Applying for visas to travel to both the United Kingdom and Ireland frequently necessitates submitting separate applications for each destination. Nevertheless, for individuals of Indian or Chinese nationality, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) streamlines this process, permitting entry into both countries under a unified visa authorization. Individuals planning a combined journey incorporating experiences in London’s diverse attractions and Ireland’s notable scenery should carefully consider the BIVS Visa requirements.

This article provides Indian travelers with essential information regarding BIVS – encompassing qualifications, the application procedure, the duration of validity, and pertinent practical considerations.

Key Provisions

• The BIVS visa is restricted to applications submitted by individuals originating from India and China.

• This scheme pertains exclusively to short-term visas intended for tourism, business activities, participation in conferences, or family visits.

• To be eligible, your visa application must be formally marked with the “BIVS” endorsement.

• Student visas and work visas are specifically excluded from this scheme; applicants in these categories must apply for a separate visa.

• The permitted duration of your stay in the host country is determined by the length of validity of the initial visa.

• A multi-entry visa is recommended to provide maximum flexibility when transitioning between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

• There is no supplementary fee associated with the BIVS. The fee levied is solely for processing the initial application related to the United Kingdom or Ireland visa.

Understanding the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) represents a mutual arrangement between the United Kingdom and Ireland. This scheme permits qualified foreign nationals, including Indian applicants, to transit freely between both countries using a single short-stay visa issued by either the UK or Ireland.

To clarify:

• Should you possess a legitimate Irish visa carrying the BIVS endorsement, you may travel to the United Kingdom without needing to initiate a separate UK visa application; solely utilize your existing Irish visa.

You can conveniently apply for your Irish visa through VisaFast.

• Conversely, when holding a valid short-stay UK visa sanctioned under this Scheme, you can visit Ireland without requiring acquisition of a supplemental Irish Visa.

Your UK visa application can similarly be digitally organized, fully utilizing the capabilities of VisaFast.

This mechanism streamlines cross-border journeys between these locations - particularly valuable for tourists or enterprise travellers aiming to optimize prolonged visits, within the overarching scope sanctioned by the Common Travel Area (CTA), excluding relevant applications for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Eligibility for the BIVS Visa Scheme

The BIVS Visa Scheme currently applies exclusively to citizens of India and China. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applications must be submitted from within India (for Indian nationals) or China (for Chinese nationals).

• The scheme is exclusively for short-term visas. Long-term visa types, including Student or Work visas, are ineligible.

• Individuals under the age of 18 are permitted to utilize the scheme; however, they must be accompanied by an eligible adult guardian.

• The visa must receive explicit endorsement as “BIVS” to be considered valid under the scheme; any visa lacking this specific endorsement will not qualify, regardless of other eligibility factors.

UK Visas Eligible Under the BIVS Scheme

Not all UK visas qualify for coverage under this scheme. Travel to Ireland is permitted using a UK visa provided you hold one of the following:

• Any valid short-stay visitor visa (with a maximum validity period of six months).
• A Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

Note: Individuals holding long-stay UK visas, including Student Visas, Skilled Worker Visas, or Family Visas, are not covered by the BIVS arrangement and will require a separate Irish visa for entry to Ireland.

Suitable Irish Visas for UK Entry via BIVS

Not all Irish visas grant permission to travel to the UK. Entry to the UK is permitted solely with a short-stay “C” visa, valid for a maximum period of 90 days, issued for one of the following purposes:

• Tourism

• Visiting family or friends

• Business trips

• Attending a conference or event

Both single-entry and multiple-entry visas are eligible; however, travel flexibility varies based on the type of visa held (detailed below).

Applying for the BIVS Visa Scheme

The BIVS visa is granted through a standard short-stay visa process for the initial country of entry. A “BIVS” endorsement is added to the visa if the applicant meets eligibility criteria.

Consider the following examples:

• If your journey begins in Ireland and you intend to travel to the UK, you must initially apply for an Irish short-stay “C” visa.

• Similarly, for trips originating in the UK, the requisite initial short-stay visitor visa must be applied for before travel to Ireland.

VisaFast simplifies the application process for both Irish and UK visas. The BIVS endorsement is active when the associated visa has been issued, enabling travel between the two countries as per the Scheme’s regulations.

Duration of BIVS Visa Validity

The validity of your BIVS visa is determined by the issuing nation’s rules:

• Republic of Ireland (C Visa): Normally, this visa remains valid for a period of 90 days.

• United Kingdom (Short-Stay Visa): The validity of this short-stay visa typically extends to 180 days.

Crucially, several aspects limit visa durations:

• Despite possessing a UK visa holding a period of six months, upon entry into the Republic of Ireland, your authorized stay is restricted to a maximum of 90 days.

• Should you hold an Irish visa valid for a duration of 90 days and spend 45 days within Ireland prior to your travel to the UK, your allowed duration in the UK shall be limited to the 45 days days remaining on your initial Irish visa.

Essentially, your permitted days of stay must consolidate between both countries and not exceed the expiry date of your initial visa granted by the issuing jurisdiction.

Single-Entry Versus Multiple-Entry Visas Under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)

The level of flexibility you enjoy with your visa is determined by its entry type: single-entry or multiple-entry.

• Single-Entry Visa: Holders of a single-entry visa are restricted from re-entering the issuing country following their initial departure. For instance, if an Indian applicant enters Ireland using a single-entry visa, travels to the United Kingdom, and attempts to return to Ireland, they will not be granted re-entry.

• Multiple-Entry Visa: A multiple-entry visa allows for repeated crossings between the UK and Ireland throughout the visa’s validity period.

Given that Indian applicants often plan itineraries spanning both the UK and Ireland, a multiple-entry visa is strongly advised.

The BIVS Scheme offers an uncomplicated process for Indian and Chinese travellers seeking to experience both the UK and Ireland within a single trip, without needing to apply for separate visas. Careful consideration of the eligibility criteria, the duration of validity, and the distinctions between single- and multiple-entry visas supports optimal travel planning.

For travelers interested in exploring Dublin’s historic streets or the attractions of London, the BIVS visa facilitates seamless transit between these nations.