Schengen Visa (Ireland Consulate)
Expert Schengen visa assistance - over 4,500 applications processed annually
Step by step
The Visa Process
Applying for your Ireland Schengen visa through Star Tours is straightforward. Follow the six steps below - our team handles the appointment booking, document checking, and submission on your behalf.
01Book your tour or standalone visa service▾
Tour & Visa Service: Select one of our European tour packages and opt in for visa assistance at the time of booking. We handle everything alongside your holiday.
Standalone Visa Service: Already have your own travel arrangements? We offer a standalone visa service - from appointment booking to document preparation and submission - for travellers who simply need visa help.
02Visa application process▾
Star Tours secures your visa appointment with the Irish Embassy on your behalf - no queuing, no chasing. Once the appointment is confirmed, we will send you a full document checklist tailored to your specific tour and travel dates.
We review every document before submission to minimise the risk of refusal. Our team will contact you if anything is missing or needs to be corrected.
03Documents specification▾
You will need to provide the documents listed in the Document Requirements section below. Key points:
- Your passport must have at least 3 months validity beyond your travel dates
- Passport photos must be taken recently and meet the exact specification (35mm × 45mm, white background)
- Employment letters must be on company letterhead and addressed to the Irish Embassy
- Bank statements must cover the last 3 months (6 months for students)
- Airbnb reservations and cruise tickets are not accepted as accommodation proof
04Sending your documents to Star Tours▾
Once your documents are ready, please send them to our office by recorded delivery or courier. Do not use regular post for passports.
All documents must arrive at our office at least 4 weeks before your visa appointment date. Our team will acknowledge receipt and contact you with any queries within 2 working days.
Address: Star Tours, Crove House, 12-14 Aintree Road, Perivale, UB6 7LA
05Your appointment and biometrics▾
For most Schengen visas, you must attend an appointment in person to have your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics) taken at a VFS Global Centre. Star Tours will confirm the appointment time, date, and location.
Please bring all original documents to your appointment. Arrive 10–15 minutes early. The biometric process typically takes 20–30 minutes.
If you have given biometrics for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you may be exempt from attending in person - our team will advise.
06Passport return▾
Once a decision has been made, the Irish Embassy returns passports to the VFS centre. VFS will notify you by email with a tracking ID for courier delivery direct to your home address.
Processing times vary between 10–15 working days. We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before travel to allow adequate time.
Visa issuance, validity period, and number of entries are at the sole discretion of the Irish Embassy.
What you need
Document Requirements
The following documents are required for a Ireland Schengen visa application. Star Tours will provide a personalised checklist once your booking is confirmed.
Valid Passport
Original passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended stay. Passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
BRP Card
If you hold a Biometric Residence Permit, the original must be submitted. It must have at least 1 month of validity beyond your stay.
Passport Photos
2 photos, 35mm × 45mm, white background, 80% facial zoom showing forehead, ears and neck. Must be sharp and clear.
Travel Itinerary
Flight, train or coach reservations and hotel/accommodation details. Airbnb reservations and cruise tickets are not accepted.
Employment Letter
On company letterhead, addressed to the Embassy. Must include company name, address, your position, and employment start date. No older than 1 month.
Bank Statements
3 months of salary account statements. Students must provide 6 months. Must clearly show your name and account number.
University Letter (students)
On university letterhead, addressed to the Embassy, confirming your student status and term dates. No older than 1 month.
Travel Insurance
Valid across all Schengen states, covering minimum €30,000 medical emergency and repatriation.
Fees
Visa Prices
All prices are all-inclusive and cover the consulate fee, VFS appointment, document review, and Star Tours handling and administration. Children under 6 travel free.
Prices are subject to change. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
Common questions
FAQs
Which countries are part of the Schengen area?▾
The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Do I need a visa to enter a Schengen state?▾
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can currently enter the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days) without a visa, but should check the latest ETIAS requirements. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and many other nationalities do require a Schengen visa.
How is the consulate decided for my Schengen visa?▾
You must apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most nights. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the consulate of your first country of entry. Star Tours will advise you on the correct consulate for your specific tour itinerary.
How long is a Schengen visa valid?▾
A standard Schengen tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The actual validity is decided by the consulate and may be single-entry or multiple-entry.
How far in advance should I apply?▾
We recommend applying at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance. Do not apply too early, as the visa may expire before you travel.
My passport expires in 3 months - can I still apply?▾
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area. You will need to renew your passport before applying for a visa.
Can I extend my Schengen visa once I am in Europe?▾
Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure). A Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism purposes. Overstaying carries serious consequences including future visa refusals.
What happens if my visa application is refused?▾
Refusals must state the reason in writing. Star Tours will advise you on whether to re-apply or appeal. Refund of the consulate fee is not possible regardless of outcome.
Ready to get started?
Message our visa team on WhatsApp or call us - we will guide you through every step.