1. Introduction: What Is the BIVS Visa?
The British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) is a special visa program that allows certain non-EU citizens to travel between the UK and Ireland using a single visa. Designed to promote tourism and ease travel between the two countries, the BIVS scheme benefits citizens of countries like India and China, who can visit both nations on one visa without applying separately for each country.
2. How the BIVS Visa Works
Under the BIVS, eligible travelers can apply for a UK visa or an Irish visa and travel freely between the two countries for short stays. This means a visitor can, for example, enter Ireland on an Irish visa and then travel onward to the UK without needing a separate UK visa.
- One Visa, Two Countries: The visa granted by either the UK or Ireland allows travel to both countries.
- Eligible Activities: The BIVS visa allows for tourism, short-term business trips, and family visits.
- Short Stay Only: BIVS is meant for short stays, typically up to 90 days, depending on the visa.
3. Who Is Eligible for the BIVS Visa?
Currently, the BIVS scheme applies to citizens of:
- India
- China
Only visitors holding short-stay visas (such as a standard visitor visa) issued by the UK or Irish authorities under the BIVS marking can use this scheme to travel between both countries.
4. Applying for a BIVS Visa
Eligible travelers should apply for either a UK visitor visa or an Irish short-stay visa, depending on which country they intend to enter first. The application process follows the standard visa application process for each country but includes a BIVS endorsement, allowing travel under the scheme.
- Apply for the UK or Irish Visa: Choose based on where you will first arrive.
- BIVS Marking: Ensure that the visa has the BIVS marking, indicating it is valid for travel to both countries.
- Application Fees: Visa fees are the same as standard visitor visa fees in the issuing country.
5. Important Conditions of the BIVS Visa
- Entry Requirements: You must enter the country that issued the visa first before traveling to the other.
- Length of Stay: The maximum stay is usually 90 days; longer stays are not permitted under BIVS.
- Travel Restrictions: BIVS applies only to travel within the UK and Ireland and does not cover other countries.
6. Benefits of the BIVS Visa
- Cost-Effective: Only one visa is required, saving on application fees.
- Simplified Process: Allows seamless travel between the UK and Ireland without needing two separate visas.
- Convenient for Short Stays: Ideal for tourists and business travelers planning to visit both countries on one trip.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work on a BIVS visa? No, the BIVS visa is strictly for tourism, business, and family visits, not for employment.
- What if I overstay my BIVS visa? Overstaying can lead to penalties and affect future travel eligibility.
- Do I need to enter the UK or Ireland first? Yes, you must enter the country that issued the visa first.
8. Conclusion
The British Irish Visa Scheme provides a practical and cost-effective option for eligible travelers looking to explore both the UK and Ireland. With a single visa application, visitors can enjoy the best of both countries without the hassle of separate visa processes.