Short Stay C Tourist Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 6-8 weeks from receipt of documents
- Fee
- EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry
- Validity
- Up to 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a Short Stay 'C' Visa before travelling to Ireland. Applications are made online through the AVATS (Application for Visa Appointments and Tracking System) and documents submitted to a visa office or VFS Global centre. The visa fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused. Applicants should not purchase travel tickets before receiving a decision. Applications should be submitted at least 3 months before intended travel.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of visa-required countries as listed by the Irish Immigration Service. Includes most African, many Asian, and some South American and Caribbean nations.
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Purpose of visit
Must be visiting for tourism, holiday, or sightseeing purposes. Cannot take up employment.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of stay through 6 months of bank statements.
Minimum funds: As required for duration of stay
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Visa history
Good visa and immigration history. Provide evidence of strong ties to home country (family, employment, property).
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment, credit/debit card; Amount: EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry
How to apply
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Online application
Create an account and complete the online visa application on AVATS (https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/). Print the summary application form.
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Document gathering
Gather all required supporting documents including passport, photos, bank statements, accommodation proof, travel insurance, cover letter, and flight details.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee: EUR 60 for single entry or EUR 100 for multiple entry.
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Document submission
Submit all documents to your nearest Irish embassy/consulate or VFS Global centre within 30 days of creating the AVATS application.
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Biometrics
Biometrics may be required at certain visa application centres. Check with your local office.
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Processing wait
Wait 6-8 weeks for processing. Applications may take longer during peak seasons (May-August).
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa decision from the office where you submitted your application.