tourist visa requirement for ireland

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Visas and passports

Here's what you need to know about Ireland’s visa and passport requirements.

Ireland’s visa and passport requirements vary for different nationalities so check with your local embassy or consulate before you travel

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Most people need a valid passport to enter the Republic or Northern Ireland but there are some exceptions:

• If you're a UK citizen, you can also use official photo identification.
• If you're an EU citizen, you can use your national identity card to travel throughout the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), as long as you are arriving and exiting the island via an airport or ferry port in the Republic of Ireland. If you’re travelling direct to Northern Ireland from the EU or travelling on to Great Britain from Northern Ireland, you’ll need a passport. 

Air and sea carriers require some form of photo identification (usually either a passport or driving licence), so ALWAYS check what form of ID is required with your individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.

While e-passports are commonly used now, you don't need one to enter Ireland.

Killaloe, County Clare

Stand-up paddle boarding with Soulkite

Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on your citizenship.

Currently, if you’re a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state (27 countries of the European Union, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including Great Britain, the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, you don’t need a visa to visit the Republic or Northern Ireland. South African visitors can visit the Republic of Ireland without a visa, but need a UK visa in order to enter Northern Ireland. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a full list of countries whose citizens do NOT need a visa to visit Ireland .

If your country is not on this list, contact your local Irish embassy/consulate before you travel to find out your visa requirements. If you’re planning on travelling to Northern Ireland, contact your local British embassy/high commission or consular office.

The UK is launching an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme – an ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also to travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. The roll-out of the ETA scheme will not happen until the end of 2024 (with the exception of some Middle Eastern countries). For more information, please visit the UK Government website.

Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme

This scheme allows visitors from certain countries who have a valid UK visit visa to also visit Ireland without the need for an Irish visa. The scheme is valid until October 31st, 2026 and you can get a list of participating countries from the Irish Immigration Service.

Work and Student Visas

Wondering about a working holiday in the Republic of Ireland? You can talk to your local Irish embassy or consulate about a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA). And if you’re interested in studying in Ireland, you can find out more from INIS. If you want to work or study in Northern Ireland, contact UK Visas and Immigrations.

Useful links

1. Department of Foreign Affairs

The Irish government website gives information on visas and passports, and contact details for embassies.

2. Citizens Information Board

Ireland's statutory body is a great source of information about what you need to travel to Ireland.

NI Direct: Visas

This is where you will find information and advice on visa requirements for Northern Ireland.

Embassy of Ireland, USA

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, United States of America website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/washington .

Update on Visa Services

Update on Visa Services - 30 November 2023

The Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC accepts visa applications from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands - Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands, Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands (US), Virgin Islands (British).

We are accepting short and long stay visa application, and preclearance applications.

Full instructions for applying for a visa are available at Home - Immigration Service Delivery . A list of visa required nationalities is included on this website.

To apply for a visa, you must:

• Apply online through the Department of Justice, which will automatically request you to submit your documentation to the nearest Embassy.
• Compile your application package, which must include:
• The online summary sheet signed by you, with a valid photo
• Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals are unavailable).  We require your original passport to confirm that we have seen the original before submitting the application through a security clearance.
• All required supporting documents that are listed in the online application.

      3. Submit the completed application package and payment to the Embassy: Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, addressed to Visa Officer.

• Please submit the visa fee  and  postage fee  together as a total sum in one form of payment  (see below), payable by money order, cashier's cheque or bank draft, and made out to " Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland ." We are  not  able to accept cash or wire transfers.

Single-entry visa: $81

Multi-entry visa: $136

Transit visa: $36

Shipping (FedEx Overnight)

Domestic: $10

International: $20 

Payment is accepted by cashier's check, money order, or bank draft payable to: Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland. Debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, and cash are not accepted.

**Please note that we can only process fully complete applications. The onus is on the applicant to ensure their application is complete with original copies. Any missing documentation may result in longer processing times and potential refusal.**

To ensure that resources can be used to the best effect, we ask applicants to  submit their documentation through registered post so that they can track the delivery themselves . Alternatively, if you live nearby, you can drop off your application package in the secure drop box at the front doors of the Embassy.  We do not confirm receipt to all applicants. We will only contact you if there is missing documentation from your application and/or when the visa is issued or application is declined .

Normal processing time is about  4 - 6 weeks . We  do not  offer an expedited service.

Who needs a Visa

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available here

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the  Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme  or the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Note : A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Types of Visa and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service . 

Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available here .

Information on coming to work in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to study in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to join family in Ireland is available here .

Visa Appeals

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service

How to Apply

You need to:

• Complete the  online application form  

This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign and date.

• Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.
• Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living. The summary application form will direct you to the relevant Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

Check the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information on how to submit your application for processing

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision on the visa application has been made.

If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service  Visa Decision Weekly Listing   using your reference number.

On Arrival in Ireland

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available here . 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available here .

Information on travelling with children is available here .

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here .

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.

You can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

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Visas and permission to enter Ireland

Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more.

Visa requirements for entering Ireland Citizens of certain countries need a valid Irish entry visa before they arrive in Ireland. Find out whether you need a visa to enter Ireland.

Permission to enter Ireland All non-EEA nationals need permission to enter Ireland, even if they are not required to have a visa to enter Ireland.

Visas for tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days).

Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more.

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Ireland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Ireland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ireland.

If you decide to travel to Ireland:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Ireland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Dublin 42 Elgin Rd Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Ireland Telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777 Emergency after-hours telephone: +(353) (1) 668-8777 Fax: +(353) (1) 668-8056 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Ireland’s  website for the most current visa information.

• You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.
• There is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland. We recommend you have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay, evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland, and a return airline ticket.
• An increased number of U.S. citizens have been refused entry to Ireland or granted a limited stay because they failed to sufficiently demonstrate their travel intent to Irish immigration officials at the port of entry. You may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland regardless of your purpose of travel. For any travel other than tourism, please ensure you obtain the appropriate documentation prior to travel. You can find more information at the  Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service website  or by contacting your nearest  Irish Embassy or Consulate in the United States .

We cannot intervene on your behalf when applying for a visa or residency permit, nor can we assist if you are denied entry into Ireland.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Ireland or for foreign residents of Ireland.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Crime: Although Ireland has a low rate of violent crime, you should always follow common sense personal security practices and maintain awareness of your surroundings when traveling.

• Rates of theft and petty crime have risen in recent years, and thieves often target tourists. In rare cases, these crimes involve physical assault or violence, more commonly in Dublin city center and in popular tourist areas.
• Rental cars are frequently targeted. They are easily identifiable by the rental company stickers on the rear window of the vehicle. If possible, remove these stickers and always lock your car when leaving it unattended. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. When visiting city center areas, park your car in a secure car park and retain the parking ticket on your person.
• Keep car doors locked while driving. Don’t leave luggage or valuables visible inside a parked car and don’t leave luggage on a roof rack. When picking up and dropping off your rental car, do not leave the keys in the ignition while loading or unloading luggage.
• When using ATMs, protect your PIN at all times and look closely at ATMs for evidence of tampering before use. Criminals may use small electronic devices attached to the outside of ATMs called “skimmers” to steal the ATM or credit card data.
• In busy areas, thieves use distraction techniques at ATMs, such as waiting until the PIN has been entered and then pointing to money on the ground or asking for loose change. While the ATM user is distracted, another person will quickly withdraw cash and leave. If you are distracted in any way, cancel the transaction immediately.
• When using credit cards to pay at restaurants, a portable card reader should be brought to your table. Restaurant staff should not take your card elsewhere to process a charge.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State  and FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

• Report crimes to the local police at 999 or 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(353) (1) 668-8777.
• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of  local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• The  Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS)  is a free nationwide service offering support and assistance to tourists who are victimized while visiting Ireland. If you are a tourist victim of crime, report the incident to the nearest Garda (Irish police) station, and they will help you contact ITAS.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances: Most Irish banks will not accept U.S. $100 bills. Many Irish financial institutions no longer accept or cash traveler’s checks. ATMs are widely available, but some, particularly in rural areas, may not accept debit cards from U.S. banks.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Ireland.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is offered in the United States.

• Government Buildings: Irish law requires access to government buildings for persons with disabilities, and this requirement is enforced. Under Irish law, public service providers should ensure the service is accessible to those with mobility, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments.
• Parking:  On-street parking, public building parking lots, and internal parking lots always have a certain number of disabled spaces available. A permit is required to use these spaces, and information on applying for the permit can be found on the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland website . Local authorities and commercial premises, such as shopping outlets, have no legal obligation to provide external disabled parking facilities for their customers.
• Buses and Trains: The majority of buses and trains in the main city areas of Ireland are now equipped for those with limited mobility, sight, or hearing disabilities, although some train stations and pathways may not be as easily accessible.
• Mainline and Suburban Trains: Special portable ramps permit boarding from platforms to the carriages. These ramps are available at all terminal points and major junctions and stations that have staff on duty. They are also available on some trains. Travelers are advised to contact  Irish Rail  in advance to ensure such facilities are available. The website for  Dublin Bus  provides information on its travel assistance scheme. Regional and intercity bus services are provided by  Bus Eireann .
• Private Businesses: Accessibility in private businesses – such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, shops, and restaurants – varies widely. Travelers should inquire about accessibility issues with businesses before making reservations.
• Disability Allowance: People who live in Ireland and meet the medical conditions for a disability allowance may apply for free travel passes; there is also a blind/invalidity pension from the Irish Department of Social Protection for those who qualify.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Patients who do not receive benefits from Ireland’s Department of Social Protection are expected to pay all costs up-front at the time of treatment and apply for reimbursement from their insurance provider later.

• Modern medical facilities and highly skilled medical practitioners are available in Ireland.
• Expect long waits for access to medical specialists and admissions to hospitals for non-life-threatening medical conditions. It is not unusual for emergency room services to be very busy or for post-treatment admissions to include a long wait (sometimes overnight) on a gurney in a hallway.
• We advise you carry your medical history, along with a detailed list of any medication you currently take (including dosage and brand name) in your wallet or purse and luggage.
• Most types of over-the-counter medications are available but many U.S. brands are not. Some medications available over the counter in the United States may require a prescription in Ireland.
• Irish pharmacists may not be able to dispense medication prescribed by U.S. physicians and may direct you to obtain a prescription from an Irish doctor.
• A list of Irish general practitioners in each area of Ireland may be obtained from the website of the  Irish College of General Practitioners .
• Ambulance services are widely available.

For emergency services in Ireland, dial 112 or 999.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Ireland to ensure the medication is legal in Ireland.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Cars drive on the left side of the road in Ireland . If you do not have experience driving on the left, you should be especially cautious as tourists driving on the incorrect side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.
• Road conditions are generally good, but once you exit the main highways,  roads are likely to be narrow, uneven, and winding . Roads are more dangerous during the summer and on holiday weekends. Drivers should be attentive to cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in urban areas.
• Most intersections in Ireland use circular “roundabouts” instead of traffic lights, and it is important that drivers pay close attention to signs and yield the right of way to those already in the roundabout.
• Most rental cars in Ireland have manual transmissions ; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.

Traffic Laws: Police periodically set up road blocks to check for drunk drivers . Penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.

• At stoplights,  turning on a red light is illegal ; you must wait for either a full green (any direction turn permitted) or directional green light (which could be straight, left, or right) before proceeding with caution.
• You may use your existing U.S. driver’s license in Ireland for a temporary stay ; this can be for any period of time up to one year. Some insurance and car rental companies may request an International Driving Permit in addition to your existing driver’s license. To apply for an International Driving Permit, please contact the  American Automobile Association . You are required to apply for an Irish driver’s license if you become a resident of Ireland.
• Travelers planning to drive to Northern Ireland are subject to UK traffic laws while in Northern Ireland . Traffic signs may be different than in the Republic of Ireland. Consult the United Kingdom Country Information page for more information on traffic laws in Northern Ireland.

Public Transportation: Taxi rates vary with time of day and location. Ask your hotel for the number of a call-dispatched taxi service if you plan to be out during less busy times.

• Intercity bus and train services are generally good.
• Local bus service in the cities is generally adequate, although many buses are crowded, frequently run late, and lines do not necessarily link easily. Pay close attention to bus stop locations in both directions, as the drop-off and pick-up locations could be several blocks away from each other.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of the  Irish Tourism Board  and the website for the  National Roads Authority of Ireland , which is responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ireland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ireland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Ireland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ireland . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report. 

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Visas and permission to enter Ireland

Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more.

Visa requirements for entering Ireland Citizens of certain countries need a valid Irish entry visa before they arrive in Ireland. Find out whether you need a visa to enter Ireland.

Permission to enter Ireland All non-EEA nationals need permission to enter Ireland, even if they are not required to have a visa to enter Ireland.

Visas for tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days).

Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more.

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• Visa requirements for entering Ireland
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Ireland Tourist Visa

• Table of contents

Traveling to Ireland

Who needs an ireland visa, ireland tourist visa validity, application summary sheets, application letter, invitation letter (if applicable), holiday itinerary, medical or travel insurance, proof of visa payment (if applicable), valid passport, passport photographs, proof of subsistence, proof of intent to leave, past visa refusals (if applicable), ireland visa application steps, ireland tourist visa fees, where to apply, ireland tourist visa processing time, approved visa applications, denied visa applications, ireland visa extension, ireland tourist visa faq.

Ireland is known for its unique culture, warm local population, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is also home to vibrant cities and towns like Dublin, Galway, and Cork. Each year, millions of tourists travel to the island nation to explore all it offers. For many nationalities, visiting Ireland is possible by obtaining an Ireland tourist visa before arriving in the country.

The following nationalities must apply to obtain a short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa in advance, before arriving at the port of entry in Ireland: 

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, 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, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa is intended for eligible nationals who plan to travel to Ireland for touristic activities. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival in Ireland. The tourist visa is usually available as a single-entry visa, and occasionally granted as a multiple-entry visa. Extensions for the tourist visa are only granted in the case of emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a tourist visa to Ireland, all applicants will need to gather the required documents to be sent to one of the pre-approved application offices. While the visa application can be completed online through the AVATS portal, the following documents will need to be collected and sent to the application office: 

After completing the Ireland tourist visa application through AVATS, the applicant will be able to access their application summary sheets. These should be printed, signed, dated, and included in the visa application materials. Failure to do so will likely result in a refusal of the application.

All tourist visa applicants must type or write a letter explaining why they want to travel to Ireland and submit it along with their application documents. This letter must explain a) the reason for travel, b) the dates of arrival and departure, c) the planned accommodation, and d) a description of who will pay for the trip.

If planning to visit a family member or friend in Ireland, applicants should submit a letter (typed or written) of invitation from that individual. It should be signed and dated by the inviter and included along with the other application documents. 

The itinerary must include a description of the planned activities in Ireland and details about the applicant’s accommodation.

Proof of insurance does not need to be included with the application materials, but it is within the rights of the visa officer to request it before making a decision. The applicant will also need to provide it at the port of entry in Ireland.

In some cases, applicants will need to provide proof of payment for the visa application fee. More information about this document can be found at the relevant application office.

Applicants must include a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months past the date of departure from Ireland. Photocopies of previous passports must also be provided (if available). For anyone traveling to Ireland from a country that is not their country of residence or traveling from Ireland to a country that is not their country of residence, must include a letter explaining why and what kind of visa is required.

The applicant must include two passport-sized, color photographs in their application. On the reverse side of each one, the applicant must sign their name (in their native script or language) and write their Visa Application Transaction Number from the AVATS portal, and meet the guidelines for acceptable photographs.

Applicants must show they have adequate finances to support themselves for the entire duration of their stay in Ireland.

For short-stay visas, applicants must include evidence that they have sufficient ties with their country of residence and motivation to return home after their visit.

Applicants must disclose any former visa refusals, deportations, entry refusals, or other instances where they were officially asked to leave a country. Original letters from the relevant immigration officials must be included along with the other application materials.

All applicants must provide translations of any official documents they submit into English or Irish. Both the original and translated documents must be sent with the other application materials.

The basic steps to apply for an Irish tourist visa are as follows:

• Applicants must create their application on the Ireland AVATS portal . • They should select “Short Stay (C)" as the visa type and “Visit Tourist” as the reason for travel. • Applicants can choose between single or multiple-entry options. It should be noted that multiple-entry tourist visas are only given in very specific cases.

The application should be completed accurately and in full. There are three pieces of information that will be provided once the application is complete: • The Visa Application Transaction Number: This must be kept accessible for further application steps. • The application summary sheets: These must be printed, signed, dated, and sent along with the other application materials. • The application office address: Applicants will receive the address where they can send the application documents. This will either be the Dublin visa office, an international visa office, or an international Irish embassy or consulate.

Applicants must pay the tourist visa fee using a valid form of payment. Payment methods and currencies will differ between offices and countries. A single-entry visa will cost EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100.

Applicants must ensure they have all the necessary documents gathered and ready to send. That includes signing and dating any documents that require it.

Documents should be sent to the appropriate application office address that the applicant received upon completing their online visa application.

A single-entry tourist visa for Ireland will cost each applicant EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100. 

Nationals from the following countries are exempt from paying the visa fee: Bosnia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia.

Applications for the Ireland tourist visa can be completed online through the AVATS portal and sent to the appropriate application office for processing. After submitting the online application, the applicant will receive the address for the appropriate application office. The address may belong to the Dublin visa office, a global visa office, or a foreign Irish embassy or consulate.

The applicant is required to send all supporting documents to the appropriate application office within 30 days of submitting the application on AVATS.

It typically takes 8 weeks to process an Irish tourist visa. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

If the Ireland tourist visa is approved, it will be stuck into the applicant’s passport, taking up one blank page. The passport and specific original documents will be returned to the new visa holder by mail, such as birth and marriage certificates. It is also possible to arrange a pick-up of the documents from an international visa office, or an Irish embassy or consulate.

If the application is denied, a “letter of refusal” will be sent to the applicant. The passport and some original documents will be returned by mail or can be collected at an international visa office, or an Irish embassy or consulate. 

It is possible to appeal a refusal free of charge. The appeal must be submitted within two months from the date of the letter of refusal.

For those who want to stay longer than 90 days, extensions are not readily available. Ireland tourist visas can only be extended in an emergency or under exceptional circumstances.  

There are two options for extending the Ireland tourist visa: 

• If the applicant was not granted the full 90 days at the port of entry and is still within the valid duration of their tourist visa, they can visit the local immigration office and ask for an extension for the full 90 days. They must present their passport and proof of a return flight.
• If the applicant must extend their tourist visa for more than the allotted 90 days, they can apply at the Immigration Service Delivery. They must submit their application and documents by emailing [email protected] or by post. 

They must include the following documents: 

• A complete and accurate visa application form 
• A copy of the biometric page of their passport 
• A copy of the passport page showing their entry stamp into Ireland 
• Proof of medical or travel insurance 
• Proof of subsistence while in Ireland 
• Any additional documents i.e. medical reports 

The Ireland tourist visa is a document intended for eligible nationals who plan to travel to Ireland for touristic activities. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival in Ireland. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

A single-entry tourist visa will cost EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100.

Applications for the Ireland tourist visa can be completed online through the AVATS portal and sent, along with all required documents, to the appropriate application office for processing.

Ireland tourist visas are typically processed within eight (8) weeks. This is subject to change depending on the complexity of the application.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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