Non EU Spouse traveling alone to Dublin!

[ejaj]

Dear all,

I am an Indian citizen married to a Portuguese citizen with a valid Residence Card issued by Portuguese government as family member of an EU national. I wish to travel to Ireland for an Interview and visit some friends in Dublin. My only question is, can I travel / enter Ireland from Portugal by myself without my EU spouse with my Portuguese Residence Card.

When I contacted the Irish Immigration officials in Dublin, they told me I do not need a visa if I hold a valid Portuguese residence card, however, when I crosschecked with the Irish Embassy in Lisbon, they told me to go thru a link. On that Link, it states that I need to apply for a visa. I am unsure that I can't understand clearly if I need to obtain a visa beforehand or I can just travel with my Portuguese residence card.

If I have to obtain a visa, what is the process like? Do I have to submit a lot of documents or bank statements etc?

Does anyone here have travelled without your EU spouse before to Ireland?

Please advise me as I have this Interview on the 11th of October and I really need to make sure I am there in Dublin before the date.

I thank you very much for you time and the forthcoming response!

Many thanks,
e