UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, but most carriers by air or sea require some form of identification with photograph (usually either a passport or drivers licence with photograph). Visitors are advised to check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, tour operator or travel agent before travelling. Visitors from all other countries, including European Union countries, must present their passport to enter Ireland.

In order to find out if you require a visa for entry to Ireland, whether by air, sea or land, please liaise with your local Irish Embassy or other diplomatic representative before you travel. An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document to indicate that you are authorised to land in the State subject to any other conditions of landing being fulfilled. This means that you will still be subject to immigration control at the point of entry to the State even if you have a visa.

In 2011, a Visa Waiver Programme was introduced covering 16 countries that currently require a visa to visit Ireland. This Programme allows nationals of countries such as India, China and the Russian Federation, who have a short-term UK visa, to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa.

Find out more about the Irish Visa Waiver Programme

If you require a visa you may request a letter of booking confirmation from the conference desk once payment is completed in full for registration. No letter will be issued prior to full registration & payment being completed.  It is advisable that you have booked and paid for accommodation for the duration of your stay- either through the conference desk or privately. This should be included with your visa application.

Note that VISA applications can take 8+ weeks for Ireland- ensure that you have left ample time.

1. Do I need a visa http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777

2. To apply using the Online AVATS process https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx

Before beginning the online process you should have the following information to hand:

1. Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date of issue/expiry

2. Details of any previous Irish visa applications

3. Contact details for your host in Ireland

4. Itinerary

Following submission of your online application using AVATS, note that you will also be required to submit a signed summary of your application form, original passport, passport-sized colour photograph , the relevant fee, and all supporting documents, to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office per your application procedures.

When you complete AVATS there will be a website shown on the printed summary of your application form for details of the appropriate office, the fee payable, and the method of payment accepted. Please ensure that you read the visa information contained on the websitewww.inis.gov.ie and their provided Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)