Ireland Visit Visa

Citizens of non-EEA countries must apply for an entry visa to be able to visit Ireland. Find out what the eligibility requirements and the application process are.

To receive assistance with applying for an Ireland Visitor Visa, call our immigration consultants today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or +353 19039449.

Call Us

Read our 1983 reviews

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Ireland Immigration Lawyers

When it comes to obtaining an Ireland visa or permit, IAS Ireland immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help you achieve your goal.

Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.

In-house document checks done by lawyers who are well-versed in Ireland immigration matters.

Services we Provide

Who needs the Ireland Visit Visa?

If you are a citizen of a non-EEA country and you want to visit Ireland, you have to apply for the Irish Visitor Visa, also known as the tourist visa. As it is a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, it allows you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. You should apply for this visa if you want to come to Ireland to take a holiday, explore the country, or take part in a short-term English language course.

You have to apply for the Irish Visitor Visa in your home country, before you embark on your journey to Ireland. If you are coming from a visa-required country and you arrive in Ireland without a valid visa, you will not be allowed to enter.

Citizens of countries that belong to the EU/EEA, as well as citizens of Switzerland, do not have to apply for a visa if they are travelling to Ireland for a short visit. They can enter the country without a visa and remain there for up to 90 days.

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Ireland. British and Irish citizens allow to travel freely between the two countries without a visa or residency permit.

Eligibility requirements for the Ireland Visit Visa

To be able to receive the tourist visa to Ireland, you have to meet the following requirements:

You have a passport valid for at least six months past your planned visit to Ireland
You have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Ireland
You are able to provide details of any previous applications for visas to Ireland
You intend to return to your home country after your visa expires
You are able to provide details of any family members who live either in Ireland or in another EU member state.

As part of the application process you will have to provide documents that prove that you meet these criteria. Additionally, you will have to sign the application form yourself unless you are under 18. Then parents can sign it for you but you will also need to provide their consent for your visit to Ireland.

How to apply for the Ireland Visitor Visa?

Applications for the Irish Visitor Visa have to be made online. You have to complete several sections where you indicate that you are applying for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa and that the reason for your travel is tourism.

When you finish you will see a web page where you will find the following information:

Your Visa Application Transaction Number – you can use it to check the progress in the processing of your application
Application summary sheet – there you will find information regarding the immigration office you have to send your supporting documents to. You should print and sign the sheet and include it in your portfolio of evidence.

Once you submit the online application you have to pay the visa application fee of either €60 for a single entry visa or €100 for a multiple entry visa. Keep in mind that multiple entry visitor visas are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

After that you have to gather all the required documents and send them to the immigration office mentioned on your application summary sheet.

If you have any questions about Irish Visitor Visas, our team is happy to assist.

Documents required for Ireland visit visa application

All foreign citizens applying for the Ireland visit visa have to include the following documents in their application:

Signed and dated application summary sheet
Details of the purpose of your trip to Ireland
Your valid passport
Details of your accommodation in Ireland
Two passport size photographs in colour
Written statement in which you confirm that you will not become a burden on the state
Proof of ties in your home country that will make you return there once your visa expires.

Depending on your individual circumstances you might also have to submit additional documents. For example, if you are coming to take part in a short-term English language course, you have to provide evidence confirming that you enrolled in it and paid the relevant fees.

All documents have to be original and, if they were issued in a language that is not English or Irish, have to be translated by a certified translator.

What is the waiting time for the Irish Visitor Visa?

Once you have submitted the online form and sent all the required documents, the Department of Justice & Equality will review your application. The processing time of applications for Irish Visitor Visas vary as each case is different.

On average, however, most applicants wait eight weeks to receive the decision regarding their application. If your situation is complex or if you are applying during busy times and holidays, the waiting time might be longer.

Similarly, if you fail to provide some of the required documents or you make mistakes in your application, the processing of your application will be delayed.

If your application is approved, immigration officials will stamp your passport with the tourist visa and you will be able to start preparing for your visit to Ireland. If, however, your application is rejected, you will receive a letter of refusal with explanation for the decision.

To make sure everything goes smoothly, hire one of our immigration consultants. They will check whether you prepared all the necessary documents and will go over your application before you submit it to identify any mistakes.

How can IAS help?

Here at IAS, our immigration consultants have experience in all areas of Irish immigration law and they have helped many clients successfully apply for visas to visit Ireland.

If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements for the visitor visa to Ireland, our team can assess your eligibility for it.

By hiring an IAS immigration consultant over an immigration lawyer, they can explain to you the application process in detail and can guide you through each step, making it easy and stress-free. They can also help you put together a complete portfolio of evidence that proves your eligibility for the visa.

Thanks to the help of your highly-qualified consultants, you can achieve the desired outcome and get the chance to visit Ireland.

To find out more about how we can help, call us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or +353 19039449.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents will appear here.

Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Editorial Team

This content was developed by a team of researchers, editors, and lawyers who provide valuable information to those with immigration queries.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows citizens of certain countries who normally require a visa to travel to Ireland for the purpose of tourism without having to obtain the visitor visa first.

That applies to the citizens of the following countries:

Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Montenegro
Russian Federation
Serbia
Turkey
Ukraine
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
India
Kazakhstan
People’s Republic of China
Thailand
Uzbekistan

The short answer to this question is no. If your application for the Irish Visitor Visa is successful, you will be able to travel to Ireland and stay there for up to 90 days but you will not be allowed to work while being there. You will also not have the right to access state services.

The Irish Visitor Visa is granted to foreign citizens who want to come to Ireland for the purpose of tourism or to take part in a short-term English language course. If you would like to come to Ireland to work, you should apply for an Employment Visa.

Unfortunately it is not possible to extend the tourist visa in Ireland. It is a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, which means it gives you the right to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. After that you are obliged to return to your home country. Extensions of tourist visas to Ireland are granted only in exceptional, unforeseen circumstances.

If you want to come to Ireland to stay there for more than 90 days, you have to apply for a Long Stay ‘D’ Visa.

Talk to our experts about why you want to come to Ireland and they will have you find the perfect visa for you.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or a citizen of Switzerland, you do not require a visitor visa to travel to Ireland for a short visit.

You can enter the country without a visa and reside there for up to 90 days. All you need to do is present a valid passport or a national identity card proving that you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland when arriving in Ireland. As an EU/EEA citizen, you can also look for employment in Ireland without having to apply for an employment permit.

Whether you can visit Ireland with a UK visa depends on what kind of UK visa you have and how you plan to enter Ireland.

If you are a citizen of certain countries (mostly in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe), you can visit Ireland with a UK short-stay visa (category “C”) without needing a separate Irish visa.

If you’re from China or India, you might be able to visit both the UK and Ireland on a single visa under the BIVS scheme.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 1984 reviews

Nesrine Shalabi

1 day ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

2 days ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

Man Chung CHAU

3 days ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

Tawanda Matonga

5 days ago

I spoke with Saima Jabeen about the areas where I needed assistance. She was very helpful and provided me with clear and useful information. I was satisfied with the support and guidance she provided.

Nicholas Peasgood

7 days ago

Very positive professional experience. My immigration advisor Mariam Adebayo helped my wife successfully obtain her Spouse visa extension. At the very start we had a face to face meeting at their Oldham office to discuss our needs, explain the process and what evidence we would need. We later received a written confirmation of advice laying out everything from timeframes, fees and documentation needed. Through out we had video calls and regular emails for updates and when our input was needed, Mariam even uploaded all of the extensive evidence as part of the application process which I was very happy with as I know from my own experience this can take a while. I would definitely use IAS again, don't be fooled in to opting for cheaper options, I came to IAS after a poor experience with a different company and so came back as I'd had a good experience with IAS way back in the 90's so know that they have been around for a years. Thank you IAS Oldham and Mariam Adebayo.

Fatima Babar

7 days ago

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abdul Mutee for everything he has done throughout my visa process. The past year was incredibly stressful, especially after facing two Canada visa refusals. During this difficult time, Abdul Mutee did not simply provide guidance; he actively worked on my case and supported me every step of the way when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and continuous support, my UK visa has now been approved. This approval allows me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. I truly believe that this achievement would not have been possible without his assistance and commitment. Abdul Mutee played a significant role in making this outcome possible, and I am deeply thankful for the relief, hope, and opportunity he has given me. His efforts have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done. I will never forget the support, encouragement, and professionalism he showed throughout this journey. Abdul Mutee's help has made a real difference in my future, and I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth chuks

7 days ago

I had a great experience with Anna Claridge. She was professional, friendly and very helpful throughout our consultation. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and made sure we understood the options available to us. I really appreciate her support.

Sami Abdi

1 week ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lauren Blommel for all her help and support with my case. She has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Lauren was very kind, professional and patient. She explained everything clearly and always made sure I understood what was happening. She worked very hard on my case and did everything she could to help me. I am extremely grateful for everything Lauren has done for me. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Lauren to anyone who needs immigration advice and support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for everything. I truly appreciate all your hard work and support. I wish you all the best for the future!

Norrian

1 week ago

We like to express our deepest thanks to Saimah Razzap. She helped us through our immigration matter with total professionalism; she took the time to explain every step clearly, returned our calls and emails promptly when we contacted her, and, with this, we ultimately won our first case with a great outcome. We felt supported the entire time, and we highly recommend her services.

Anna Downie

1 week ago

I would highly recommend Jason Griffiths, he was incredibly understanding of our situation and had very constructive ideas.

Lee Mcpherson

1 week ago

Great service! efficient, quick and available to answer any queries! Our application went seamlessly.. I would highly recommend!

Claudia T

1 week ago

I used IAS for my first visa and I must say it wasn't a pleasant experience. We didn't receive all the information, we would find out about things along the way and it made it all very stressful even though the application was successful. We were a bit reluctant to do it again for the renewal but went for it anyway due to lack of time. Anne Liu was out caseworker and she was terrific! Super on top of the case! She would review the docs very quickly after we submitted it and would immediately tell us what would be missing. She made herself available when we needed her all the way up to the appointment. Definitely made the experience more stress free!

yu zheng

2 weeks ago

Alice Jackson

2 weeks ago

Anne has been nothing short of exceptional throughout mine and my husbands immigration query. From the very start, she was informative, diligent, understanding, compassionate and helpful. Any immigration matter is delicate and stressful for those involved and Anne met us with patience and kindness throughout, keeping us well informed and calm when everything felt tricky. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better advisor and we are so grateful for everything that she did for us to get my husbands spousal visa approved. Her dedication and commitment proved enormously valuable and I will be welcoming my husband home tomorrow because of her. Without a doubt we will use her again in 2029 when required and we cannot recommend her enough for anyone going through a similar matter. Thank you Anne, from the bottom of our hearts, we will always appreciate you and remember your engagement fondly.

Roger Hall

2 weeks ago

Everybody at IAS has been professional and helpful. In particular my case worker, Elena Ampova simply could not have been more patient, friendly and approachable and knowledgeable. Nina and I found it difficult to supply information in the file formats required and Elena spent hours helping us. And the end result has been that my fiancée, Nina's visa application has been approved. Perfect service and a perfect result.

Julian Everett

2 weeks ago

Dina's explanations were clear and she took time to make sure we understood. The only small worry we now have is that there may be hidden fees which were not specified. However, I'm just checking that through an email.

Chaimae Dr

2 weeks ago

I received excellent advice from Safa Ali. She was patient, thorough, and took the time to make sure I understood everything. Highly recommended for anyone going through the asylum process.

Siraw KEBEDE

3 weeks ago

I have had amazing results in a short period of time with Lauren Blommel at Immigration Advice Services. She was very professional and supportive every step of the way, always answering my questions and addressing my concerns quickly. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for immigration assistance.

Lili Ayele

3 weeks ago

I am extremely grateful for the excellent support and professional service I received from Immigration Advice Service, especially from my caseworker, Lauren Blommel. Lauren supported me throughout my asylum case and kept me informed and reassured during what was a very difficult and stressful process. Thanks to her professionalism, dedication, patience, and hard work, my case was handled with great care and I successfully received my refugee status. I truly appreciate everything Lauren has done for me and all the support she provided from beginning to end. I highly recommend Immigration Advice Service to anyone who needs immigration support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for your outstanding service and for helping me through such an important journey in my life. I will always be grateful.

Othman Khunji

3 weeks ago

I cannot recommend Mariam Adebayo at IAS highly enough. She supported me thoroughly from A–Z throughout my UK Global Talent Visa journey, ultimately helping me successfully obtain my visa through the Exceptional Talent route. From the very beginning, Mariam was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. She guided me through every stage of the process with clarity and reassurance, always making sure that my application was as strong and comprehensive as possible. What stood out most was how consistently she went above and beyond her dedication, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me were evident throughout the entire journey. Thanks to Mariam’s exceptional support and hard work, I now have the incredible opportunity to continue developing and practicing my talent in the UK. This is a truly significant milestone in my professional and creative journey, and I am extremely grateful for the role she played in making it possible. Mariam is an outstanding caseworker and a true asset to IAS. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking immigration support, particularly those applying through the UK Global Talent route. Thank you, Mariam, for your dedication, guidance, and for helping turn this opportunity into a reality.

Roy Williams

3 weeks ago

Re: Kurshida Begum My wife and I cannot thank our immigration lawyer, Kurshida Begum enough for the professional help and support she gave us to obtain a successful outcome to my wife’s application for her extension visa. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services to anyone seeking help on immigration matters.

Scott Graham

3 weeks ago

Daniel Lugo Pino

3 weeks ago

Saima Maqsood was super helpful in my father's visitor visa application. Very communicative and supportive - we had low odds of a favourable outcome and yet with her guidance we were able to succeed.

Virginie

4 weeks ago

I had a good exchange with Saima Jabeen, she helped me and it was useful.

Peter Welch

1 month ago

My case worker Mariam Adebayo guided my fiancee, a Belarusian national and me on what documentation and translations were required and checked through everything at every stage. She then made the application on our behalf for a fiancee visa. The application was 100% successful with no other documentation required or any queries raised by UKVI. Mariam further assisted in getting our spouse visa after our marriage in May 2026. Again 100% successful. Mariam has been extremely thorough in every part of our fiancee and spouse visa. Everything went through without a hitch! I have no hesitation in recommending her. Peter and Teresa Welch.

We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists

IAA Accredited UK Immigration lawyers

We’ve had over 25,000 applications approved

We are open Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8pm & Sat–Sun, 10am–4pm.

How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.