visit visa to singapore from ireland

Entering, Transiting and Departing

Entering Singapore

To ensure a smooth journey, travellers seeking to enter Singapore should comply with the Entry and Public Health requirements listed below.

1) General Entry Requirements

To enter Singapore, travellers must meet the following immigration requirements:

i) Passport Validity

Have minimum 6-month passport validity if you are not a Singapore passport holder
Short term travellers holding a passport or travel document from a visa-required country/region must apply for a Visa
Visa-required travellers can use the Visa-Free Transit Facility for stay of less than 96 hours in Singapore, if eligible

iii) Security and Immigration Processes on Arrival

Ensure that you do not bring prohibited items into Singapore
Familiarise yourself with immigration/customs clearance procedures , including whether you are eligible for automated clearance
Short-Term travellers should have sufficient cash and proof of onward travel (tickets, visas), and ensure that you do not stay beyond your visit pass validity. You may retrieve your e-Pass after arrival using the e-Pass Enquiry Portal or check your visit pass validity using the visit pass validity tool .
Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and
Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders entering via land checkpoints.

Submission of SGAC is Free and can be done via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app . Please refer to SGAC with Electronic Health Declaration for more information.

Short Term Visitors

Visitors who wish to stay beyond the period of stay granted can apply for a visit pass extension online using the e-Service . Applications are subject to approval.
Travellers on short-term visit pass are also not permitted to engage in any business, professional or paid employment activities when in Singapore. Overstaying is also a punishable offence in Singapore.

2) Public Health Requirements

To avoid tests and quarantine, travellers must fulfil the public health requirements below. Travellers who cannot meet the public health requirements and refuse any test(s) and/or quarantine may be turned away from Singapore.

Produce an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever , if you have visited any country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission in the six (6) days prior to arrival in Singapore.

Travellers must serve quarantine for six (6) days from date of departure from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission if they cannot meet the requirement. Quarantine also applies to those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination e.g., children aged one year and below and individuals with contraindications, and travellers whose yellow fever vaccination certificate has yet to become valid.

There are no longer any COVID-19 measures for travellers arriving in Singapore from 13 Feb 2023 , regardless of vaccination status or traveller profile.

Getting to Singapore

Family of five with lugguage walking across lobby of Sinagpore Cruise Center

Make the most of your trip to Singapore with this guide to important information, tips and advice for an enjoyable visit to our sunny island.

About Us CIBTvisas Global Offices Immigration Services CIBTvisas Global Leadership CIBTvisas Careers Contact CIBTvisas
Travel Visas Do I need a visa? Expedited Visa Solutions Travel Visa FAQs Corporate Travel Solutions
Passports Same Day Passport Passport Renewal First-Time Passport Child Passport Passport FAQs
Document Authentication Export Trade Documents Apostille Legalisations Translations Notarization
Resources Latest Entry Requirements By Destination Travel and Immigration Blog Informed Traveler: custom info about entry, health, and quarantine
Services Global Immigration Services CIBTvisas Service Directory Learn More About Our Services Corporations Cruise Lines Tour Operators Onsite Services All Partner Solutions Learn More About Our Client Solutions
Your Order Check Order Status View Invoice Upload Documents

Start Your Singapore Visa Application Now

Fast. CIBTvisas specialises in securing Singapore visas and can help you secure a Singapore visa.
Easy. CIBTvisas is the easiest way to get a visa and can secure in as little as one day. We process Singapore visas at the Singapore Embassy every day for residents of the UK.

Singapore Visa FAQs

When is the best time to apply for my Singapore visa? The best time to apply for your Singapore visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion.

Do I have to send you my passport to get a Singapore visa? Is it safe to send a passport? Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Singapore visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application by a secure method, such as a guaranteed postal service or courier.

Important Information

Sample of the business travel requirements for an singapore visa for irish citizens.

Visa Exempt

Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of sufficient funds
Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets
Hold documents showing proof of purpose of trip
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change

Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for an Singapore Visa for Irish Citizens

Travel Visas
Document Authentication

CIBT Around the world

netherlands
switzerland
United Kingdom
United States

Top Destinations

Russia Visa
Nigeria Visa
Australia Visa
Indonesia Visa
Saudi Arabia Visa
Vietnam Visa
003 5315 886 820
Learn More About Our Client Solutions
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Copyright 2024

Embassy of Ireland, Singapore

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Singapore website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at Ireland.ie/singapore/embassy .

Visa Information

COVID 19 Update – Visa Service

As of 13 September 2021 we are now accepting both short stay visa and long stay visa applications.

Further information is available on the following website Home - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie)

Please note that the Embassy is not open for applicants without an appointment.

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 here

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.

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 .

Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available here .

Information on coming to work in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to study in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to join family in Ireland is available here .

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

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.

Check the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information on how to submit your application for processing

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

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.

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 here .

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

Information on travelling with children is available here .

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here .

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

You can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods

Payment Details

We accept the following forms of payment:

Visa application fees are non-refundable, whether or not your visa is granted. They are payable in local currency at our Embassy in Singapore

Payment by cash is acceptable for applications presented in person at the Embassy in Singapore.

You can pay by cheque payable to “Embassy of Ireland” for applications submitted in Singapore.

It is important to provide a full postal return address (not a P.O. Box address) and a contact number for all applications.

If you are not able to collect documents personally, you may arrange collection by your representative. In this case, a letter authorising the person to collect your documents on your behalf should be provided to the Embassy. You may also arrange for a courier to collect your documents; however you do so at your own risk.

The Embassy cannot accept responsibility for any documents or items lost in transit.

Information Note

An information note has been prepared to assist applicants completing the online application form. This is available in:

The Embassy of Ireland in Singapore accepts applications from visa-required travellers who are normally resident in Singapore, and Brunei. Applications and supporting documentation should be sent to:

Embassy of Ireland

541 Orchard Road

Liat Towers, 8 th Floor

Singapore 238881

Find the right Singapore Visa for your trip with price, requirements, and application time

Having to get a visa to Singapore takes all the fun out of traveling. We are here to get it back. Just apply online below and let us do the rest

Call us FREE

› Singapore Visa
Tourist eVisa
Business eVisa
Cruise Visa
Student Visa
Official Visa

Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for

A visa is not required for this destination.

Singapore fees for citizens of United States of America

Singapore covid-19 travel restrictions, find us near you, to read about singapore visas.

How to get a Singapore tourist visa
Singapore Visa for Indian citizens
Singapore Visa for Russian citizens
Singapore visa processing time
How long can you stay in Singapore without a visa
Singapore business visa validity
Singapore tourist visa from Bangladesh
Singapore business visa requirements for Indian citizens

Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore visa

Singapore embassy list in united states of america, singapore customs.

Whooops! Server is in the spirit world. Please, try again later

Refresh the page

Foreigners planning a business trip to Singapore will need a Singapore business visa if they are not from visa-free countries. This page contains information about the business visa of Singapore but bears in mind that the process is always updated periodically, so do your due diligence before submitting your application.

Traveling To Singapore

Singapore is an Island nation located in the Far East region of Asia. The country is one of the most industrialized nations on the earth's surface, with a highly skilled population and an advanced service sector. Boasting a robust economy and a thriving community of expatriates, the country is one of the best on the ease of doing business rank. Due to its strategic location, quality infrastructure, and high living standards, it has become one of the top business destinations for investors looking for emerging opportunities.

What Is A Business Visa To Singapore?

A business visa is a document issued to foreigners from non-visa-exempt countries. Citizens on the visa-exempt list do not require visas, but those from non-visa-exempt countries do. The Singapore visa allows the holder to enter the Island and do business for a period.

A business visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 2 years and allows you to stay for 39 days. Interested visitors are advised to apply for the visa at least two weeks before their planned travel date. The good thing about holding a business visa is that you can also visit family and friends on the Island, not only for business purposes.

Processing Time

You can receive the visa at least 5-7 working days after the embassy receives your application.

Singapore Business Visa Eligibility

Only applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements will be issued a visa.

Clear intentions: Your intentions for visiting the country should only be for a short time, not extended stays.

Financially Capable: You must be financially capable and show evidence of that effect. A statement of account will be requested.

Return Home: You must show evidence that you intend to return to your home country after your visit because you have strong family ties.

Character & Health: You must be of good character and provide a Valid and signed police report to that effect. You must also meet the minimum health requirements of the health ministry of Singapore.

Singapore Business Visa Requirements

Find below the documents required for a business visa to enter Singapore

Completed Form V39: You must complete the business visa application form. Make sure you only provide valid information and sign it.

Passport: A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least two blank pages for Singaporean immigrants to place their stamps.

Invitation Letter: The host inviting you to Singapore must issue a signed letter attached to your application.

Cover Letter: A Signed cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip.

Confirmed Ticket: A confirmed Air ticket for the return trip to your home country.

Bank Statement: A bank statement for the last six months sealed with the official seal of the bank

Aside from these documents, additional documents may be requested, such as a hotel reservation and a travel health insurance certificate, depending on the country you are coming from. You may be asked to provide an employment card or proof of business registration, among other things.

Important Notice

Singapore business visas are issued to applicants under the condition that the visitor enters the country for the purpose for which the visa is issued and that they will remain law abiding throughout their stay in the country. Holders of business visas are not allowed to work in Singapore as the visa doesn't qualify them for work permits.

Those caught engaging in any direct paid employment will be sanctioned. Furthermore, visitors are advised not to overstay but must depart on or before the last allowed under their visa conditions.

How To Apply For A Business Visa?

Applicants have two options; one is to visit the Embassy to apply in person, and the other is to apply online. While the embassy option is open to all nationalities, the online option is not. For in-person applications, you will need to book an appointment with the embassy a d submit physical copies of all documents.

For online applications, you don't need to submit hard but soft copies of your documents, which is far more convenient. File these steps to apply for a Singapore business visa online at VisaHQ

Visit VisaHQ

Select Singapore as your destination

Select your country of citizenship

Choose \"Business Visa\" as your preferred visa

Complete the application form

Attach the documents

Pay the visa fee

Submit for processing

The Singapore business visa will be forwarded to your email address. Endeavor to print it out and bring it with you on your trip.

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

Visas for tourists visiting Ireland

Who needs a short-stay visa for ireland, how to apply for a short-stay visa, documents to send for a short-stay visa, decisions and appeals, can i stay longer than 3 months, further information.

If you plan to visit Ireland, you should check if you need a visa .

This page has information on how to apply for a short-stay visa. This is also called a ‘C’ visa and is usually valid for up to 90 days from the issue date of the visa. You apply for a C visa if you plan to come to Ireland:

For tourism
To visit family or friends
To get married
For medical treatment
For short-term study

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, Switzerland or UK and you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you still need to have documents with you to show the reason for your visit. You must present yourself at immigration when you enter Ireland.

Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You apply for a visa online. You complete a separate application for each person travelling, including children. After you have submitted the visa form, you have 30 days to send the supporting documents. It’s a good idea to prepare your documents before completing the form.

You pay a fee of €60 for each application. A multiple entry visa costs €100.

When you have submitted the form, you will get a summary of your application. This includes:

Your visa application transaction number
Your application summary sheet
Details of the application office where you should send your documents

You send the signed summary sheet with your documents.

You must send documents in support of your application. This section has information on the main documents you need to send. You can get more information about documentation on the Irish Immigration Delivery website.

You must send original documents (not photocopies). If your documents are not in English, you must send a certified translation and the original document.

Birth, marriage and death certificates will be returned to you. If you want other pages returned to you, you should include a note with your application that says this. Send a photocopy (in addition to the original) of the page you want returned to you.

If your visa is approved, you must get travel insurance before you travel to Ireland.

Letter of application

You must write a letter that explains why you want to come to Ireland. You should give the details of your trip, including the dates you plan to be here, where you will stay and how you will pay for things while you are here.

You must say in your letter that you will:

Obey the conditions of your visa in full
Leave Ireland before your visa expires
Not rely on public services or become a burden on the State

If you are visiting friends or family your letter should also have:

Their names and addresses
The names and addresses of any of your family who live in Ireland or another country in the EEA or Switzerland, even if you do not plan to visit them

Letter of invitation

If you are visiting someone in Ireland, you should send a letter of invitation written by them. The letter should have information about how they know you, the dates you are visiting them and why they are inviting you to Ireland.

They should include a colour copy of their passport or national identity card. If they are from outside the EEA, Switzerland and UK, they must include a copy of their Irish Resident Permit and the current immigration stamp in their passport.

The letter must also say that they understand you must:

Information about where you will stay

You must include the details of where you will stay. You should include printouts of your booking confirmations. If you are staying with friends, family or colleagues, see ‘letter of invitation’ above.

You must send your current passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland. You must also send a photocopy of each page of all of your previous passports.

Proof of finances

You must show that you have the money you need for your trip. If someone else is paying for your visit (for example a family member), you should send documents to show that they can afford to pay for you.

You don’t need to have a particular or set amount of money to qualify for a short-stay visa.

Passport photos

Include 2 passport photos. You must sign your name and put your visa application transaction number on the back of each photo.

Show that you must return home

You must show that you have strong ties to your home country and that you must return home. This could be family responsibilities, work, education or something else. You should send proof of these responsibilities. For example, if you are working you should send a letter from your employer and recent payslips.

You can read more details of the documents you need on the Immigration Service Delivery website.

If you sent your application to Dublin, you can check visa decisions and waiting times . If you sent your application somewhere else, you can contact the embassy or consulate you sent your documents to for updates on your application. Applications take around 8 weeks, but may take longer.

If your visa application is successful, the visa office will post your passport back to you with the visa attached. The visa will be valid for a particular period. Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You will get a letter that says why your visa application was refused. You can appeal this decision within 2 months.

You are expected to leave the State on or before the date which has been stamped on your passport by the Immigration Officer when you entered.

You can only extend your visa if there is an unexpected change in your circumstances since you entered Ireland.

You cannot get an extension if:

There is no change in circumstances from the time you entered Ireland
There is no change in circumstances from the time you were granted a travel visa
You are in Ireland to seek medical attention
You are seeking a permission to marry in Ireland
You are in Ireland to provide childcare facilities
You wish to live in Ireland full time

Some people do not have to pay the visa fee .

A visa costs:

Single-journey visa : €60

Multiple-journey visa : €100

If you require a visa in order to visit Ireland, your application must be made online .

Irish embassies and consulates

Visa Office

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

Manage cookie preferences

Airport Transfer

Things to do.

Traveloka Accomodation

13 Feb 2023 - 6 min read

From Singapore To Batam: Everything You Need to Know about Batam VTL

Batam VTL - After 25 February 2022, Singaporeans who have been properly immunized against COVID-19 will be able to travel to and from the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan without being subjected to a mandatory quarantine.

Singapore was not the first to open up these islands; on January 24, 2022, the Indonesian government decided to allow tourists and businesspeople access to Batam and Bintan without consulting Singapore. But going there was pointless because you’d have to deal with a 7-day SHN when you got back.

Batam and Bintan will soon be welcoming tourists when President Joko Widodo gives his blessing to a plan coordinated by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Beginning on January 24, 2022, visitors from outside of Indonesia will be permitted entry to Batam and Bintan under certain conditions. No RT-PCR test results are required to be taken prior to departure from the country or region of origin on or after May 18, 2022.

Below, you’ll find all the information you need.

Entrance To Batam via Visa Waiver Program/Visa on Arrival

The Indonesian government has expanded the list of nations and special entities whose residents are eligible for Visa Exemption and Visa On Arrival (VOA) for entry to the Riau Islands for tourism purposes, effective as of 27 July 2022, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In alphabetical order, please find the following list of nations and recognized special entities eligible for the Visa Exemption Arrangement:

Travelers from other countries can bypass the need for a visa at certain immigration checkpoints if they meet the following criteria:

Airport Immigration Control Systems

Checkpoints for Immigrants at Ports

You can read the full Circular Letter Number 25 of 2022 from the COVID-19 Task Force about Health Protocols for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, but here’s a summary of the changes that have been made:

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a Visit Visa Exemption or a Visa on Arrival for Tourist Use.

If you are granted a Visit Visa Exemption or a Visa on Arrival for a Tourist or Business Trip, your entry stamp will also serve as a Visit Stay Permit for the following durations:

Travel From Singapore To Batam/Bintan

Nongsa Sensation (Batam) and Lagoi Bintan Resort (Bintan) are the only locations where eligible guests will be allowed to stay. The Batam View Resort, Montigo Resort, Nongsa Point Marina Resort, and Turi Beach Resort make up the accommodations in the Nonga Sensation bubble region.

Anyone who has spent the previous 14 days in Singapore is exempt from quarantine, regardless of country. Singaporeans can enter Indonesia without a visa, while citizens of other countries may need to do so.

All primary vaccinations must be up to date, with the last dosage given at least 14 days before departure to travelers. Those who get their shots in Singapore won’t have any trouble entering Indonesia, as the country recognizes vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm, among others.

When traveling with fully immunized parents, children under the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccine requirement.

Travelers are required to get a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure. These tests typically cost S$98 in Singapore, however Bintan Resort Ferries has teamed with Northeast Medical Group to offer a discounted fee of S$95.

Travelers should have health insurance that covers costs associated to COVID-19. Bintan Resort Ferries requires US$25,000 (S$34,000) in coverage, whereas the Indonesia Tourism Board recommends S$30,000.

Things You Need to Know Before Going to Batam

Passports must have at least six months of validity remaining upon arrival back in the country. Those of you who are Singaporean citizens and whose passports are about to expire or have already expired, please renew them as soon as possible. The recent loosening of travel restrictions has resulted in a surge of passport applications, which might cause renewal to take up to six weeks.

Each traveler needs to show documentation of receiving at least two (2) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least fourteen (14) days before departure. Those under the age of eighteen (18) who are accompanied by an adult who has received the necessary immunisations are exempt from this rule.

For those who had their vaccinations in Singapore, the Covid-vaccination report can be retrieved through Health Hub, and vaccination evidence can be obtained digitally using Notarise. To access your vaccination certificate via Notorise, enter your Singpass information.

There is no visa needed for citizens of Singapore or Indonesia to visit Batam. To participate in the travel bubble, all other nationalities must first obtain the appropriate entry-visa to Indonesia.

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage of at least SGD 20,000 is required for all foreign nationals entering Indonesia. If insurance is not included in your Batam vacation package, you should get it in Singapore before leaving.

Travel protection to Batam is available from Chubb, or you can have it added to your BatamGetaway package at no extra cost.

All international visitors to Indonesia are required to fill out the COVID health declaration included in eHAC.

You can either visit the official website for the Indonesian Health Alert Card and fill out the online form there, or you can get the eHAC Indonesia app from the Apple or Google app stores and use it on your mobile device.

Passengers may be denied entrance or denied boarding if they are unable to produce an eHAC at immigration checks.

You are not required to serve a stay-at-home notice upon your return. This is the case if you qualify for VTL (Sea) and meet all the criteria on the secure journey checklist. Failure to comply with standards may result in denial of entrance to Singapore for all visitors, including citizens and permanent residents of Singapore.

Batam and Bintan are once again on the agenda for a variety of deserving vacations, which will come as good news to people who take pleasure in the beach, the sand, and the water. Those who are anxious to get away from Singapore have more economical options to consider, in addition to the fact that these destinations are great for a quick and simple break.

Are you ready to enjoy some great time in Batam? Come and book your ticket flights and hotel room only through Traveloka!

Not only Articles about Batam VTL that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you :

Note: Travel restrictions and rules may be subject to change during this pandemic, therefore it is important to check with the Indonesian embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore) for the most up-to-date guidelines on Batam VTL.

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

How to Book
Help Center

Follow us on

Airport Transport
ProductItems.cruises-search
Traveloka Affiliate
Privacy Notice
Terms & Conditions
Register Your Accommodation
Register Your Experience Business
Traveloka Press Room
Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Download Traveloka App

London Tourism
London Hotels
London Bed and Breakfast
London Vacation Rentals
Flights to London
London Restaurants
Things to Do in London
London Travel Forum
London Photos
All London Hotels
London Hotel Deals
Last Minute Hotels in London
Things to Do
Restaurants
Vacation Rentals
Travel Stories
Rental Cars
Add a Place
Travel Forum
Travelers' Choice
Help Center

Apply for UK visa with BIVS endorsement (from India) - London Forum

Europe
United Kingdom (UK)
England
London

Apply for UK visa with BIVS endorsement (from India)

United States Forums
Europe Forums
Canada Forums
Asia Forums
Central America Forums
Africa Forums
Caribbean Forums
Mexico Forums
South Pacific Forums
South America Forums
Middle East Forums
Honeymoons and Romance
Business Travel
Train Travel
Traveling With Disabilities
Tripadvisor Support
Solo Travel
Bargain Travel
Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
England forums
London forum

With respect to the UK visa, I read that one can go from London to Ireland if they have the UK visa with BIVS (and don't need separate Ireland visa)

I want to apply for this "BIVS" option during my UK visa application, but am unable to find more information.

Can someone help in how to apply for the UK visa (my first port of entry is London) such that I get BIVS endorsement? Is there any other documentation needed?

6 replies to this topic

You apply for a UK Visa through the normal channels like everyone else, if you're not sure about filling in the forms, you would be best advised to consult a reputable Immigration Lawyer.

As posted in #1 you will need to go through the channels of applying for a UK standard Visitor Visa

My friend did this couple of years back

https://visaguide.world/europe/ireland-visa/british-irish-visa-scheme/#google_vignette

This FAQ from the Irish government is pretty clear, the visa *must* be endorsed BIVS and it is perfectly possible to be issued a visa without that endorsement. https://www.dfa.ie/media/embassyindia/ourservices/bivs-faq.pdf

From what I can tell you make the request for the BIVS endorsement as part of the application process at the VFS centre.

I found this on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-irish-visa-scheme/british-irish-visa-scheme#eligible-uk-visas

all standard visitor categories where the maximum period for a single visit is six months

Permitted Paid Engagement visas"

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the help and information Richard. My only worry is the website was last updated in 2019, so not sure if this still holds or has something changed.

That's the UK Government website - even though I think they're a bunch of stupid crooks, I still think they (or rather the Civil Service who actually run the Government) might know how their own Visa system works, and are capable of updating it! In the unlikely event it has changed, I'm sure you'll be informed when you apply for a UK Visa. Failing that, I can only repeat my suggestion of engaging a specialist Immigration Lawyer in India.

London vs Southampton 9:46 am
Affordable London hotel before cruise from Southampton 9:26 am
Rules/Upstairs at Rules London Question 9:19 am
LHR to King's Cross 8:34 am
Eating at Wembley Stadium 8:22 am
Favorite places outside of Central London 7:59 am
Visa checking in London Station or London Airport 7:37 am
Gloucester Tube to Paddington - Only Run One Direction? 7:04 am
What transport option would be best for 4 days in London? 6:58 am
Heathrow to Rome 6:42 am
Airport Preference to Italy 5:28 am
Trooping the Color? 5:00 am
Sky garden tickets? 4:39 am
Best Area to Stay 3:37 am
Best Area of London to Stay for 2 nights 15 replies
How to get to Victoria Station from Heathrow? 10 replies
The London Pass...worth it or scam? 10 replies
Best hotel for Heathrow Terminal 3? 8 replies
Hostel/Hotel Near Liverpool Street Station 4 replies
outlet shops in London? 12 replies
Heathrow to Kings Cross 7 replies
London - factory / designer outlet malls 12 replies
weather in december 5 replies
Best Area to Stay in London 8 replies

London Hotels and Places to Stay

What can I do in London on a budget?
How to use Oyster Cards, Travelcards and 2-4-1 offers in London?
What is open in London on Christmas Day
The Championships, Wimbledon
Harry Potter in London - FAQ

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Temperature Check
The Stardust Inquests
Inside The Newsroom
Climate Crisis
International

Graduate 'The reality of the J-1 visa leaves Irish graduates vulnerable to exploitation'

WHEN I APPLIED for a graduate visa to live in the United States, I believed the advertising from sponsorship companies.

The J-1 Irish Work Travel visa – commonly known as the J-1 graduate visa – is promoted as an opportunity for graduates to “learn from the best in your industry, globalise your CV, and jumpstart your professional training.” Most people will be familiar with the idea of a J-1 summer visa, a chance for Irish students to sow their wild oats in the US between their college years. The graduate visa, however, is different because it allows graduates to live in the US for a year while working in their field of study, provided they find that employment within a certain timeframe. Sounds promising, right?

However, the reality is that the visa’s restrictions make finding that employment so difficult that many graduates turn to illegal work in Irish pubs to make ends meet, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by employers.

J-1 visa holders pay a sponsor company to facilitate their move to the US, the cost of which can amount to more than €2000 before travel insurance and flights. Visa holders typically move without a job, and have three months to find an internship in their field which will sign their visa papers. The job cannot be remote, you can only work one role at a time (work in hospitality and retail is forbidden), and you cannot go through a recruitment company.

Using ‘Irish connections’

Before I moved, I was told the job search would be tough, and that my best bet was to rely on Irish connections in the city – if I didn’t have any, I would need to make some. While I had no relatives in New York, I had worked as a news journalist for a year after college, with work featured in major US publications – naively, I thought this would make the job hunt easier. I applied to countless jobs and was met with no responses. I thought that my CV was letting me down, but a meeting with my sponsor’s career advisor revealed that my resume was doing me justice and I had more experience than a lot of J-1s who travel to the States directly after graduation.

Networking seemed like the only option, so I had over 30 meetings with professionals in journalism, public relations, producing and publishing – anything that could feasibly be considered my field of study. I chatted to former J-1s who told me not to give up, that they also had no connections when they first arrived. “So how did you end up getting your job?” “Well, my uncle has this business…” What I hadn’t realised was that a lot of people secured a job because someone they knew invented one for them, or signed their visa papers without employing them.

I continuously met fellow J-1s employed by someone they knew, who had fudged their visa papers to say they were working in their subject area.

The job market isn’t difficult for J-1 visa holders, it’s borderline impossible. The visa states you must find a paid internship, but most advertised internships are unpaid for US college credit. You can manipulate the description of a full-time position to sound like an internship, but many companies have a stipulation that they don’t hire anyone who would need future sponsorship, which is the case for all J-1s. Graduates work illegally not because they want to, but because the visa is so poorly set up that it’s rare for anyone to find a job in their field, let alone one that pays them.

I didn’t get a single interview until I removed any reference to my visa status. I wiped my CV clean of any trace of my visa, and almost immediately I got an interview for a publication I admired. It was going well until the final question: “Just for formalities, do you or will you ever need sponsorship?” I answered honestly that I had sponsorship for a year, after which I would need a sponsor to stay in the country. Her tone changed as she thanked me for my time, and I received an instant rejection email.

I’m not alone in this experience, but I was fortunate to have put aside enough savings to support myself during the three-month job search. Irish networking events in New York are riddled with young people who have paid thousands to move to the city with the promise of finding an incredible internship that will further their career but have to work illegally to survive.

I set up an informal, anonymous survey for J-1s asking about their experience, and the response was unsurprising and consistent: J-1s are getting no responses from American companies, and are resorting to bar work either during their months-long job hunt or after a company has bent the rules in relation to their papers.

One responder said the restrictions of the visa “made an already limited job hunt near impossible”, while others complained of applying to “hundreds of jobs” only to hear nothing back due to the reluctance of companies to engage with short-term visa holders. Of those who worked illegally, one said they had to resort to bar work because there was “no way” they could survive off the pay offered by their internship. Everyone who worked illegally said they worried about the frequency of their payments and about the possibility of their workplace being investigated.

Working for free

Anecdotally, the story is the same. One person I know works for free for the company that signed her papers and spends her spare hours working in a bar to make ends meet. Several others have been taken advantage of by companies who made them work for free under the pretence of eventually signing their papers, only to stop responding to emails directly before the three month job search window closed. Those who eventually find a legitimate job through a connection are doing work they are overqualified for; I’ve met people with master’s degrees spending their days converting documents to PDFs.

While the J-1 graduate visa is a wonderful idea in theory, visa sponsors need to look at the system they’re offering as it is not necessarily the real J-1 experience, and enables employers to take advantage of visa holders. I’m lucky to have been able to support myself throughout my job search and to have eventually found a position even tangentially related to my subject area. The J-1 graduate visa upholds a flawed system where personal connections trump professional experience, making it a costly gamble with potentially dangerous outcomes if you’re not one of the lucky ones.

Sarah Moran is a writer, editor, and researcher based in New York. She graduated from English literature and psychology in Trinity College in 2022 and has since worked as a news verification journalist and communications associate.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation..

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

To embed this post, copy the code below on your site

600px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/j1-visa-ireland-usa-6370539-May2024/?embedpost=6370539&width=600&height=460" ></iframe>

400px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/j1-visa-ireland-usa-6370539-May2024/?embedpost=6370539&width=400&height=460" ></iframe>

300px wide <iframe width="600" height="460" frameborder="0" style="border:0px;" src="https://www.thejournal.ie/https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/j1-visa-ireland-usa-6370539-May2024/?embedpost=6370539&width=300&height=460" ></iframe>

Defamation Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.

IMPORTANCE OF INBOUND TOURISM FOR CHINA

Inbound tourism holds significant importance for China, particularly amid slowing economic growth. Tourism was prioritised during the early stages of China’s reform and opening up era, valued for its potential to generate much-needed foreign exchange.

But as China amassed substantial foreign exchange reserves through rapid development and entry into the World Trade Organization, the reliance on inbound tourism for foreign exchange earnings diminished over time.

Amid the challenges confronting China’s economy in 2024, inbound tourism has emerged as an avenue for bolstering economic growth. Drawing international tourists to spend in China translates to a net export of services, injecting added value into the nation’s economic ecosystem.

Compared to ordinary goods exports, inbound tourism holds the potential for greater benefits due to its multiplier effect. When international tourists spend money, their consumption creates a chain reaction, stimulating job creation and further expenditure.

Visa-free policies are a practical tool for facilitating tourist flows and trade exchanges between nations. China’s current visa-free policies are anticipated to incentivise more business and leisure travellers to visit China. Still, further efforts are necessary to rejuvenate China’s inbound tourism sector.

Commentary: Visa waiver deal puts Singapore in good stead to attract the coveted Chinese tourist

Singapore's visa-free agreement with China may push inbound travel closer to pre-pandemic levels

Eliminating barriers for foreign tourists in china.

Enhancing travel convenience is imperative to address the needs of foreign tourists. While China has made significant strides in developing advanced technologies and transportation infrastructure for domestic travel, foreign visitors often encounter obstacles while navigating in the country.

For instance, booking high-speed train tickets or entry tickets to popular tourist attractions necessitates the use of WeChat’s embedded program. Many establishments exclusively accept WeChat Pay or AliPay, leaving foreign tourists in a predicament if they rely solely on cash or credit cards. Many hotels in China are also not allowed to accommodate foreign tourists.

Eliminating barriers for foreign tourists to travel in China presents enhanced business opportunities for Chinese tourism-related enterprises. While Chinese consumers remain the primary market for most of these businesses, delivering seamless services to foreign clientele could further strengthen their competitive edge.

A case in point is the Chinese online travel company Ctrip - which initially emulated Travelocity’s business model but has since expanded its operations globally - establishing itself as a prominent international online travel business.

Technological advancements have the potential to mitigate technical barriers to foreigners’ travel in China without incurring substantial costs.

Yet, addressing structural and entrenched ideological barriers may be more challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted the Chinese government and tourism operators in China to adopt a more inward-looking approach, prioritising the needs of their citizens.

The shifting geopolitical landscape globally also plays a role in the challenges facing China’s inbound tourism. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Centre, most individuals in Western nations hold unfavourable views towards China. The Chinese government’s tightening grip on societal regulations could potentially cause discomfort for foreign travellers in China.

This increased control may lead to unnecessary disruptions in international events like academic conferences and exchanges, due to the formalities and documentation mandated by the government.

Commentary: Why China’s real estate crisis should make the global travel industry nervous

Commentary: Resurgent Chinese travel would reset the country’s global image

Look beyond national borders.

The time has come to look beyond national borders when contemplating tourism. The world has reopened, albeit with a transformed landscape compared to before the COVID-19-pandemic.

The Chinese government’s implementation of visa-free policies should be applauded - but to meaningfully revitalise its inbound tourism, concerted efforts are required to enhance convenience for foreign visitors before, during and after their travels to China.

To attract more foreign visitors, Chinese businesses must meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists. While transitioning to a cashless society is desirable, it should not exacerbate the digital divide among Chinese citizens or alienate international visitors.

It is imperative to implement more user-friendly alternative payment methods that cater to the preferences of foreign travellers, such as accepting major credit cards or other preferred payment options.

The process of passing through transport entry or exit points using passport scanning should be as seamless as tapping a Chinese identification card. Leveraging advancements in AI technology and multiple language mobile apps should also be developed to facilitate international tourists’ travel bookings in China.

China has demonstrated innovation across various technological fronts. This ingenuity should be harnessed to address the needs of international tourists, ultimately reversing the current decline in inbound tourism and bolstering the country’s tourism sector.

Sam Huang is Professor of Tourism and Services Marketing and Head of the Centre for Tourism Research in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University, Australia. This commentary first appeared on East Asia Forum.