Where to transit when going to Ireland (Éire)? Important notes for transit

Ireland, the “Emerald Isle” – a captivating jewel of Northern Europe with its stunning natural landscapes, ancient Celtic culture, and world-renowned hospitality. From the majestic Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant capital of Dublin with its Guinness and literature, from the picturesque Ring of Kerry to the mystical Giant’s Causeway, Ireland offers a unique European experience that is both ancient and modern.There are no direct flights from Vietnam, so transit through Europe or the Middle East is mandatory.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Areaalthough it is an EU member, it has a completely separate visa policy. This means:

• Schengen visa is not validto enter Ireland
• A separate Irish visa is requiredfor Vietnamese citizens
• However, Ireland hasCommon Travel Areawith the UK, facilitating travel between the two countries

Overview of the Irish Aviation System

Dublin International Airport (DUB)is the main and largest gateway, located about 10km north of Dublin city center. It is the hub ofAer Lingus and Ryanair, serving over 32 million passengers annually with modern Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands: KLM has daily flights to VNO (2 hours)

• Cork (ORK)Southern Ireland Gateway
• Shannon (SNN): The second international airport, with a unique US Preclearancefunction
• Belfast (BFS/BHD): Northern Ireland (UK)

Most popular transit points

Europe (The best and most convenient option)

London Heathrow/Gatwick (LHR/LGW), UK:

• Aer Lingus, British Airways, Ryanairdaily flights (1.5 hours to DUB)
• Advantages: Nearest, many flights, good connections from Asia
• Special: UK and Ireland have Common Travel Area– no passport check required between the two countries
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Vietnamese citizens often needUK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)to transit through the UK, even if only staying airside

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands:

• KLM, Aer Lingus has daily flights (2 hours)
• Advantages: Schiphol Airport is friendly, excellent connections from Vietnam with KLM
• Disadvantages: Potential delays due to weather
• Example of average level:: Schengen visa needed if leaving the airside

Frankfurt (FRA), Germany:

• Lufthansa, Aer Lingus have daily flights (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Largest hub in Europe, many connections from Singapore/Bangkok
• Disadvantages: Crowded airport, long transit times

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France:

• Air France, Aer Lingus has direct flights (2 hours)
• Advantages: Has direct flights from Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines
• Disadvantages: Complex airport, requires long transit time

Copenhagen (CPH), Denmark:

• SAS, Aer Lingus has daily flights (2 hours)
• Advantages: Modern airport, similar Nordic culture

Middle East (Premium service, competitive prices)

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by  has daily flights to Dublin (7 hours)
• Advantages: World-class service, modern Hamad airport, competitive prices
• Disadvantages: Only 1 flight/day, if missed must wait 24 hours
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• - Fastest route: has daily flights (7.5 hours)
• Advantages: World's most modern airport, excellent duty-free shopping
• Disadvantages: Ticket prices are usually higher
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Amman has daily flights (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, modern new airport
• Disadvantages: eVisa may be required if wishing to leave the airport
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via London (Most convenient)

Vietnam London LHR/LGW Dublin DUB

• Hãng : British Airways, Vietnam Airlines + Aer Lingus/BA
• Time: 14-17 hours + waiting
• Cost: $1.300-2.400$USD
• Advantages: Shortest flight to Dublin, many options, Common Travel Area
• Note: Need to check DATV requirements

Option 2: Via Amsterdam (Good connection)

Vietnam Amsterdam AMS Dublin DUB

• Hãng : KLM + Aer Lingus (may be on the same ticket via SkyTeam)
• Time: 13-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.200-2.200$USD
• Advantages: KLM has 2 flights/day from SGN/HAN, AMS airport is efficient

Option 3: Via Frankfurt

Vietnam Singapore/Bangkok Frankfurt FRA Dublin DUB

• Hãng : Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines + Aer Lingus
• Time: 15-18 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.400-2.300$USD
• Advantages: Lufthansa has a strong network, Star Alliance

Option 4: Via Doha (Premium service)

Vietnam Doha DOH Dublin DUB

• Hãng : Qatar Airways
• Time15-19 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.100-2.000$USD
• Advantages: World-class service, competitive prices

Option 5: Via Istanbul (Good price)

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Dublin DUB

• Hãng : Turkish Airlines
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $900-1.800$USD
• Advantages: Most competitive prices, good service

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• From Europe (within EU): Minimum $1.5-2$ hours
• From the UK (Common Travel Area): Minimum $2-2.5$ hours
• From the Middle East (DOH/DXB/IST): Minimum $2-2.5$ hours
• From major airports (FRA, CDG): Minimum $2.5-3$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Within Europe: Minimum $4-5$ hours
• From outside the EU: Minimum $5-6$ hours
• From the UK: Minimum $3-4$ hours (Common Travel Area)

Seasonal contingency:

• Winter (11-3): Additional$1-2$ hours for bad weather
• Peak season (6-8): Additional$1$hours for congestion

Visa Ireland ",

Basic Information:

Vietnamese citizens are required to have an Irish visato enter, completely independent of a Schengen visa.

Visa Type:

• Short Stay (C visa): $60$EUR, maximum stay of 90 days
• Multiple entry: $100$EUR, convenient if planning to travel to the UK or Northern Ireland

Application submission location:

• VFS Global – 27 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1, HCMC
• Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi: For special cases

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 monthsafter the departure date from Ireland, with at least 2 blank pages
• Completed and printed online visa application form
• 2 photos 35x45mm with white background (taken within 6 months)
• Round-trip flight ticket confirmed
• Mandatory travel insurance: Minimum $30.000$EUR, valid in Ireland and the EU
• Bank statement for 3-6 months (in English) with a minimum balance$3.000$EUR
• Confirm hotel booking for the entire itinerary
• Company-approved leave letter (English)
• Detailed travel itinerary

Costs and duration:

• Visa Fee: $60$EUR (single entry),$100$EUR (multiple entry) + VFS service fee$25$EUR
• Processing Time: 4-8 weeksor longer
• Recommendation: Apply at least6-8 weeksbefore departure

British-Irish Visa Waiver Programme:

If you have a valid UK visa and have legally entered the UK, can enter Ireland without a separate visa for 90 days. However:

• Conditions: Must enter the UK before arriving in Ireland
• Note: Not an automatic right, subject to the immigration officer's decision

Health and insurance

Vaccinations:

No mandatory vaccination requirements from Vietnam to Ireland.

Recommendation:

• Seasonal flu: Especially important in winter (10-3)
• Tetanus : Booster update
• Hepatitis A: For all travelers (general recommendation)

Health insurance:

• Mandatory: Minimum $30.000$ EUR for visa
• Inclusions: Medical expenses, emergency, medical repatriation
• Note: Ireland has very high medical costs ($200-500$ EUR/visit)
• Emergency number: 999 or 112

Currency and costs

Currency:

• Official: Euro (EUR)
• Exchange rate: $1EUR\approx 1.1USD$ (fluctuates)
• Features: Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe

Estimated costs from Vietnam:

Round-trip air ticket: $900-2.500$USD

Accommodation (per night):

• Hostel: $25-45$EUR
• B&B/Guesthouse: $60-120$EUR
• Mid-range hotel: $100-180$EUR
• Upscale hotel: $200-400$EUR

Food and drink (per meal):

• Pub food: $12-20$EUR
• Mid-range restaurant: $25-40$EUR
• Fine dining: $50-80$EUR
• Guinness Pint: $5-7$EUR

Transportation:

• Dublin Bus: $2.5-3.5$ EUR/ride
• Leap Card: $10$ EUR (incl.$5$ credit)
• Taxis: $10-25$ EUR within the city
• Car Rental: $30-60$ EUR/day

Activities:

• Cliffs of Moher: $8$EUR
• Guinness Storehouse: $25$EUR
• Book of Kells (Trinity College): $16$EUR
• Ring of Kerry tour: $40-60$EUR

Estimated 7-day cost: $1.200-2.500$EUR/person

Payment methods:

• Credit cardsVisa/Mastercard widely accepted
• Contactless: Very common, limits apply$50$EUR
• Cash: Required for tip, small pubs
• Apple Pay/Google Pay: Accepted almost everywhere

Best time

Summer (May-Sep) – Ideal:

• Weather: $15-20°C$, longest days (up to 18h daylight in summer)
• Advantages: Best weather, lots of festivals, most beautiful scenery
• Disadvantages: High season, prices up 40-50%, crowded with tourists

Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Great:

• Weather: $12-18°C$, increasing rain
• Advantages: Less crowded, reasonable prices, beautiful yellow leaves, still pleasant weather
• Disadvantages: Shorter days, more rain

Spring (Mar-May) – Good:

• Weather: $8-15°C$, changeable
• Advantages: St. Patrick’s Day (17/3), blooming flowers, lower prices than summer
• Disadvantages: Unsettled weather, possibly rainy

Winter (December-February):

• Weather: $5-10°C$, rainy, windy
• Advantages: Lowest prices, few tourists, Christmas markets
• Disadvantages: Bad weather, short days (8 hours of daylight), many attractions closed

Transport and getting around

From Dublin Airport to the city centre:

• Dublin Bus (Route 16/41/102): $3.5$ EUR, 30-45 minutes
• Airlink Express (747/757): $7$ EUR, 30 minutes, more comfortable
• Taxis: $25-35$ EUR, 25-40 minutes depending on traffic
• Uber/Bolt: $20-30$ EUR, convenient

Dublin Public Transport:

• Leap Card: Integrated card for bus, tram, train – save 20%
• Dublin Bus: Extensive network across the city
• Luas (Tram): 2 main lines (Red and Green Line)
• DART (Train): Along the coast of Dublin Bay

Travelling around Ireland:

• Bus Éireann: Intercity bus network
• Irish Rail: Train connecting major cities
• Car Rental: Best for exploring the countryside, driving on the left
• Tour bus: Hop-on hop-off or day tours

Irish Culture and Characteristics

Languages:

• English: Official language, 100% of the population speaks
• Irish (Gaeilge): First official language but only 1.7% speak it daily
• Gaeltacht: Irish-speaking regions (Kerry, Galway, Donegal)

Pub Culture and Music:

• Pub culture: Centre of social life, not just for drinking
• Traditional Irish Music: Live music in almost every pub at night
• Guinness: Stout beer, “tastes better in Ireland”
• Irish Coffee: Coffee + whiskey + cream – invented at Shannon Airport

Hospitality:

• Céad Míle Fáilte (100,000 welcomes) – famous tourism slogan
• Irish people are known for being friendly, humorous
• Craic (read as “crack”): Term for fun, entertainment, good times

Safety:

• Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
• Driving on the left if renting a car
• Emergency number: 112 or 999

Must-visit attractions

Dublin:

• Trinity College & Book of Kells: The most beautiful old library in the world
• Guinness Storehouse: Guinness Storehouse with a 360° view from the 7th floor
• Temple Bar: Cultural district with live music
• Kilmainham GaolHistoric prison of importance

Wild Atlantic Way:

• Cliffs of Moher214m high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• Ring of KerryIreland's most scenic drive
• Dingle PeninsulaCharming fishing town
• Giant’s Causeway: (Northern Ireland) – UNESCO geological wonder

Other Cities:

• GalwayEuropean Capital of Culture 2020
• CorkFoodie city, near Blarney Castle
• KilkennyPerfectly preserved medieval city

Preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months after departure date from Ireland
• Ireland visa has been granted(or valid UK visa if waiver applies)
• Travel insurance$30.000$EUR (hard copy)
• Round-trip air ticket + booking confirmation
• Notarized copies of important documents

Finance:

• Visa/Mastercard credit card (notify bank beforehand)
• EUR Cash (approx. $200-300$EUR)
• Latest bank statement

International driving permit (if renting a car)

Ireland is famous for its rapidly changing weather: “Four seasons in one day”

• Waterproof jacket: Waterproof coatabsolutely essential
• Layers: Sweaters, cardigans for layering
• Comfortable walking shoes: Waterproof walking shoes
• Warm clothes: Warm clothes even in summer
• Umbrella: Compact umbrella

Technology:

• Type G Adapter (British standard) – 3 square legs
• European eSIM or travel SIM
• Useful apps:
  • Dublin BusReal-time bus info
  • Leap Top-Up: Top up Leap Card
  • TFI Journey Planner: Travel planner
  • Met Éireann: Official weather forecast

Important notes for transit

Transit through the UK:

• DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa): Most Vietnamese citizens need a DATV even if they are only transiting airside
• Check carefully: DATV requirements can change, always check the official UK Government website

Transit through Schengen:

• If staying airside: No Schengen visa needed
• If leaving airside or changing airports: Schengen visa required

Luggage:

• Low-cost airlines often do not transfer luggage between flights
• If tickets are separated: Must collect luggage and check-in again

Conclusion

Ireland is a great destination for those who love pristine nature, unique culture, and famous hospitality.“Land of Saints and Scholars”offers an authentic European experience with picturesque landscapes and friendly people.

Optimal transit route:

• Via London: Most convenient, many flights, Common Travel Area (need to check DATV)
• Via Amsterdam: Good connections with KLM from Vietnam
• To Doha: Premium service, competitive prices, low visa risk
• Via Istanbul: Best prices with Turkish Airlines

Most important preparations:

• Separate Ireland Visa(not Schengen) – apply 6-8 weeks early
• Insurance$30.000$EUR mandatory
• Weather-proof clothingraincoat is a must-have
• Full budgetIreland is quite expensive

Ideal time is summer (5-9) for the best weather, or autumn (9-11) to avoid crowds and high prices. Although the weather can be unpredictable, the beauty of Ireland and the hospitality of its people will make the trip memorable.

Slàinte!(Cheers!) – Get ready to explore“Emerald Isle” with unforgettable experiences from delicious Guinness to magical Celtic music.

Note: Ireland has rapidly changing weather. Always bring a raincoat and be prepared for “four seasons in one day”. Check the latest visa information as policies may change.