If you’re planning to travel, work, study, or visit Ireland, understanding the Ireland visa requirements is essential. This complete Ireland visa guide explains who needs an Ireland visa, visa types, application steps, processing time, refusal appeals, and entry rules in a clear and up-to-date format.
Who Needs an Ireland Visa?
Citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter Ireland visa-free and stay for up to 90 days using only a valid passport or national identity card. They do not need to register with Irish immigration authorities upon arrival.
However, non-EU/EEA nationals from visa-required countries must apply for an Ireland visa before traveling.
Countries That Require an Ireland Visa
You must apply for an Ireland visa if you are a passport holder of any of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela.
Ireland Visa Waiver Programme
Under the Ireland Visa Waiver Programme, nationals of selected countries may enter Ireland without an Irish visa if they hold a valid UK visa and have permission to remain in the UK.
Eligible Countries
Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, China, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan.
Visitors can stay in Ireland for up to 180 days, subject to immigration approval.
Types of Ireland Visas
Ireland visas are classified by length of stay, purpose of travel, and number of entries.
Irish Short-Stay Visa (C Visa)
A Short-Stay Ireland visa allows travel for up to 90 days.
Short-Stay Ireland Visa Types
- Ireland Tourist Visa – for tourism and visiting family or friends
- Ireland Business Visa – for meetings, conferences, and business travel
- Ireland Transit Visa – for transiting through Irish airports or seaports
- Ireland Employment Visa (Atypical Working Scheme) – short-term work permission
- Ireland Stage Performance or Sports Visa – for performers and athletes
- Ireland Training Visa – for short training programs
- Ireland Short-Term Internship Visa – paid internships under 3 months
- Ireland Medical Treatment Visa – for medical care in Ireland
- Ireland Join a Ship Visa – for seafarers joining vessels
- Ireland Marriage Visa – to marry in Ireland
- Ireland Exam Visa – to sit professional or academic exams
Irish Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
A Long-Stay Ireland visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.
Long-Stay Ireland Visa Types
- Ireland Study Visa – for international students
- Ireland Work Visa – for employment in Ireland
- Ireland Family Visa – family reunification
- Ireland Working Holiday Visa – for eligible countries
- Ireland Researcher Visa – scientific research roles
- Ireland Long-Term Internship Visa
- Ireland Volunteer Visa
- Ireland Minister of Religion Visa
- Ireland Retirement Visa – for financially independent retiree.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Ireland Visa
- Single-Entry Visa: You can enter Ireland once only
- Multiple-Entry Visa: You may enter and exit Ireland multiple times while valid
Multiple-entry visas are issued at the discretion of Irish immigration authorities, usually for frequent travelers with good visa history.
Ireland Visa Application Process
All Ireland visa applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application (AVATS)
Apply through AVATS, the official Ireland visa online application system operated by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
You will receive a Visa Application Transaction Number, valid for 30 days.
You must provide:
- Visa type (Short or Long Stay)
- Purpose of travel
- Passport details
- Travel dates
- Personal and contact information
- Employment status
- Host details (if applicable)
- Travel companions
- Previous visa history
- Criminal record (if any)
After submission, print the application summary.
Step 2: Submit Passport and Documents
You must submit:
- Printed application summary
- Valid passport
- Supporting documents
- Ireland visa fee
Submission is done at an Irish Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Centre, depending on your country.
Step 3: Provide Biometrics (If Required)
Some applicants must provide fingerprints and photographs at the submission center.
Ireland Visa Processing Time
The average Ireland visa processing time is 6–8 weeks, though it may vary based on:
- Visa type
- Country of application
- Volume of applications
Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Ireland Border Control and Entry Rules
Holding an Irish visa does not guarantee entry. Immigration officers at the border decide:
- Whether you may enter
- Length of stay granted
Carry:
- Passport
- Ireland visa
- Copies of all supporting documents
Ireland Visa Refusal and Appeal Process
If your Ireland visa is refused, you’ll receive a refusal letter explaining:
- Reasons for refusal
- Whether an appeal is allowed
How to Appeal an Ireland Visa Refusal
- Submit appeal within 2 months
- Write a detailed appeal letter
- Include transaction number and personal details
- Attach original supporting documents
- Submit to the address stated in the refusal letter
Who Can Submit an Ireland Visa Appeal?
- Adults (18+): You may submit yourself
- Authorized representatives: With written consent
- Minors (Under 18): Parent or legal guardian submits
Can You Visit Northern Ireland With an Irish Visa?
No. An Irish visa does not allow entry into Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
However, travelers under the British-Irish Visa Scheme may enter both territories using a single visa, depending on nationality.
Final Tip
Always apply for the correct Ireland visa type, submit complete documents, and apply early to improve approval chances.
For more visa guide visit our “ Visa Guide” Category
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