By Staff Reporter

Ahead of Christmas and New Year holiday season, the Department of Justice advises non-Irish nationals who require re-entry visas for visits abroad to apply early to avoid delay and disappointment.

“This is the busiest time for processing re-entry visas,” said Justice in a statement. “The most convenient and straightforward way to apply is by registered post. Postal applications are normally processed within 10 working days. 

“However, we would ask you to allow for anything up to 15 working days during peak busy periods, particularly in the lead up to the holiday period.”

Re-entry visa application forms should be sent by registered post only to the Re-Entry Visa Processing Office of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) on Dublin’s Burgh Quay.

Applicants are asked not to attend the public office in person unless by prearranged appointment via reentryvisa.inis.gov.ie.
And with a limited number of appointments available, the department stresses that applying in good time via registered post is still the best option.

All mandatory original documents, such as the applicant’s passport, must be included with the application in order to facilitate a timely visa issue.

“Otherwise we cannot process your application resulting in its return and consequent delays,” the statement added.

For those who need urgent re-entry visas, Justice confirmed it has “a small number of emergency appointments each day” to assists visa-requiring nationals faced with unexpected events, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one.

“This is an emergency service only,” the department warned. “It is not a substitute for failure to make a postal application or an appointment. Documentary evidence is required, and the applicant must be travelling within the next two days.”