1. Ireland/ FAQ / General Information

1. How long should the validity of my passport be in order to be able to apply for a national visa?

To apply for a national visa, you should have a passport that is valid for at least 1 additional year at the time of application.

Before applying for a visa, ensure your passport meets the following requirements:

1. Check the Expiration Date
For a short-stay visa (less than 90 days), your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended return date from the Schengen Area. Additionally, it should be valid for at least six months beyond your return to Ireland.

2. Ensure Sufficient Blank Pages

Your passport must have at least two completely blank and unmarked visa pages.

3. Verify Passport Integrity

Ensure your passport has not been altered:

  • Check that the original laminated film (the transparent safety film over the passport photo) has not been tampered with. If it has been, request a re-tampering from a passport-issuing authority.
  • Ensure no pages or surfaces have been laminated, as this will invalidate your passport.
  • Look for any scratching or alterations.

4. Age of Passport

If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, you must apply for a new passport from the authorities or the Embassy of your country of origin before applying for a visa, even if it is still valid at the time of your application.

Do not apply for a visa using a passport issued for multiple persons (e.g., one passport for a parent and children).

2. What is the earliest time to apply for a National Visa?

The applications should be made as early as possible. The finalization of national visa procedures could take several weeks.

Further information can be found on the website of the German Embassy Dublin.

3. Can I come to Visametric for application without making an appointment?

An appointment is required to submit an application. Applications without an appointment will not be accepted.

4. What are Schengen visa, national visa and Airport Transit Visa?

Schengen visa (Short stay)

  • For citizens of certain countries, a Schengen visa (Type C) is required for stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. With a Schengen visa, you can enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the entire Schengen Area.
  • Single-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen Area continuously for up to 90 days (e.g., from July 1st to September 28th).
  • Multiple-Entry Visa: Permits multiple entries and stays in the Schengen Area, with a total duration not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. A Schengen circulation visa is a special multi-entry visa that can be valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the decision of the issuing Embassy.

National Visa (Long Stay)

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a national long-stay visa (Type D) or a residence permit. This visa is valid for stays of more than 90 days in the issuing country but also allows transit through other Schengen countries. In some cases, it permits travel throughout the Schengen Area for long-term visitors, students, workers, etc.

Airport Transit Visa

An airport transit visa is required depending on your nationality and whether you hold residence permits or visas from certain countries. This visa allows you to transit through the Schengen Area without leaving the airport's transit area.

  • Exemptions: Irish citizens do not require an airport transit visa. However, if your transit involves changing airports, a regular transit visa is necessary.

For Other Nationalities: If you plan to transit through a German airport, please check the embassy's website.

5. Can someone else apply for a visa on my behalf?

Personal appearance is mandatory for all visa applicants unless you are exempt from biometric data capture.

If you are exempt from biometric data capture, a representative may apply on your behalf. The representative must provide:

Please note that the representative cannot be a minor.

6. Why can't I find an appointment date? Why can't I schedule an earlier appointment?

VisaMetric can only offer appointments to the extent permitted by the embassy. VisaMetric has no influence on appointment dates/numbers of appointments.

7.  Do I need a Schengen visa?

Irish passport holders:

In general, all Irish passport holders can enter the Schengen area freely. If you hold an Irish travel document, please check here regarding any visa requirement.

Nationals of other countries (outside of the European Union):

Citizens of some countries are exempt from the requirement for a visa to enter the Schengen Area for a short stay or transit, for details please check the following link.