funny country regarding such matters, they may or they may not. All I know is that persons intending to stay for longer than 90 days are required to seek permission from the Department of Justice, Equality and  Law Reform within the first 90days following their entry - preferably within a few days of their arrival.

If you are seeking this permission you should report for registration to the Guarda or if outside of the Dublin area, to their local Police Office.

I would assume this process would be the same to extend your stay from a 4 month work permit to the length of your studies. I would certainly inquire about this either before you travel or while you are there before you make any payments to an Irish University.

5) See question 4.

If you would like any more help, guidance and/or clarification then feel free to contact me directly either via email or messenger.

Edit:

My mistake as I was under the impression that you were a U.S. resident and not a U.S. citizen as it states quite clearly that U.S. citizens do not require a visa for any such entry into Ireland, which I thought you knew. So I answered them assuming you were a resident.

My answers have been amended. My apologies.

Answer 2

I don't know, but you could try contacting the people below to find out:

Visa Office:

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service

Opening Hours:Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Tel:+ 353 1 6167700

Locall:1890 551 500

Homepage:http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP0...

Email:[e-mail]

Garda National Immigration Bureau:

Opening Hours:Mon to Thurs inclusive: 8am to 10pm

Tel:[phone]

Fax:[phone]

Homepage:http://www.garda.ie/angarda/gnib.html

Email:[e-mail]