The UEFA Euro 2020 events are approaching, and if you plan on attending, know that there are 12 cities across Europe that will host the matches. Dublin is one of them, and the Dublin Arena will host four games on the 15th, 19th, 24th, and the 30th of June. Are you planning on attending any of them? Then the first thing you should do is to find out if you need a [visa to visit Ireland][1].
![Ireland]()
While Ireland is a European Union country, it chose to opt out of Schengen. Its visa policy is based on the visa policy of the Schengen Area, but there are a few particularities that may be of interest to you. We will discuss every aspect one by one.
Firstly, all European Union citizens, as well as EEA citizens and Swiss citizens, can travel to Ireland without a visa. Only a national ID card is required. So, if you are among them, you have no cause for concern. You can travel to Ireland freely.
Ireland’s visa policy also includes a list of visa-exempt nationalities. They are mostly the same as the ones stated by the Schengen visa policy, with a few exceptions. Some nationalities are excluded, while others are added. Unlike EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, travelers in this category cannot travel to Ireland unless they hold a valid passport that remains valid for another 6 months from the date of arrival in Ireland.
The nationalities that are not exempt from getting a visa must go to the nearest Irish diplomatic mission and [apply for a visa][1]. However, you do have the option of submitting an application online. In Ireland, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service deals with matters such as visas, and their website is an excellent source of information.
Once you submit your application, you have to make sure that you have the proper documentation before going in for your interview. You need a passport that remains valid for at least another 6 months after your arrival date and a passport photo. You must also pay a fee. Once you have everything necessary, you can go down to the Irish diplomatic mission for your interview.
It does not take long for the visa application to be processed. However, since there are too many variable factors, you are advised to submit your visa application at least 8 weeks before your departure. That way, there is enough time for more clarifications if necessary.
Do you want an easy way to find out in which category of travelers you are? Then we recommend that you use [iVisa’s Visa Checker Tool][1]. You can find it on our homepage. Select your country from the drag-down menu on the left, and then choose Ireland from the menu on the right. The result will let you know whether or not you need a visa to attend the UEFA Euro 2020 in Dublin, Ireland.
So, if you wish to go and see the UEFA Euro 2020 matches in Dublin, Ireland, a visa may be in order. However, with the right guidance, you should not experience any difficulties with the visa application process. Contact the Irish embassy in your country for further information or if you have questions and concerns regarding the process.
[1]: /apply-online