Questions about border control

Here is a summary of the information on the site. And you really should have researched this earlier togrady!

• WWOOFing is not 'illegal' in Ireland - we have worked hard to inform Irish Immigration about it.
• For anyone entering Ireland from outside Europe/Schengen area, there are three requirements - a return ticket, evidence of enough money for your stay and an address where you are going. If you don't have all of those, there may be problems and you can be sent home at your own expense.
• If you can't show evidence of enough money for your stay, we can provide documents to show that you are a bona-fide WWOOFer.
• If you are going to or via the UK (including Northern Ireland and/or a UK airport) and you don't have the requirements to enter as a tourist or need to mention WWOOFing, you definitely need the documents from us because they have a different attitude towards voluntary schemes. The documents can be e-mailed but originals in the post are better, so plan ahead!

We have probably spent more time on Immigration issues than any other since starting WWOOF Ireland last year. On nearly all occasions, it is because WWOOFers have not researched entry requirements or read the advice on this site. It's not that difficult - but it can be very distressing, and expensive if you are sent home. For information, look at the noticeboard, the travel section and the FAQ section first, then contact us if you need more advice.

I have done a lot of research since January and have all the proper documentation. I've just heard horror stories recently and wanted to see if anyone has had any problems in Ireland specifically. I had a friend who was deported because of miscommunication with the embassy - so I really don't know who to trust.

But it does seem like wwoof ireland has made a big effort to let immigration know the premise of wwoofing. It sounds like I shouldn't have a problem.

**Also I realized there is a difference between a Schedule II tourist visa and a simple 90 day travel stay for schedule I countries - which doesn't require the letter I mentioned

Sorry I suggested you had not done your research - sounds as if you have done a lot! Enjoy WWOOFing in Ireland! Let us know how it goes.
Anyone have any experiences to share here?

From what i can see on facebook groups, net forums and my own wwoofing experience i think it's best just to be completely honest with immigration about your intentions to WWOOF and follow the guidelines on this site. It might also help to have copies of all of your documents and guidelines from this site printed too.
Good luck!

cheers, rebecca

I have an American coming to me after, other farms she will be with me in August on her 90 day visa, but she wants to travel elsewhere during that time, does she need to re apply for another visa. Peter this appears to be a little bit of a grey area. they are scared when they make the decision to travel alone, and we need to reasure them. don't you think.

As far as I understand it, Americans don't actually need a visa - they are allowed entry for 90 days if they meet the requirements listed above. They can travel within the Schengen area within that time but will have problems after 90 days. 
If the simple rules are met there is nothing to worry about and we have provided all the information here to help WWOOFers research the requirements for themselves. I am not sure how we can provide more reassurance

Hello,

I can easily print out proof of enough money for my travels, and since I plan on WWOOF'ing at 3 different IE farms in August/September, should I ask them now for a letter/email stating I will be with them?

Also, Peter, I went to the fact page and it looks like I will be fine for immagration/border control if I follow what you have all talked about...but there is a section that says

"The UK has recently changed its attitude towards volunteer schemes and this may affect some WWOOFers traveling via the UK.
If you are NOT from a Europen or Schengen area country (The USA for example) and are traveling to Ireland via the UK, you should contact us well before your departure date for advice about entry requirements. This applies even if you are only transferring between flights at a UK airport, including Belfast.
If you are intending to travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of the UK) for a WWOOFing placement, you should also contact us for advice."

SO what kind of advice do you have to give? Thank you so much, Bonnie

The information is worded very precisely - IF you are travelling to, from or via the UK to Ireland, you should contact us. What that means is you should use the contact form (not this forum) ;) We will provide some advice by e-mail and then, if you need it, documentation showing the hosts you are going to. That's all the advice we can give here.

Also, evidence of money in a bank account may need to be an original recent statement (not a print-out). This last requirement does appear to be variable - but it seems they can insist on an original document.