Visa requirements

Ireland

General visa requirements for travelling to Ireland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Short Stay (Common Travel Area))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: N/A - no visa required
Fee: Free
Validity: Unlimited under CTA
Entry: Multiple entry

Ireland operates the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey. British and Irish citizens have full freedom of movement, right to work, and right to reside across the CTA, established in 1923. No passport control is required for CTA travel, though carriers may require photo ID. British citizens do not need to register with immigration and have no maximum stay limit.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a British citizen or citizen of the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey).

Eligible countries: Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, United Kingdom

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Short Stay (EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: N/A - no visa required
Fee: Free
Validity: Unlimited under EU free movement
Entry: Multiple entry

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals enjoy freedom of movement to Ireland under EU law. They do not need a visa or immigration permission and may live and work freely in Ireland. Although Ireland is not in the Schengen Area, EU free movement rights still apply. Maximum stay is unlimited. A valid passport or national identity card is required for entry.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of an EU member state, EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or Switzerland.

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

Tourist visa (Visa-Free Short Stay (Non-EEA Visa-Exempt Nationals))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: N/A - no visa required
Fee: Free
Validity: 90 days from date of entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Citizens of these countries do not require a visa to enter Ireland for short stays of up to 90 days. However, they still require permission from an immigration officer at the border to enter. Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry to Ireland. Visitors cannot extend their stay beyond 90 days on a short stay. Recent removals: Bolivia (Sep 2023), Dominica/Honduras/Vanuatu (Mar 2024), Botswana/South Africa (Jul 2024), Eswatini/Lesotho/Nauru (Mar 2025), Trinidad and Tobago (May 2025). Tonga (TO) is listed based on the current schedule; verify with Irish immigration.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries listed in Irish immigration regulations (S.I. 345 of 2011, as amended).

Eligible countries: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Republic of), Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Province of China, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay
Purpose of visit
Visit must be for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business purposes. Cannot take up employment.
Includes
- Tourism
- visiting family/friends
- short-term business
Criminal record
Immigration officer may refuse entry to persons with criminal convictions or who are deemed a threat to public order.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Must cover full stay: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather valid passport, proof of accommodation, return/onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.

Tourist visa (Short Stay C Tourist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

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.
Purpose of visit
Must be visiting for tourism, holiday, or sightseeing purposes. Cannot take up employment.
Includes
- Tourism
- holiday
- sightseeing
Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds for the duration of stay through 6 months of bank statements.

Minimum funds: As required for duration of stay
Visa history
Good visa and immigration history. Provide evidence of strong ties to home country (family, employment, property).

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Must cover full stay: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment, credit/debit card; Amount: EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry

How to apply

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.
Document gathering
Gather all required supporting documents including passport, photos, bank statements, accommodation proof, travel insurance, cover letter, and flight details.
Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee: EUR 60 for single entry or EUR 100 for multiple entry.
Document submission
Submit all documents to your nearest Irish embassy/consulate or VFS Global centre within 30 days of creating the AVATS application.
Biometrics
Biometrics may be required at certain visa application centres. Check with your local office.
Processing wait
Wait 6-8 weeks for processing. Applications may take longer during peak seasons (May-August).
Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa decision from the office where you submitted your application.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.