The proposed ETIAS system will probably only apply to the Schengen countries and will not apply to Ireland unless Ireland joins Schengen before ETIAS (which stands for the E.U. Travel Information Authorisation System) officially rolls out at the start of 2024. This is a bit confusing, but basically Ireland controls who enters the country who is not an E.U. citizen, but there is freedom of movement for all E.U. citizens between Ireland and the other E.U. nations. Not every ETIAS detail has been finalised yet, so the situation could change between now and 2024. Note that the information here is only for the Republic of Ireland, not for Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain. An ETIAS will be issued for a period of3 years, or the date of passport expiry, whichever date is sooner. The ETIAS will cost€7 per applicant.
Is Ireland part of Schengen or the E.U.?
The Republic of Ireland, also called Eire, is not a part of the Schengen zone, but it is part of the E.U. In fact, Ireland is only one of a handful of countries that are in the E.U., but never joined Schengen. This does make it a bit confusing for a lot of people, many Europeans included. The Schengen agreement is designed to provide uniform border rules for all the countries in the zone. Once you have been allowed into 1 Schengen country, you can go to any of the others as long as you don’t exceed the maximum stay of 90 days in the whole zone.
The main reason that some countries didn’t or haven’t yet joined Schengen is because they want to control the immigration status of non E.U. citizens in their own way rather than have the same rules as the rest of Europe.
What are Ireland’s main attractions?
They are many and varied. Ireland, especially the South is a very popular attraction. For many North Americans, Australians and New Zealanders it’s a chance to trace their roots. For every visitor there is something for everyone in the Emerald Isle, from kissing the Blarney Stone, supping Murphy’s or Guinness in a traditional Irish pub to sight-seeing around Ireland’s beautiful countryside and coastline.
It may surprise the average visitor just how uncrowded Ireland is. That’s what makes a leisurely journey around the country so rewarding. Ireland’s complex and at times troubling past is all around for the budding historian. Top attractions include the Cliffs of Moher, County Donegal with its indented coastline and quaint villages and Kilkenny, the ancient capital just out of Dublin.
Will I need an ETIAS?
If you have a passport from one of the E.U. countries the answer is no. If you are not an E.U. passport holder, it seems unlikely at this early stage that you will need one either, but that might be premature. Ireland might decide to join Schengen, or it may decide it is better to use the ETIAS system after considering the possible advantages of screening visitors in advance.
If you have been to Ireland before you will remember what you needed to do or not do before you arrived in the country. Some people might need to get an Irish visa in advance and if that applies to you, it’s unlikely to change. If you can just turn up in Ireland at the moment and get your passport stamped, the chances are that that will continue. Keep an eye on the rules as you get closer to 2024. Also, feel free to take the ETIAS assessment to find out if you’ll likely need a Schengen visa or an ETIAS.
FAQs
Ireland is not part of Schengen areas, but is part of Europe. Ireland is one of few countries in Europe that is not part of Schengen members. Within Schengen areas, visitors may travel across the countries under same rules and visa within 90 days from the first day of your arrival.
Do I need ETIAS in 2023? ›
Once implemented in 2023, each and every traveler entering Europe without a visa will need one. The purpose of ETIAS is to enhance border security to the EU. It is designed for short-term (90 days or less) visits to the EU and will be required for entry to the EU after the projected ETIAS launch date of November 2023.
Is Ireland included in Schengen visa? ›
Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania.
Is ETIAS required now? ›
with the recent update, it confirms ETIAS will be required starting sometime in 2024 and not in 2023.
Does the 90 day rule apply to Ireland? ›
That means the maximum stay in any European Union nation except Ireland is strictly limited – with the “90/180” rule applying to British passport holders.
Do Americans need an ETIAS waiver? ›
ETIAS Requirements for Americans. To visit the Schengen Area of Europe from 2024, it is mandatory to register for an ETIAS for Americans. This online visa waiver grants visa-free access to over 25 European countries for 3 years.
Do I need ETIAS if I am over 70? ›
How do I need to pay for my ETIAS application? Applying for an ETIAS requires a payment of EUR 7. Exemptions apply for applicants under the age of 18, over 70, or are family members of either EU citizens or non-EU citizens with the right of free movement in the EU.
Do I need ETIAS for Ireland? ›
Ireland will continue to operate with its own visa policy for foreigners, and you are not required to apply for an ETIAS to visit the country— but you may need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa.
Do US citizens need a visa for Ireland? ›
You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. There is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland.
Why is Ireland not part of Schengen visa? ›
The reason Ireland gave for not joining the other EU states in forming the Schengen zone in 1985 was the existence of the CTA with the UK, which would have disappeared if Ireland joined Schengen and the UK did not.
With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Italy? ›
US citizens will need an ETIAS for entry to Europe starting from 2024. Remember that the ETIAS is not a visa requirement, and it will only take a few minutes of your time to complete an application form online and wait for an answer. You will only have to do this once every three years.
Do US citizens need ETIAS to enter France? ›
American passport holders can go to France for tourism, business, or transit visa-free. From 2024, US citizens will need to register with ETIAS to travel to France. ETIAS is not a visa, it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU citizens, including Americans.
How many times can I visit Ireland in a year? ›
An Ireland multiple-entry tourist visa allows you to enter and leave Ireland as many times as you want, as long as your Irish visa is still valid.
Can I visit Dublin with Schengen visa? ›
Note: A Schengen visa or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland. For exceptions to this, please see Schedules 2 and 3 below. 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.
How long can I live in Ireland as an American? ›
Fortunately, United States citizens do not need a visa when visiting Ireland for 90 days when on business or vacation. The D-visa category is a single entry and is long-term. The visa allows you to study work and settle there permanently.
Do I need a visa to go to Italy in 2023? ›
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy for tourism or short-term visits. This is because Italy is part of the Schengen Area and the United States has an agreement with the European Union that ensures visa-free travel for Americans across all of the EU countries.
Will Europe charge for entry in 2024? ›
The long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented in 2024, adding an entry fee of a little under $8 for non-European passport holders. The ETIAS was initially set to go into effect at some point this year, but guidelines around it have some European countries at odds.
Is it a good time to travel to Europe 2023? ›
In general, the best time to visit Europe is during the shoulder season. In most European countries the shoulder runs from mid-April to mid-June and again during the month of September. This is the best time to go for cheaper prices and fewer crowds, while still offering relatively decent weather.
Which country will join Schengen in 2023? ›
Schengen enlargement: Croatia joined the Schengen area on 1 January 2023. This is the first enlargement over a decade and it is a significant achievement for Croatia and the Schengen area.
