Add visa support information and letter-of-invitation process

[matrixise]

Summary

Add clear information for attendees who need a visa to enter Ireland, especially those travelling from outside the Schengen Area (or outside the EU/EEA). This should include a process for requesting an official letter of invitation.

Motivation

Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. Travellers from many countries require a short-stay (C) visa from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Without a letter of invitation from the conference, visa applications can be refused or delayed. Providing this proactively removes a significant barrier to international attendance.

Scope

• Confirm with organisers who can sign/issue official letters of invitation
• Create a visa information section — either a dedicated page (/visa/) or a section on an existing travel/FAQ page
• Content should cover:
  • Whether a visa is required (link to INIS visa checker)
  • How to request a letter of invitation (email address or form, required information to provide)
  • Expected turnaround time for the letter
  • Disclaimer (letter supports the application but does not guarantee a visa)
  • Useful external links: INIS, Irish embassy/consulate finder
• Consider adding a simple request form or a dedicated email alias (e.g. visa@pycon.ie)
• Link the page from the registration/tickets flow and the CFP page (speakers also need visas)

Notes

• Ireland operates its own visa regime; the Schengen visa does not cover Ireland
• The letter of invitation should state the event name, dates, venue, and that the person is registered/accepted as a speaker or attendee
• Process should be in place before ticket sales open (Setup Tito event for ticket sales #21)

References

• INIS visa information: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/
• Related: Setup Tito event for ticket sales #21 (Tito ticket setup), Add financial assistance / grant programme page #132 (financial assistance)