Visa & Travel Information
Information for participants travelling to Ireland for MIXING '18.
Travelling to Ireland
MIXING '18 takes place in Ireland. Ireland has its own immigration rules and is not part of the Schengen Area.
A Schengen visa or residence permit does not automatically allow entry into Ireland. A UK visa also does not normally allow entry into Ireland, unless you qualify under a specific Irish visa waiver or British Irish Visa Scheme.
Do I need an Irish visa?
Whether you need a visa for Ireland depends on your nationality. Some participants are visa-exempt, while others must apply for an Irish visa before travelling.
Please check the official Irish visa information before making travel arrangements.
Visa type for conference participants
Participants who require a visa will normally need a Short-Stay "C" Conference/Event Visa.
This visa is intended for short visits of up to 90 days to attend a conference, symposium or event.
Invitation letter
Participants who require a visa may request an official invitation letter after completing registration and payment.
- Invitation letters are issued only to fully registered and paid participants.
- The invitation letter confirms participation in MIXING '18.
- The invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.
- The organisers cannot influence the outcome of a visa application.
When to apply
Visa processing times vary by country and visa office. Participants are advised to apply as early as possible and to allow sufficient time before travelling.
As a general guideline, apply at least several weeks before your planned travel date. Some visa offices may advise allowing around 5–6 weeks or more.
Common documents
Requirements may vary depending on nationality and application location. Common documents may include:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Invitation letter from the conference
- Proof of registration and payment
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel or medical insurance
Entry to Ireland
A visa allows you to travel to Ireland, but it does not guarantee entry. Final permission to enter Ireland is granted by an immigration officer at the border.
Travelling via the United Kingdom
If you travel to Ireland via the United Kingdom, additional UK entry or transit rules may apply.
Many visa-exempt travellers now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation and is separate from any Irish visa requirement.
- A UK ETA is not an Irish visa.
- An Irish visa is not a UK ETA.
- If you travel through the UK, check whether you need a UK ETA or transit visa.
- Requirements depend on your nationality, route, and whether you pass through UK border control.
Participants flying directly to Ireland do not need a UK ETA unless their journey includes the United Kingdom.
Participants from the Netherlands / EU
EU citizens, including Dutch citizens, generally do not need a visa to travel to Ireland. However, if travelling via the United Kingdom, UK ETA rules may apply.
Important notes
- Participants are responsible for checking their own visa and travel authorisation requirements.
- The organisers cannot provide immigration advice.
- The organisers cannot influence visa or ETA decisions.
- Registration fees are non-refundable if a visa or travel authorisation is refused.
- Registrations are transferable to another colleague, in line with the registration terms and conditions.
Official information
Please consult the official Irish and UK government websites for the most up-to-date information before applying or travelling.