Irish citizens who are visiting the United States for business or pleasure and are staying in the U.S. for less than 90 days are eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa under the visa waiver program. According to the U.S. Embassy's website, travelers taking advantage of this program must have a valid e-passport, that has an electronic chip and is able to be read by a machine, have a return trip ticket or itinerary, be traveling on a transportation carrier who participates in the program, complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, application online and complete a I-94W form, which is obtained from the airline.
Irish passport holders, who are taking part in the visa waiver program must complete the ESTA application before entering the United States, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. The ESTA requires basic personal information, passport information, travel carrier information, the location you are visiting in the United States as well as information relating to physical and mental health and any criminal history. The ESTA application is completed online and requires payment of an administrative fee. After completing the application, travelers are given an application number to record as conformation for completing the application. No other documentation regarding the application is needed when entering the United States.
While most Irish travelers meet travel regulations under the visa waiver programs, Irish citizens staying in the U.S. for over 90 days, as well as students, workers, persons arriving by private airplanes or sea vessels or persons with serious communicable diseases or a criminal record must apply for a visa before being able to enter the United States. According to the U.S. Embassy Dublin's website, all visa applicants must complete the online application, hold a valid Irish passport, pay an application fee and provide proof that the United States visit or stay is temporary. Depending on the type of visa required, other documentation may be needed and an interview at the Embassy may be required before a visa is issued. The United States Embassy in Dublin and the U.S Consulate General in Belfast, provide extra assistance for Irish citizens seeking information on visa requirements.
