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Travel & Arrival

3. Travel, Arrival and Immigration Procedures

3.1 Travel
3.2 Immigration Procedures
3.3 Returning to North America

3.1 Travel

The major airports in Ireland are at Dublin (on the east coast, approximately 135 miles from Galway) and Shannon (on the west coast, approximately 55 miles from Galway). Galway has a smaller airport approximately 5 miles from the city with connecting flights to Dublin and London (see http://www.aerarann.com/). There are no trans-Atlantic flights to Galway.

Dublin to Galway

Dublin airport is on the outskirts of the city. Buses leave Dublin Airport approximately every 20 minutes for the Central Bus Station (Busáras). Many of these buses continue to Heuston Railway Station, from which trains for Galway depart. You can also get a taxi from the airport to the centre of the city but the bus is much cheaper.

To Galway by Train

There is a frequent train service from Dublin (Heuston Station) to Galway. The journey takes approximately three hours.

To Galway by Bus

There is a regular bus service from the Dublin Central bus station (Busáras) to Galway. The journey takes about four hours ( http://nestorlink.ie/) and Citylink ( http://www.citylink.ie/) provide a direct service from Dublin Airport to Galway City centre. Timetables can be accessed online.

Shannon to Galway

There is a regular bus service from Shannon Airport to Galway. The journey takes approximately one and one half hours.

Timetables

Train timetables can be accessed at http://www.irishrail.ie/

Bus timetables can be accessed at: http://www.buseireann.ie/ http://www.nestorlink.ie/ http://www.citylink.ie/

You can avail of a reduced rate for travel on bus and train journeys once you have an International Student Identity Card with a travelsave stamp.

Arrival in Galway

Upon your arrival at Galway Station there are taxis which can take you to your final destination. Before your arrival in Galway, it is advisable to arrange temporary accommodation if long-term accommodation has not already been secured. See the section on accommodation for further details.

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3.2 Immigration Procedures

3.2.1 Immigration Registration Requirement

United States of America and Canada passport holders do not need visas. However, all students from outside the EU must register with the local Garda National Immigration Bureau in Galway City within 30 days of arrival in Ireland (irrespective of the date stamped on a student's passport by Irish Immigration at the airport upon arrival in Ireland).

3.2.2 Documentation for Immigration

For a list of documentation that will be required for immigration registration see http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/afterarrive/immigration.html Note: You will need to bring some of this documentation with you from the USA.

3.2.3 Evidence of Financial Support

Evidence of financial support can take the form of an original notarised letter from your parents confirming that they will
support you financially for the period of your stay in Ireland. This letter should show confirmation that the notary has seen
evidence that parents have sufficient funding to support you (see Section 3.2.4. below for guidelines regarding sufficient
funding).

An original bank statement from your bank account in the USA/Canada or an original bank statement that you have opened in
Ireland since your arrival here. The statement should be in your own name and show that you have sufficient funds to maintain
yourself (see Section 3.2.4.) Please note copies are not acceptable.

3.2.4 Evidenceof Sufficient Funds

3.2.4.1 Residing at a Student Residence

A sum of €1,600 is considered sufficient for the duration of the Semester if you can show a receipt from a Student Residence
confirming that you have paid for your accommodation in Galway for the Semester.

3.2.4.2 Residing other than at a Student Residence

You may choose not to stay in Student Residence housing and live in a private rented accommodation where you pay for your accommodation weekly or monthly directly to a landlord. In this case, your bank account should show that you have sufficient funds to pay both rent and cost of living expenses i.e. a total of €2,600 for Semester 1 (Autumn) and €3,250 for Semester 2 (Spring).

3.2.5 Students on a Study Abroad Agency Programme

Students coming through a Study Abroad Agency or a Centre for Education Abroad Programme (e.g. Arcadia, Butler, API, CEA, Interstudy) and students whose accommodation costs are paid directly to the Student Residence Housing provider by their home University on their behalf, should note that these institutions are required to send a list of their students and confirmation of accommodation costs paid on behalf of the students, together with evidence of medical insurance cover stating the precise terms of cover (to include cover if a student has to be hospitalised) directly to the Immigration Office at the following address:

Garda National Immigration Bureau,
Unit 2, Liosbaun Industrial Estate,
Tuam Road,
Galway,
Ireland

Such students are required to comply with the requirements of Section 4 above.

3.2.6 Registration Fee

A registration fee of €150 is payable to the Garda National Immigration Bureau at registration. Full information on methods of payment will be given to you at Orientation in Galway at the beginning of the Semester.

Please contact the International Affairs Office at internationalnuigalway.ie if you have any questions regarding Immigration registration.

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3.3 Returning to North America

Visiting Students are strongly advised to book return flights having regard to the date of end of Examinations. Students returning before that date risk missing examinations. No special provision can be made. In the unusual event of a student selecting only courses which are examined by end of semester essay, such assessments will be completed prior to the Examination session.

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Important Note: Immigration registration requirements are subject to change. Up to date regulations will be posted on the International Affairs Office website at http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/beforearrive/immigration_requirements.html
Please contact the international Office at internationalnuigalway.ie if you have any questions

National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.

This page was last updated Wednesday, December 03, 2008