Everything you need to know about the UK Bivs Visa (SAVE THIS!) Last Updated: April 27, 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide on the UK BIVS Visa! If you’re a traveller looking to explore the United Kingdom and Ireland seamlessly, you’re in the right place. 

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the British-Irish Visa Scheme, making your journey between these beautiful countries a breeze.

What is the UK BIVS Visa?

The UK BIVS Visa, or British-Irish Visa Scheme, is an agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom that makes it easier for people from other countries to travel between the two nations. Here’s how it works in simple terms:

• If you have a valid visa for either Ireland or the UK, you can use that visa to visit the other country. This means you don’t need to go through the process of getting a separate visa for your second destination.

• For example, if you have an Irish visa and want to travel to the UK, you can do so without getting a separate UK visa. Similarly, you can visit Ireland without needing an additional Irish visa if you have a UK visa.

• However, it’s important to note that not all foreign nationals who require a visa are eligible for this scheme. It depends on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you hold.

In a nutshell, the British-Irish Visa Scheme simplifies travel between Ireland and the UK for people who already have a valid visa for one of these countries. It reduces the need for extra paperwork and makes it more convenient to explore both nations.

Eligibility criteria for the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa)

Nationality: Only people from India and China are eligible. If you live in India or China and hold a passport from one of these countries, you can apply.

Short Stay Visa: To use the BIVS Visa, you need to have a short-stay visa for either the UK or Ireland. This could be a tourist, business, or family visit visa.

Age: If you’re under 18, you can use the BIVS Visa, but you must be accompanied by an eligible adult.

BIVS Coding: Your visa must have the coding “BIVS” on it for you to use this scheme. This special code shows that your visa is valid for both countries.

Now, let’s look at the specific visas that make you eligible for the BIVS Visa in both the UK and Ireland:

UK Visas Eligible for BIVS Visa:

• Any UK short-stay visitor visa that’s valid for up to 6 months.

• Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

If you have a UK visa that allows you to stay for more than six months, like a Student Visa or Work Visa, you won’t be able to use the British-Irish Visa Scheme. You’ll need a separate visa to travel to Ireland.

Ireland Visas Eligible for BIVS Visa:

• Any Irish short stay “C” visa (either single- or multiple-entry) for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, business, and attending conferences or events.

In simple terms, if you’re from India or China, have a short-stay visa for the UK or Ireland, and meet the other requirements mentioned above, you’re eligible for the BIVS Visa, which makes it easier to travel between these two countries without getting additional visas.

How to Apply for UK BIVS Visa

There is no separate BIVS Visa application. Instead, you need to apply for a short-stay visa for the first country you plan to visit. If you plan to visit Ireland first, apply for an Irish visa. If your first stop is the UK, then apply for a UK visa.

Depending on whether you’re starting your journey in Ireland or the UK, follow the respective visa application process for that country.

The specific requirements for your visa will depend on the country you are applying to visit first. Be sure to check and meet all the requirements for that country.

To understand the requirements for an Ireland visa, you can refer to the Ireland visa application guidelines.

For the requirements of a UK visa, consult the UK visa application guidelines.

Once you’ve obtained a visitor visa for the first country (either the UK or Ireland), you can travel freely between the two countries during the validity of your visa. Your visa will typically include a BIVS stamp, which allows you to cross the land border between the UK and Ireland or travel by sea or air between the two countries.

Documents Required for Visa Application

For Travel from the UK to Ireland on an eligible UK visa:

A valid UK visa with the ‘BIVS’ endorsement.

For Travel from the UK to Ireland on an eligible Irish visa (return after a visit to the UK):

An Irish visa with the ‘BIVS’ endorsement.

Passport with a relevant stamp indicating current permission to remain in Ireland.

Ensure that your travel falls within the specified number of days after the ‘Date of Arrival.’

For Travel from Ireland to the UK on an eligible Irish visa:

An Irish visa with the ‘BIVS’ endorsement.

Passport with a relevant stamp indicating current permission to remain in Ireland.

Ensure that your travel falls within the specified number of days after the ‘Date of Arrival.’

For Travel from Ireland to the UK on an eligible UK visa (return to the UK following a visit to Ireland):

A valid UK visa with the ‘BIVS’ endorsement.

Proof of current leave to land or enter the UK.

Important Notes:

Remember that re-entry to the Common Travel Area (CTA) of Ireland and the UK is not allowed on an Irish visa even if the date of travel falls within the permission to remain as stamped in the passport. The validity of an Irish visa ends on exit from the CTA.

Re-entry to the CTA via the UK is permitted on a UK visa as long as it’s within its period of validity and via Ireland as long as the UK visa is within its period of validity, and the person has current leave to enter or remain in the UK.

Cost of BIVS Visa

The cost of visas for both Ireland and the UK can vary depending on the type of visa and your specific circumstances. Here’s the cost breakdown for each:

Irish Visas:

Single entry: €60

Multi entry: €100

Transit: €25

For the cost of the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), you will receive further information when you submit your application. The BIVS doesn’t have a fixed cost and may depend on the type of visa you are applying for.

UK Visitor Visas:

Standard Visitor Visa: £95 / Rs 10,250 (approx.)

For medical reasons: £190 / Rs 20,000 (approx.)

For academics: £190 / Rs 20,000 (approx.)

Two-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa: £361 / Rs 38,000 (approx.)

As of May 2023, the visa application fee for the UK or Ireland visa is approximately Rs 10,250.

Please note: The visa fees can change over time. It is essential to verify the exact fee and payment process on the official websites of the UK Home Office for UK visas and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for Irish visas when you are ready to apply.

The UK BIVS Visa simplifies travel for Indian citizens between the UK and Ireland. It is important to carefully review the specific visa requirements and fees for the type of visa you wish to apply for and plan your itinerary accordingly. Additionally, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing time.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to me at theveggietravels@gmail.com. I am here to help you make your travel plans as smooth as possible. Safe travels!