Northern Ireland forms part of the UK. While there is no physical border between the two, the Republic of Ireland is a sovereign state, and separate visa requirements may apply depending on your nationality. Follow the instructions on the Irish Immigration Service website to check if you need a visa and to apply for a visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland, e.g., if you intend to arrive in Belfast through Dublin Airport.

If you are sponsored as a Skilled or Temporary Worker and are arriving in Belfast via Dublin Airport, you will need to retain evidence to demonstrate when you entered the UK, e.g., bus or train tickets.

For residents in Northern Ireland, details of how to apply for an Irish visa can be found here. Please particularly note that:

If you live in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you should submit your application by sending a tracked postal envelope to the following address:

Visa Office
Ground Floor
114A Cromwell Road
London
SW7 4ES

 

You should ensure that you note the tracking number of the envelope used to send your documents as you will need to send your passport with the application.

Processing times can be found here. These can fluctuate but it is advised that you apply at least six weeks before you need to travel.