Travelling to both the United Kingdom and Ireland often means applying for two separate visas. However, for Indian or Chinese nationals, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) simplifies this process by allowing entry into both countries with a single visa. If you are planning to explore London’s cosmopolitan charm and Ireland’s scenic landscapes in the same trip, the BIVS Visa is something you should understand thoroughly.

In this article, we have discussed everything that Indian travellers need to know about BIVS -  from eligibility to application process, validity, and practical tips.

Quick Summary

• The BIVS is only available to Indian and Chinese nationals applying from their home countries.

• It applies only to short-stay visas (tourism, business, conferences, or family visits).

• Your visa must be endorsed with “BIVS” for the scheme to work.

• Student and Work visas are excluded; a separate visa is required in such cases.

• The number of days you can spend in the second country is limited by the validity of the original visa.

• A multiple-entry visa offers the most travel flexibility for moving between the UK and Ireland.

• There’s no additional fee for the BIVS. You pay an application fee for the initial UK or Irish visa.
  

What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)?

The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) is a reciprocal agreement between the United Kingdom and Ireland. It allows eligible foreign nationals, including Indians, to travel freely between the two countries on a single short-stay visa issued by either nation.

In simple terms:

• If you hold a valid Irish visa with the BIVS endorsement, you can travel to the UK without needing to apply for a separate UK visa; simply use your Irish visa.

You can conveniently apply for your Irish visa through Atlys.

• Similarly, if you already hold a valid short-stay UK visa under this scheme, you can visit Ireland without needing to obtain an additional Irish visa.

Your UK visa application can also be easily completed through Atlys.

This makes cross-border travel between the two destinations convenient, especially for tourists or business visitors who want to maximise their trip.

This reciprocal agreement allows free movement within the Common Travel Area (CTA) for short visits, though it does not extend to the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

Who Can Apply for the BIVS Visa?

Currently, the scheme is restricted to nationals of India and China. To qualify:

• You must be applying for your visa from India (if you are an Indian citizen) or China (if you are a Chinese citizen).

• Only short-stay visas are eligible. Long-term visas (such as Student or Work visas) are not included.

• Minors under 18 can use the scheme, but they must be accompanied by an eligible adult.

• Your visa must be specifically endorsed with BIVS. Without this marking, you cannot use the scheme, even if you otherwise meet the qualifications.

Eligible UK Visas Under BIVS

Not all UK visas are covered by the scheme. You can travel to Ireland on the basis of a UK visa only if you hold one of the following:

• Any short-stay UK visitor visa (valid up to six months).

• A Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

Important: If you hold a long-stay UK visa such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Family Visa, the BIVS arrangement does not apply. You will need a separate Irish visa to enter Ireland.

Eligible Irish Visas Under BIVS

Similarly, not all Irish visas allow entry to the UK. You can travel to the UK with an Irish visa only if you hold a short-stay “C” visa, issued for up to 90 days, for one of the following purposes:

• Tourism

• Visiting family or friends

• Business trips

• Attending a conference or event

Both single-entry and multiple-entry visas are eligible, but travel flexibility differs depending on which one you have (explained below).

How to Apply for the Visa under BIVS?

There is no separate application process for a BIVS visa. Instead, you apply for a standard short-stay visa of the country you plan to visit first, and if you are eligible, it will be endorsed with the “BIVS” marking.

For example:

• If you are starting your trip in Ireland and later want to travel to the UK, you should apply for an Irish short-stay “C” visa.

• If you are starting your trip in the UK and then travelling to Ireland, you should apply for a UK short-stay visitor visa.

With Atlys, your UK visa application process, as well as your Irish visa application, will be absolutely stress-free. Once issued, your visa will permit you to travel between the two countries under the scheme, provided the endorsement is present.

Validity of the BIVS Visa

The validity of your BIVS visa depends on the issuing country:

• Ireland Short Stay Visa (C): Valid for up to 90 days.

• UK Short Stay Visa: Valid for up to 180 days.

However, there are important limitations:

• Even if you hold a UK visa valid for six months, upon entering Ireland, you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days.

• If you hold an Irish visa for 90 days and spend 45 days in Ireland before heading to the UK, you can only spend the remaining 45 days in the UK.

In other words, the days are shared between both countries and cannot exceed the validity of the original visa issued.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visas Under BIVS

Your travel flexibility depends on whether your visa is single-entry or multiple-entry:

• Single-entry visa: You cannot re-enter the country of issue after leaving. For example, if you enter Ireland on a single-entry visa, travel to the UK, and then attempt to return to Ireland, you will not be permitted to do so.

• Multiple-entry visa: You can move between the UK and Ireland as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.

For Indian travellers planning a trip that includes movement between the two countries, a multiple-entry visa is highly recommended.

The British-Irish Visa Scheme is a convenient option for Indian and Chinese travellers who want to explore both the UK and Ireland on the same trip without the hassle of applying for two visas. By understanding the eligibility rules, validity limits, and differences between single and multiple-entry visas, you can plan your journey more efficiently.

Whether you want to stroll through the cobbled streets of Dublin or take in the iconic sights of London, the BIVS visa ensures that your travel between the two cities is seamless.