How to Apply for Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

 Quest to visit all Countries of Europe in 2023 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as a Filipino Solo Traveller with a Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS. I provided proof of enough savings, investments and previous 3 Schengen visas per below link.

Note:

- Processing time is around 6 to 8 weeks per VFS website (courier included). 

- All required documents to submit should be in A4 paper and in English only.

- Advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.

Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (single entry with 3 months validity)

How to Apply for Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

APPLYING FOR IRELAND TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/irl/

Requirements: 

01. Print out of visa application summary sheet “Application Form” - signed by applicant

- I printed out then signed (3 pages)

02. 2 pcs. passport size photographs, taken within recent 3 months, colored with white background

- I provided latest copy of 1 piece color photo with white background 

03. Current Passport (Original and Photocopy) -valid only if signed, must have validity of 6 months

- I provided copy of bio-page and the original passport (1 page)

04. Original and Photocopy of Previous Passport (if any)

- I provided bio-page copies of present and previous 2 passports together with all stamp pages (40 pages)

05. Birth and Marriage Certificate(If applicable), original PSA copy - I provided Birth Certificate original copy from PSA and a photocopy 

06. Application Letter - A signed undertaking stating your full name, address, the dates and purpose of your visit to Ireland. If applicable, list the names, address, and relation to, family members residing in Ireland. You should state that you will observe the conditions of your visa, that you will not become a burden on the State, and that you will leave the State before the expiration of your permission to remain.

- I provided application letter with attachment justification (previous Schengen visas, day-by-day itinerary) (7 pages)

07. Evidence of Flight & Hotel Booking

- I provided the unpaid booking via 3rd party booking website (4 pages)

08. Evidence to Return: (Evidence of Profession, Professional License) (Evidence of residence, Copy of property ownership)

- I provided copies of house title, condominium unit titles, house bills and insurance investments (16 pages)

09. Evidence of funds – bank certificate & most recent 6 months bank statements or passbook. 

- I provided the original BDO Bank Certificate of Account, online statement of account and copy of Debit/Credit Card (6 pages) 

10. Travel Insurance – minimum coverage of €30,000, ensure it covers Ireland for the duration of stay

- I provided the BDO Gold Mastercard Free Travel Insurance (Starr Insurance International) (15 pages). 

11. VFS Appointment Letter

- I printed out appointment letter and checklist (3 pages)

Appointment:

Monday to Friday from 8am to 1130am only, appointment booking is required on this VFS link. 

Address:
VFS Visa Application Centre Ground Flr Ecoplaza Bldg 2305, Don Chino Roces Ave Ext, Makati 1231

Visa Fee: (courier included) 

60 Euro (PHP 3,600) + VFS Service fee (PHP 3,152) = PHP 6,752

DATELINE OF MY APPLIED IRELAND VISA 

Nov. 18, 2023 (Sat) - filled-out Ireland online application form, completed all required documents (total of 80 pages) and book an appointment in VFS website

Nov. 21, 2023 (Tue) - visited the VFS office earlier, submitted all documents and paid all the necessay VFS service charges in cash. After that, they took my biometrics (face picture and fingerprints) and went out in less than an hour. Application tracking number is attached at the back of the receipt and can be tracked in VFS website.

Nov. 22, 2023 (Wed) - my 1st time going back to VFS due to the very strict document requirements such as; (1) I need to photocopy all passport pages with stamps of my present passport and the last two previous and (2) original copies of all declared assets and certificates.

Dec. 22, 2023 (Fri) - finally, the longest processing of Europe-based visa application I ever had (exactly one month). VFS called me around 1100H despite I received an email around 0900H. I went immediately before 1400H due to long holiday weekend. I received my passport with Ireland Tourist Visa of single entry with 3 months validity.