Staying in Northern Ireland after long visit to Republic of Ireland
 

I really need help with my concern and hopefully Fodors' wonderful contributors can help.
My husband and I want to travel to the Republic of Ireland in 2019 and stay for 6 months BUT I am not sure we will be able to get a VISA for that long of time period (as most know they only want
a tourist to stay for no more than 90 days). If we can not get a VISA for the whole 6 months, could
we leave the Republic of Ireland after the 90 days, travel to Northern Ireland and visit there for the remaining 3 months with out a VISA?
We are from the U.S. and my husband is a naturalized Irish citizen (thru his paternal grandmother) but currently only has a U.S. passport. We will not be working while on this trip, just temporarily living and visiting Ireland. i.e. we plan on trying to rent an apartment, house, or cottage in Ireland and then
in Northern Ireland (if needed).
Hope this wasn't too confusing of an explanation.

Given that brexit happens in 2019, and nobody knows what will happen to the border between the two countries yet it is impossible to answer really. It shouldn't be a problem but who knows?
Why doesn't your husband get an Irish passport?

The problem even today is tricky.

On arrival in the Republic, Americans are given 3 months leave to remain in the UK-Ireland CTA . On arrival in the UK from outside the CTA, Americans get 6 months leave to remain: xenophobia is one of Ireland's less touted traits, and one most of us are delighted our ancestors escaped).

There being no border control between the UK and the Republic, Americans who've stayed in the Republic for 3 months must leave the CTA: there's no systemm for getting the permission extended.

Today, there are two solutions:
- arrive in the UK first. Get six months'permission, travel to the Republic, then spemd your time as you like
- do your 3 months in the Republic, then take a planed or boat to the Continent without stopping in the UK, turn round and go through UK immigration.

If you don't do this no-one ordinarily will notice and there's no outbound UK passport inspection anyway. But you WILL be in the UK illegally, and this might affect things like insurance.

After March 2019, it IS possible there'll be a conventional border between the Republic and the North. But no-one in Ireland wants one.

Heitismij's solution might avoid the problem. But if Britain leaves the EU in March 2019, the European right for an EU citizen to have their spouse with them might not apply.

Also ask on https://irelandmoveclub.com/ fairly sure there are those on there who have done what you are asking.

Tony2phones, I have asked on irelandmoveclub but people on there just keep saying I can only stay for 90 days.

hetismij2, My husband probably will get an Irish passport but from what I am reading that still won't allow me to remain in the Republic of Ireland past the 90 days; we will not have a permanent residence only a short term rental so I am sure that has something to do with it.

flannerk, It seems that the Republic of Ireland only wants American tourists to come, spend their money, and the leave ASAP. I love Ireland, we have visited 3 times, but I just don't understand this 90 day rule! I would understand if we wanted to remain in Ireland for a year or so but for only 6 months we can't!?

If anyone else has any input or help I would appreciate it. We continue to explore getting permission to stay in the Republic of Ireland for a full 6 months and hope we will be successful.

mIGHT BE WORTH A LOOK http://www.transitionsabroad.com/lis...d_moving.shtml

Sorry another link as well http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/non-eea-permission

Almost every country has similar limits in their visa waiver programs, which obviate the need for a visa and are specifically designed for tourists. Those who want to stay longer than three months are presumed not to be tourists, and are expected to get visas specific to the reasons for their stays.

I don't know where your from, but the US also has a 90-day limit for visitors under the visa waiver program. The Schengen area has a 90-day limit for the entire Schengen zone.

The UK is really an anomaly - most countries allow much less than 6 months

http://www.globalallianz.org/visa-fr...r-us-citizens/

Tony2phones thank you for those links, I had one already but great to see it again.

If my husband does get an Irish passport do you think it would be best for him to travel to Ireland using that one instead of his US passport?
I am glad we have 22 months to work on this situation as it is very confusing and frustrating. We are now looking into possibly flying in and out of Belfast, living in the Republic for 3 months then staying in Northern Ireland for the remaining 3 months, or maybe arriving in N.I then traveling to the Southwest of the Republic to stay the whole 6 months, BUT I know that could possibly get us into trouble.

WOW my mind is hurting with all this planning.

Just a quick note: >>BUT I know that could possibly get us into trouble<< I would seriously think about breaking the rues. If you are caught you could end up being banned - and possibly from both countries.

Have you discussed this with the Republic of Ireland consulate nearest you? You have time to apply for a long-stay visa (or whatever term they use) so why not try.

Presumably, if your husband presents an Irish passport, Ireland's regulations on non-Irish, non-EU spouses apply.

"It seems that the Republic of Ireland only wants American tourists to come, spend their money, and the leave ASA"

The Republic gives you the same length of stay the US gives us. It just doesn't fingerprint you .

I'm not prepared to waste any more time on your sniveling sense of "I.m an American" entitlement. Just obey the bloody rules or go and inflict your arrogance on someone else.

flanneruk, I meant NO offense to any country or their people. I have just been surprised by the difficulty to stay and enjoy a beautiful country for a lengthy tour. I did not consider restrictions that the U S and other countries have. My apologizes.

Immigration (or illegal immigration) is a HUGE issue in Europe right now (as I believe it is in the US?)

You are eligible for 90 days (or 6 months in the UK) but no more without a valid visa. The worry is that you will start to live off the state (tax payers money) and not return to your home country.

The US also has these types of restrictions for the rest of the world for the same reasons.

If you want to stay for longer you need to look into the proper visa. If your husband can get his passport that may help. He will obviously then be able to stay as long as he wants.