My husband & I are from the US and would like to stay in Ireland more than 90 days. Is it possible to stay in Ireland for 90 days, then go to Northern Ireland for another month without causing a problem when we leave? Thanks
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
The short answer, "no."
I am American and have been here in Ireland falling in love, getting married, and settling down. I still have to leave every 90 days and come back to get the 90 day visa (until my spousal visa is granted). It's crazy. But unlike the rest of the EU, indeed, Ireland's visa is not 6 months it's 90 days.
I asked about going to Belfast and coming back but - there's no border there, any more. So you can't get the stamp!!
Good luck!
(By the way to fly from Kerry Airport to London Stansted is 20 euros round trip on Ryan Air. Yes. Twenty. So you can always go to London for a day or two!! Just know you have to ASK for the stamp as they usually don't expect anyone to need it. Weird as that sounds.....)
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The allowed visit period for an American tourist in most of Europe (the Schengen agreement zone) is 90 days within any 180 period, not 6 months. The 180-day window is recalculated every day, so if you're on the edge, you can check online calculators for help. I understand that the UK allows a visitor to stay up to 6 months within a 12-month period.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Just a correction to Laura's post. The UK tourist visa IS 6 months. Search for Standard Visitor Visa for UK for details.
I've been through Immigration in Ireland where they've said "welcome back" and stamped me another 90 days, and where they've said "back again? I'm only giving you 7 days this time" and where they've said "ah! you're dealing with immigration in Dublin, so you don't need a stamp!" and even though i insisted i did, he wouldn't give me one. Just be sure to keep all documents with you that you might need!
Also - carry proof that you ave medical insurance that covers you in Ireland. I've been asked to show it twice. The first time i visited my travel insurance was about $130 for an 8 month european tour with medical. The next time it cost $600 -- the carrier totally changed their pricing.
I always get travel insurance!
All this is assuming you mean "more than 90 days" by a litte -- if you're planning on staying as a regular - renting a house, buying a house - its more complicated. I met Americans that have 2 houses and 8 employees of a business and STILL can't get extended visas - so its often a challenge.
Susan