Visas and Entry Requirements

Travelling to Belfast: Visas and Entry Requirements

Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which forms part of the United Kingdom and UK immigration requirements apply.

Entry requirements depend on nationality and individual circumstances. You can check whether you need a UK visa using the official GOV.UK 'Check if you need a UK visa' service.

You may require a visa, an ETA or neither. We recommend that you check requirements before booking non-refundable travel.

If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).

Coming to the UK for HR27

Here is information that you may need when determining the appropriate immigration route and in making an application.

Full conference name: Harm Reduction International Conference 2027 (HR27)

Dates: 9-12 May 2027

Venue: ICC Belfast

Organising organisation: Harm Reduction International

Purpose/nature of the conference: The Harm Reduction International Conference (HR27) is a professional international conference bringing together people working in harm reduction, public health, drug policy, research, advocacy and related fields to share evidence, experience and good practice, develop professional networks, and discuss current issues affecting harm reduction worldwide.

A visa letter is available for download in your account once your registration has been paid.

The Process

If you Need a Standard Visitor Visa

You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.

A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Make sure you read the guidance well and include as much documentary evidence as possible.

You can see current processing times here.

If you Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

You usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries.

An ETA costs £20. Decisions are usually quick, but you are advised to apply in plenty of time.

Other websites may charge more to apply. Avoid websites that imitate government services.

If you already have an ETA, you can check whether it's still valid here.

Travelling through the Republic of Ireland

UK and Irish immigration requirements are different. If you plan to arrive into, leave from or travel within the Republic of Ireland you may need a separate visa. You can check whether you need a visa for Ireland here.

There are no routine immigration checks at the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, this does not mean that you can enter Northern Ireland without the appropriate UK immigration permission.

If you travel to Belfast via the Republic of Ireland, you must make sure that you meet the immigration requirements for both Ireland and the UK before you travel. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, this may mean obtaining an Irish visa to enter Ireland as well as a UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.

An Irish visa does not normally give you permission to enter the UK, and a UK visa does not necessarily give you permission to enter Ireland. There are limited exceptions, including for some travellers eligible under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

Please check the official immigration requirements for both countries before booking travel via the Republic of Ireland.

A Note

HRI is acutely aware of the elitist, racist and exclusive systems surrounding visa applications. Diverse, global participation is critical for a strong global drug policy reform and harm reduction movement. We are committed to helping to mitigate the challenges faced by our delegates applying for visas. If you have issues with your visa application please reach out.

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