Ireland · Visit visas
UK Visit Visa
Living in Ireland and planning a trip to the UK? Get help with the UK Standard Visitor visa application, documents and biometrics appointment.
- Decided by:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Home Office
- Information checked:
- Standard Visitor visa fee
- £135
- up to 6 months, official fee Oct 2026
- Earliest application
- 3 months before travel
- Usual decision time
- within 3 weeks
- after your biometrics appointment
Official figures as published by the relevant authority when we last checked. They can change — always confirm on the official website before paying.
Overview
Ireland and the UK operate separate visa systems. If you live in Ireland on an Irish permission and hold a visa-required nationality (for example Indian), you need a UK visa to visit Great Britain or Northern Ireland — your Irish IRP does not cover UK travel.
We help you apply for the UK Standard Visitor visa from Ireland: completing the online application, preparing your supporting documents and getting ready for your biometrics appointment.
Visa decisions are made by UK Visas and Immigration. We are independent and not affiliated with UKVI or its visa application centres.
Who it's for
This service is for
- Non-EEA residents of Ireland, such as Indian nationals, visiting the UK for tourism, family or business meetings.
- Families planning holidays or events in the UK.
- Visitors to Ireland who also want to travel to the UK (subject to UK rules on where to apply).
Common challenges we solve
- Understanding that an Irish permission or Irish visa does not allow UK entry.
- Preparing proof of residence in Ireland, employment and finances.
- Completing the GOV.UK application and booking the biometrics appointment.
- Getting the timing right before travel.
How we help
Our support for UK Visit Visa includes:
- Confirming the right UK visa route for your trip.
- Help completing the online application on GOV.UK.
- A tailored checklist: IRP, employment letter, payslips, bank statements and travel plans.
- Reviewing your documents before your visa application centre appointment.
- Explaining the eVisa and UKVI account process after approval.
Benefits of working with us
- A complete, consistent application from start to finish.
- Clarity on Irish and UK rules, so you don't travel on the wrong document.
- Super fast replies while you prepare.
Eligibility & requirements
- You must be visiting for a permitted purpose, such as tourism, visiting family or business meetings, and leave at the end of your visit.
- You must be able to support yourself during the trip without public funds.
- Each traveller, including children, applies and pays separately.
- Applying from Ireland is generally appropriate if you are lawfully resident here — include your IRP.
Documents you may need
Typical supporting documents include:
- Valid passport and previous passports.
- Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card.
- Employer letter confirming your role and approved leave, or college letter.
- Recent payslips and bank statements.
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details.
- Invitation letter if visiting family or friends in the UK.
How it works
Step 1: Trip review
Tell us your travel dates and purpose. We confirm the right visa and timeline.
Step 2: Online application
We help complete the GOV.UK form accurately; you pay the official UKVI fee.
Step 3: Document pack
We review your documents so they clearly support your application.
Step 4: Biometrics
Attend your visa application centre appointment (VFS Global serves Ireland) to give fingerprints and a photo.
Step 5: Decision & eVisa
If approved you receive an eVisa linked to your UKVI account rather than a passport sticker.
Important to know
- An Irish visa or IRP never gives entry to the UK, even within the Common Travel Area.
- The British-Irish Visa Scheme is only available to Indian and Chinese nationals applying in India or China.
- Visa nationals such as Indian citizens need a visa — the UK ETA is not an alternative for them.
- UK fees and rules change; always check GOV.UK before paying.
SJ Consultancy Ireland is an independent consultancy. The decision on your application is made by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), Home Office. Official fees are paid directly to the authority. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.
UK Visit Visa FAQs
Can I travel to Northern Ireland on my Irish IRP?
No. Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Visa-required nationals living in Ireland need a valid UK visa to enter Northern Ireland or Great Britain.
Do I need an ETA instead of a visa?
No. The ETA is for non-visa nationals. If your nationality requires a UK visa, such as Indian citizens, you must apply for a visa.
Will I get a sticker in my passport?
Successful applicants now receive an eVisa, a digital record of their permission accessed through a UKVI account.
How long does it take?
UKVI usually decides visitor visa applications within three weeks of your biometrics appointment, but times vary.
Official sources
We check requirements against these official sources. Rules, fees and processing times change, so please confirm the latest position there.