IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES
Please check with your local Irish Consulate for the visa requirements for your country.
Alternatively, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has a detailed list of visa requirements by country at:
http://www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777
United States, Canadian and Japanese passport-holders, for example, do not need visas.
However, they do have to register with the Immigration Officer within one month of arrival.
ARRIVAL IN IRELAND:
Upon arrival, at any port of entry into Ireland (Cork, Dublin, Shannon, etc.), students will be required to produce the following:
- Valid passport
- Offer Letter from the University of Limerick
Should a student fail to produce these documents you will be in breach of Irish Immigration Regulations. The Irish Immigration Officer will have no choice but to refuse you entry into Ireland.
Students should make themselves aware of what items are allowed and prohibited before travelling, on http://www.revenue.ie (leaflets and guides). Students should also check the website of the airline that they are flying with.
REGISTERING WITH IMMIGRATION:
All students admitted by the Irish Immigration Officers upon arrival in Ireland, will have their passports computer swiped and date stamped, endorsing a requirement for them to register with the Immigration Office, within one month. Immigration registration takes place at the Garda (police) station at Henry Street in Limerick city centre during normal office hours, excluding public holidays.
To register with Immigration students will be required to produce the following:
- Offer Letter from the University of Limerick
- Valid Passport
- An Immigration Letter (provided by the Study Abroad Office during Orientation)
- Evidence of financial support (approx 1,500 euro)
- 150 euro fee payable by bank giro or credit card (See note below)
- Proof of Medical insurance
- Students may also be asked to produce another form of identification
MEDICAL INSURANCE:
Students will need to show proof of medical insurance at their immigration appointments. All students will need to have medical cover for the duration of their stay at the University of Limerick. The following are the three medical insurers in Ireland:
http://www.vivashealth.ie/
http://www.quinn-healthcare.com/
http://www.vhi.ie/
APPOINTMENT:
Non-EU students residing in Ireland for more than three months must register with the Immigration Officer within one month of arrival. Appointments are organised through the Study Abroad Office.
FEE:
A fee for Immigration Certificates of Registration issued to non-EU nationals was introduced with effect from 27th May 2006 . On registration with the Immigration Registration Officer a non-EEA national receives an immigration certificate of registration (GNIB Registration Card).
AS OF 18th AUGUST 2008 A FEE OF 150 EURO WILL BE CHARGED IN RESPECT OF EACH SUCH REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.
For further information see the Garda (Irish Police) Website at: http://www.garda.ie/gnib.html
PAYMENT
Registration must be made at the local registration office (Henry Street Garda Station Limerick). Payment can ONLY be made by a specific bank giro, which is available at all Registration offices, or by credit card during an Immigration appointment at Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick.
Payment can only be made by bank giro or by credit card.
The person whose name is on the credit card must be present at the Garda Station. Therefore students cannot use the credit cards of parents, relatives etc. at home, but can use the credit card of a friend who is present at the appointment.
Cash is not an acceptable method of payment.
HOW TO GET THERE
The 308 or the 308a bus runs from the Student Centre to Limerick City Centre approximately every 15 minutes. Alternatively taxis can take students to the appointments. Students must make their own transport arrangements to their Immigration Appointments. The International Education Division provides a map and directions. The onus is on the individual students to attend this appointment. Failure to attend the appointment arranged by the Study Abroad Office will result in students making their own arrangements with the Immigration Officer directly.
