Visas to the U.S.

This service is operated by Defacto Call Center GmbH, Am Pestalozziring 1-2, Erlangen, Germany.

Before you make an appointment, please read carefully instructions to establish if you are eligible to Renew your Visa by Mail.  If you are not eligible to apply by mail, you must make an appointment and apply in person at the Embassy.

To schedule an appointment for your interview, please follow the instructions on this page. Applicants may also view the Non-Immigrant and Immigrant visa portions of this website for visa information free of charge:

Callers in Ireland should dial 1580 47 VISA (1580 47 8472).  Calls to this line are charged at Euro 2.44/minute including VAT, from landlines; some mobile and network providers may charge more.  In addition, some mobile and network providers cannot access this number. Callers from outside Ireland and some mobile and network providers cannot access this number.

Callers in Ireland may also use the Credit Card Payment Option.  To use this option please call (01)436-0536. Calls cost 16 Euro payable through credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

Callers from outside Ireland can only use the credit card option. In this case, in addition to the fee, international dialling costs will be charged by your operator. The number to be dialled in this case is +353-1-436-0536.

Information and Appointment Scheduling

Calls can be placed to the above numbers Monday through Friday 08:00-18:30, excepting Irish Bank Holidays. 

(A live operator will schedule your appointment and provide visa information)

Please note that the Visa Waiver Program is still in effect for citizens of 36 nations, including Ireland. Please inform yourself well ahead of time whether the conditions of visa-free travel apply to you by calling the Visa Information Service.

All visa applicants must schedule an appointment by calling the above numbers. This measure allows the Consular Section to process visas more quickly and efficiently and it helps applicants avoid long waiting times. To schedule an appointment, please call the Visa Information Service. Please check our appointments page for the current waiting time for an appointment and further information about visa interview appointments.

Decisions on visas are generally made at the visa interview unless further processing is necessary. However, visaed passports are no longer returned to applicants on the day of their interview.  All applicants must bring with them to their appointment a stamped, addressed envelope (SAE) (6in x 9 1/2in approx, 250g) with an address in Ireland to where you wish to have your passport returned. We do not mail passports to addresses outside of Ireland.  In cases where a family is applying, we require a seperate envelope for each passport being returned. Please affix to the SAE a €5.75 regular postage stamp or a combination of stamps to the value of €5.75. When purchasing the stamp/s at the post office, please do not request the dated Riposte Mails Label. We will return your passport and documentation to you by Express Post mail.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still call the Embassy for Visa Information?
A: No -- no visa information is available through the U.S. Embassy's phone numbers. Please use the Visa Information Service for all visa questions.

Q: How will the service benefit me?
A: The service provides access to an operator who will provide extensive information on visa requirements and application procedures for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas. If you need to apply for a non-immigrant visa you must schedule your appointment through this service. Listening carefully to the information provided will help you save time when applying for a visa. The biggest delay most applicants experience is applying for a visa without all the required information and the proper forms completed.

Q: What kind of information is provided by the service?
A: This service provides current and accurate information for Irish citizens and foreign nationals who wish to apply for a visa to enter the United States of America at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. Callers will be able to receive information on both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to the U.S. and all the information an applicant is required to have in order to apply for a visa. Also, all appointments for interviews are scheduled through the Visa Information Service.

Q: What is the telephone number I call to access the service?
A: By calling 1580 47 VISA (1580 47 8472) in Ireland, or the credit card payment option (01)436-0536 in Ireland. Calls cost 16 euro payable through credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or +353-1-436-0536 for persons calling from outside Ireland, callers will be able to get information and schedule a non-immigrant visa appointment with an operator.

Q: How much does the service cost and how do I pay for it?
A: When calling 1580 47 8472, the service costs Euro 2.44 per minute (when calling in Ireland), including VAT. Calls made from a mobile phone may cost more. Charges are billed to the caller's phone, or the credit card payment option in Ireland. To use this option please call (01)436-0536. Calls cost 16 euro payable through credit card (Visa or MasterCard). International calls made from outside Ireland cost a flat rate of Euro 16.00, plus applicable long distance charges, and must be paid by Visa or Mastercard.

Q: How does the service work?
A: The Visa Information Service efficiently and effectively delivers accurate information and procedures to Irish citizens and foreign nationals applying for a visa to enter the United States.  An applicant calls 1580 47 8472 (or +353-1-436-0536 from outside Ireland) and speaks with an operator. The applicant's telephone number will be billed for the charges. International calls made from outside Ireland must be paid by Visa or Mastercard and long distance charges will also apply. The information includes all of the general and specific requirements an applicant must fulfill to apply for a visa.  Application procedures are also explained in detail. An appointment may then be scheduled for a time convenient to the caller. An operator will schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section in Dublin.

Q. How long can I expect to be at the Embassy on the day of my appointment?
A: You should anticipate being at the Embassy for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.