Determine If You Need a Visa
- Visa-exempt nationalities: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, UK nationals, and several others (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Visa-required nations: Most non-visa-exempt travellers must apply in advance. From 12 May 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago must also obtain a visa.
Choose the Right Visa Type
- Short-stay “C” visa: For tourism, family/friend visits, short business trips, medical treatment (< 90 days).
- Long-stay “D” visa: For study, employment, joining family, or residency (> 90 days).
Ireland’s visa regulations are governed by the Immigration Act 2004 and subsequent amendments, along with EU regulations on visa policy for non-EU nationals.
Key Regulatory Requirements
- Genuine Purpose: Applicants must demonstrate genuine purpose for visiting Ireland and intention to leave upon visa expiry.
- Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds to cover the entire stay without recourse to public funds.
- Medical Insurance: Mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for short-stay visas.
- Accommodation Proof: Evidence of accommodation arrangements for the duration of stay.
- Return Travel: Proof of intention to return (return ticket, employment ties, property ownership, etc.).
- No Threat to Public Policy: Applicants must not pose a threat to public policy, security, or health.
Grounds for Visa Refusal
Irish visa applications may be refused on several grounds, including but not limited to:
- Insufficient documentation
- Inadequate financial means
- Previous immigration violations
- Criminal record (certain offenses)
- Public health concerns
- Security risks
- Previous visa overstay
- Fraudulent documents
Processing Times
Standard visa processing times vary by visa type and application volume:
- Short Stay Visas: 8-10 weeks on average (longer during peak seasons)
- Long Stay Visas: 12-16 weeks on average
- Emergency Cases: Expedited processing may be available for genuine emergencies
Applications from certain countries may require additional security checks, extending processing times.
Ireland Visa Fee Structure
Ireland visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and applicant’s nationality. All fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
| Visa Type | Standard Fee (EUR) | Reduced Fee* (EUR) | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay (Single Entry) Tourist, Business, Family Visit | €60 | €35 | Up to 90 days |
| Short Stay (Multiple Entry) Tourist, Business, Family Visit | €100 | €60 | Up to 90 days per entry |
| Long Stay (Single Entry) Study, Work, Join Family | €60 | €35 | More than 90 days |
| Long Stay (Multiple Entry) Study, Work, Join Family | €100 | €60 | More than 90 days per entry |
| Transit Visa Airport Transit | €25 | €15 | Up to 5 days |
| Join Ship Visa Seafarers joining vessels | €60 | €35 | As required |
Important Note: *Reduced fees apply to applicants from countries with a Visa Facilitation Agreement with the EU. Some applicants may be exempt from visa fees entirely, including children under 6, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and certain researchers, students, and participants in events.
Additional Charges
- Biometric Enrollment: Some applicants may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a Visa Application Centre, which may incur an additional service fee (varies by country).
- Courier Services: Optional courier return of documents typically costs €15-30.
- SMS Updates: Optional SMS notification service usually costs €3-5.
- Premium Services: Some Visa Application Centres offer premium lounges and appointment services for additional fees.
Timing Your Application
- Short-stay visa: Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel. Avoid booking non-refundable flights until visa is issued.
- Study visa: Submit application up to three months before intended travel. Uni recommendations often advise starting 2–3 months in advance.
Application Steps
- Online submission via AVATS: Complete and print the Summary Application Form.
- Pay visa fee: Typically €60 (single entry) or €100 (multiple entry). Some fee waivers exist.
- Submit documents: Within 30 days of AVATS submission—originals and certified translations if needed.
Required Documentation
| Requirement | Short-stay “C” visa | Long-stay “D” visa |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid ≥ 6 months beyond stay, blank pages | Valid ≥ 12 months beyond arrival |
| Photos | Recent passport-size | Same |
| Travel proof | Round-trip ticket, itinerary, accommodation | Not required if studying or working |
| Financial proof | Bank statements, payslips, assets | Also tuition fee receipts, scholarship letters |
| Institutional letter | N/A | Required for study visa — includes course details. |
| Employment proof | Letter confirming job, leave approval | Plus work permit documentation |
| Family proof | Invitation letter, relation certificate | Marriage/birth certificate, sponsor ID |
| Cover letter | Statement of purpose and ties to home | Academic/employment goals, home ties |
| Insurance | Travel medical insurance (€30 k+) | Health cover for longer stays |
| Police/military checks | Rarely for C visa | Usually required for long-stay visas |
| Medical certificate | Not usually | Often mandatory for study or extended stays |
Bio metrics & Processing Times
- Applicants aged ≥ 6 from China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, Pakistan—bio metrics required.
- Processing Times (Dublin Visa Office, as of 22 July 2025):
- Short-stay: Applications from prior to 18 Sept 2024 currently handled.
- Long-stay (study): Through 1 May 2025 decided.
- Family/employment/business: Varying backlogs (e.g., employment by 10 March 2025; business by 7 March 2025).
Decisions published every Tuesday on the Immigration Service site. Urgent requests (e.g., emergency travel) can be made.
After Visa Issuance
- Short-stay: Non-extendable except unforeseen emergencies.
- Long-stay: Upon arrival, register for Irish Residence Permit (IRP). Use D visa to enter; IRP allows re-entry without needing multiple-entry visa.
Travel in the Common Travel Area (CTA)
Ireland and UK have open borders; CTA arrangement grants freedom to UK and Irish nationals, but visa rules differ.
Irish and UK have a British–Irish visa scheme: Chinese and Indian passport holders with UK visas can sometimes use the same visa for Ireland.
Travel Guidelines & Entry Requirements
- Passport: Must remain valid throughout stay. For non-Schengen onward travel, most recommend an extra 3 months post-departure.
- Immigration interview: At arrival, may be requested to show funds, return ticket, purpose of stay — even visa holders may be questioned.
- Health & safety: No mandatory vaccinations, but health insurance that covers emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation is essential.
Recent Changes You Should Know
- Trinidad & Tobago: Became visa-required from 12 May 2025.
- CTV changes: Refugee travel documents temporarily need visas from 19 July 2025.
- Biometric border control in CTA: UK and EU piloting EES and mutual visas, applying biometric checks on some travellers.
✅ Final Tips for a Smooth Application
- Plan ahead — Apply early, months in advance.
- Use official sources — Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), embassy sites for up‑to‑date fee/info.
- Complete documents — Verified, signed, translated, and organized.
- Track your application — Use tracking tools; decisions update Tuesdays.
- Don’t pre-book non-refundables — Finalize only after visa grant.
- Be truthful — In forms and interviews; inconsistencies lead to delays or denials.
- Register on arrival — IRP is required for stays over 90 days.
- Carry travel insurance — Covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Short Stay Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visit (up to 90 days).
- Long Stay Visa (Type D): Work, study, family reunification (over 90 days).
- Transit Visa: For passing through Ireland en route to another destination.
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Completed online AVATS application summary
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Cover letter explaining travel purpose
- Proof of accommodation
- Flight reservation
- Travel medical insurance
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Employment or business proof
- €60 – Single entry visa
- €100 – Multiple entry visa
- €25 – Transit visa
- 4–8 weeks on average
- Longer during peak travel seasons
Yes. After completing the AVATS form, applicants must submit documents via:
- VFS Global Ireland Visa Center
- Irish Embassy or Consulate
Biometrics are generally not required, but applicants may be asked for fingerprints in specific cases.
Short stay visas allow a maximum stay of up to 90 days, subject to immigration officer approval at entry.
In some cases, travelers may use the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), depending on nationality and visa endorsement.
Extensions are rare and only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or humanitarian reasons.
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Weak travel history
- Unclear travel purpose
- Incomplete or false documentation
- Doubts about return intent
No. Employment is strictly prohibited on a Short Stay (Tourist) Visa. A valid employment permit and Long Stay Visa are required.
Note: Ireland visa rules and processing timelines may change. Always verify with official Irish immigration sources.