New instructions for visa applicants

News

Malawian citizens must get a valid visa to travel to Ireland. If you plan to visit other countries in Europe or the United Kingdom, you must obtain separate visas from the relevant countries. Please note that Irish visas are not valid for travel to Northern Ireland.

Application Process

Applicants must first apply online at www.inis.gov.ie

The printed summary sheet from your online application and hard copies of documents must then be brought, in person, to the Embassy in order for the application to be processed. When your application is lodged for processing, you will be given an invoice with instructions on how to pay for your visa application.

Consular Hours at the Embassy of Ireland are strictly 8.00 AM-10.30 a.m. (Monday – Friday)

 Necessary items include:

 Visa Application Summary sheet- signed and dated. This sheet is generated through your online application and must be printed and signed.

1. Two passport size photos, signed on the reverse by the applicant, with a plain, white background.
2. Passport valid for at least six months
3. Clear explanation of purpose of trip and explicit proof of the applicant’s intention to observe the conditions of the visa and to return to Malawi (social/economic/family ties etc)
4. Invitation letter from host/sponsor.  (Please note: invitations by students studying in Ireland are not accepted).
5. Sponsor’s bank statement for past six months
6. Visit visas: If self-funding, applicant’s bank statement for past six months with proof that applicant has habitual access to at least €3,000 (or equivalent). Large deposits should be explained in the letter explaining the purpose of the trip (see point 4)
7. Hotel booking or letter from host confirming accommodation.
8. Host must provide his/her permission to reside in Ireland (if a non-EEA national), Passport Bio data page/I.D., residential address, and must clearly state his/her relationship to applicant (evidence of relationship may be requested)
9. Letter from employer in Malawi supporting the trip. The letter should clearly state the applicant’s job title and length of service and detail the purpose and duration of travel
10. Pay slips for the last three months
11. If self-employed, proof of business
12. If Child Under 18 years of age: Birth Certificate, Affidavit of consent from parent(s) not travelling with child and their I.D.s certified by Lawyer;  school permission; Marriage Certificate of Parents (where applicable)
13. For Student Visa Applications: school’s proof of Registration; acceptance letter; proof of fee payment; medical insurance cover; accommodation; Original and their Certified copies of school certificates; Letter from Sponsor on student’s upkeep/fees; financial statements of the applicant or their sponsor showing habitual access to at least €7,000.
14. Return air ticket/itinerary and travel insurance

Not all of this documentation may be relevant to a specific application but equally, more documentation may be necessary depending on the nature of the application.

 The final decision on visas is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality in Dublin, on whose behalf the Embassy accepts visa applications. While every effort is made to process visas in a timely manner, the decision may take up to eight weeks for a short stay visa or longer for a long-stay visa (including student visas). Please plan accordingly and apply as soon as possible.

It is important to bear in mind that even if a visa has been approved immigration officials at the point of entry (e.g. airport) ultimately decide entry into the State.

 Cost of Visa

• Single Entry Visa - €60
• Multiple Entry Visa - €100
• Transit Visa  - €25

 Visa costs are payable in Kwacha. Exchange rate is updated at the beginning of every month. Please take the invoice that you receive from the Embassy and bring it to First Capital Bank City Centre branch to pay. Payment may be made by cash or cheque. Directions to FCB City Centre.

Please note that the visa will not be processed until payment is made.

Additional information for students:

Only courses included in the Interim List of Eligible Courses are eligible for immigration permission. This list is available on the INIS website (www.inis.gov.ie). If your chosen course, or college, is not on this list, no visa will be issued.

The number of student visa applications globally has greatly increased in recent years. Please plan to apply as soon as your fees are paid in order to give adequate time for the visa to be processed.

 For further queries please contact the Embassy on +265 (0)1 776 408

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