Visa question

Question

Hi all. We've booked our first trip to China end of October. We hold Irish passports and see that there is an agreement between Ireland & China so no visa is required. However we are resident in Northern Ireland which is in UK so can we still travel without a visa?

Answer

For Irish passport holders, China does have a bilateral agreement allowing visa-free travel for short visits, typically up to 90 days. However, the key consideration here is your place of residence.

Although you hold an Irish passport, being resident in Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom) can sometimes affect the visa-free entry process. Chinese authorities generally issue entry based on the passport itself rather than residence, but airlines and immigration officers may occasionally ask for proof of your travel plans and residence details.

Key points to consider:

Your Irish passport should allow you to enter China visa-free for short stays, regardless of your residence in Northern Ireland.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Have your onward or return tickets ready, as immigration may request proof of travel plans.
It’s recommended to check with your airline, as carriers sometimes enforce visa requirements at boarding.
If in doubt, contact the nearest Chinese consulate for confirmation before traveling to avoid any last-minute issues.

In summary, your Irish passport is the main factor for visa-free entry, and your Northern Ireland residence does not automatically require a visa. However, carry all supporting documents and verify with the airline and consulate to ensure smooth entry.

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