What Ireland Visa Will NFL Teams and Fans Need for the First-Ever Regular Season Game in Dublin?

By Aaron Flynn, Director of Ireland Immigration Services at Envoy Global

The National Football League (NFL) has announced that, as part of its expansion strategy, Dublin’s Croke Park will host Ireland’s first-ever NFL regular-season game in Ireland in October 2025.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been designated as the home team, and the game will build upon cultural and sporting ties with Ireland and the European region.

This isn’t Croke Park’s first rodeo to hosting international sports. It is not even its first rodeo hosting the NFL! In 1924, Croke Park hosted the Dublin Rodeo. American rodeo promoter Tex Austin organized this event over seven days. Sell-out crowds witnessed cowboys and cowgirls from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Australia compete for championship titles. Then in 1997, the American Bowl was held at Croke Park, where it hosted a preseason NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. This marked a significant moment in bringing American football (not the Gaelic football normally played at the Croke Park venue) to Irish soil for the first time.

Croke Park is the biggest sports stadium in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe. It has a capacity of 82,300 and hosts various events, from field sports to concerts, meetings, and tradeshows.

This blog insight outlines the immigration processes and Ireland sports visa options that may apply to the NFL organizations and their staff coming to Ireland for the game and their traveling fans. When sports teams plan to visit Ireland for competitions or performances, understanding the appropriate immigration requirements is crucial to ensure compliance and a smooth entry process. There are short-stay and medium—to long-term options that allow professional sportspeople and their fans to enter Ireland compliantly.

The Short Stay ‘C’ Performance or Tournament Visa

For players intending to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days to participate in sports events or performances, the Short Stay ‘C’ may be applicable. Certain nationals must apply for a visa before traveling to Ireland, while U.S. nationals seek permission at the border.

This visa permits individuals to:

• Participate in sports competitions or tournaments.
• Engage in cultural performances, such as music, theatre or dance.

If the event lasts 14 days or less, participants are allowed to receive payment for their involvement. However, this visa does not permit:

• Paid performances or events extending beyond 14 days.
• Engagement in other forms of employment, whether paid or unpaid.
• Access to Irish public services, including public hospitals.

For visa-required nationals, applying for this visa up to three months before the intended travel date is essential. Applicants should ensure they have all of the necessary documentation, including proof of the event and any contracts related to their participation. For U.S. nationals, the permission will be applied for at the border. However, the Border Management Unit may require the appropriate documentation, such as confirmation of the event, a letter of invitation, a letter of application and proof of funds and insurance.

Though it may seem trivial, those entering must have appropriate evidence to gain entry to Ireland.

Atypical Working Scheme

Ireland’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) facilitates short-term employment for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals in roles not typically covered by standard employment permits. This scheme is particularly relevant for specialized, highly-skilled employment of a short-term nature, generally less than 90 days.

Key Features of the Atypical Working Scheme:

• Duration: Permission under the AWS is granted for a maximum period of 90 days. This 90-day permission can support intermittent travel into and out of the State, totaling up to 90 days over a six-month period. A cooling-off period of one month applies after the end of the six-month period before any new entry under a subsequent AWS permission can occur.
• Eligibility: Non-EEA nationals required by an Irish company or organization to undertake work where a skill shortage has been identified or to provide a specialized or high skill to an industry, business, or academic institution for a short period are eligible to apply.
• Application Process: Applications must be made from outside Ireland. The process involves obtaining approval from the Atypical Working Scheme Division of the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service before applying for the relevant visa (if the person is a national of a country that needs a visa).

Atypical Working Scheme: Important Considerations

• Non-Eligibility: The AWS does not apply to non-EEA nationals already legally residing in Ireland, entering for employment purposes for up to 14 calendar days, or those already holding an employment permit, among other categories.
• Compliance: All employment under the AWS must comply with relevant Irish employment laws, including national minimum wage requirements.

The AWS provides a streamlined pathway for sports professionals seeking short-term engagements in Ireland. It ensures that individuals and their employers comply with Irish immigration and employment regulations.

Sport and Cultural Employment Permit

An employment permit will be required for longer-term sports employment for non-EEA nationals. Ireland has performed well in Rugby (the forebear to American football?) in recent years, and the professional teams in Ireland have non-EEA players who have obtained permission to work and reside in this way. Other occupations, such as professional coaches in various sports, including baseball, have been granted employment permits in Ireland.

For individuals or teams planning to engage in sporting or cultural activities in Ireland, the Sport and Cultural Employment Permit is designed to facilitate the employment of foreign nationals with relevant qualifications, skills, experience, or knowledge in these sectors. Key aspects include:

Eligibility:

• Applicants must possess the necessary qualifications or experience pertinent to the sporting or cultural activity.
• The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment may consult with relevant governing bodies to determine the appropriateness of issuing the permit.

Duration:

• Permits can be issued for full-time positions up to a maximum of 2 years or for seasonal engagements.

Remuneration:

• The employment must offer remuneration at or above the National Minimum Wage.

Application Process:

• Either the employer or the prospective employee can apply for this permit.
• Applications are submitted online through the Employment Permits Online System.

It’s important to note that this permit is distinct from the short-stay visa and is typically relevant for longer-term engagements or employment within Ireland’s sports and cultural sectors.

Again, if the person is from a visa-required country, an employment visa would need to be obtained before the person can enter Ireland.

Ireland Visa Requirements Based on Nationality

Visa requirements for entering Ireland vary depending on the individual’s nationality. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa for short stays, while others must obtain a visa prior to arrival. This visa will usually be a C Short Stay visa as considered above. It’s advisable to consider the specific visa requirements for the specific purpose to enter Ireland. For NFL fans if they are U.S. citizens, they can seek a tourist permission on entry to Ireland but again will need appropriate documents such as hotel bookings and insurance and sources of funds sufficient to cover the trip in Ireland. Visa required nationals will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.

British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) and Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme

The BIVS allows for travel to and around Ireland and the UK on a single visa. This scheme is particularly beneficial for nationals of certain countries (India and China), enabling smoother travel arrangements when attending events spanning both countries. There is also a Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme which allows nationals of certain countries who have entered the UK on foot on certain UK short-stay visas to travel to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa. Instead, they may use the time remaining on their current leave to remain in the UK. This program is subject to specific conditions which need further consideration. The BIVs and Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme are complex and need to be considered in detail on a case-by-case basis.

Recommendations for Sports Teams to Ireland

Early planning is essential. Initiate the visa or permit application process well before the planned travel dates to accommodate processing times. Unfortunately, professional players in many sports have been refused visas or refused entry due to non-compliance.

Second, implement comprehensive documentation. Ensure all required documents, such as invitation letters, event details, contracts, and proof of qualifications, are prepared and submitted as part of the application.

Finally, consult Irish immigration experts. Please consult with highly experienced immigration professionals in Ireland, such as Envoy Global, on any visa or permit requirements. By thoroughly understanding and adhering to Ireland’s immigration policies, sports teams can ensure a seamless experience when participating in events within the country.

Let Envoy Global Help Your Sports Organization with Immigration Requirements

Whether you’re part of an NFL organization whose team is playing in Ireland, or are part of any other club competing in the country, let Envoy Global help you secure the appropriate Ireland sports visa option for your athletes.

We bring together smart, friendly legal teams and smart, friendly technology to make immigration easier for sports clubs and leagues.

Learn more about our Irish immigration services by reaching out to us today!