Ireland Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens

Do You Want to Obtain an Irish Tourist Visa?

If you need assistance completing your Irish Tourist Visa application to visit Ireland, IAS can help. Our IAA-certified immigration lawyers can advise and help you make a comprehensive Irish Tourist Visa application. Our team of lawyers can assist you at all times with answers to the questions you may have about obtaining an Irish visa.

Why Get an Irish Tourist Visa as a Nigerian Citizen?

Nigerian citizens and other visa nationals must obtain an Irish Tourist Visa to visit Ireland. The visa is a stamp on your travel document or passport which proves your approval to enter an Irish airport Ireland or port. The Irish Tourist Visa is a type of the Irish short-stay visa (C visa).

It allows its holder to enter Ireland for a short duration, up to 90 days. This visa best fits Nigerian nationals who want to visit the country for tourism, holidays, visiting a family member/friend, etc. If there’s an emergency or exceptional situation, you can apply for a temporary extension of the Irish Tourist Visa for an additional 90 days.

An example of an exceptional situation is if you’re unfit to travel due to illness. Obtaining an Irish Tourist Visa doesn’t permit you to enter Ireland automatically. The immigration officer at Ireland Border Control can decide whether or not to let you enter the country.

You must meet several eligibility requirements before you are issued the Irish Tourist Visa. The immigration officers will inspect you when you arrive at an Irish airport. You must submit copies of your travel document and visa application for inspection.

Eligibility Criteria for the Ireland Tourist Visa

If you want to visit Ireland, you must fulfil the Ireland Tourist Visa requirements for Nigerian citizens:

• Prove that you’re 18 to qualify for the visa by presenting your birth certificate. A letter of consent from parents or guardians is required in the visa application for children under 18.
• Show that you will return to Nigeria when your visit expires.
• Provide proof of a good criminal history.
• Show that you have a place to stay when you enter Ireland.
• Prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Ireland and pay for your return ticket to Nigeria.
• Show that you have a good immigration travel history to other countries.

Documents Required for Ireland Tourist Visa

You must include several documents as a part of your Irish Tourist Visa application. All applicants must provide their original documents alongside legible coloured photocopies of those original documents. Here are the documents required for an Ireland Tourist visa:

• Your Nigerian passport must be valid for up to 6 months beyond the day you intend to leave Ireland. The passport must have at least 2 empty pages for stamps. You must submit copies of each page of your previous passport.

• A valid and completed online visa application form. Print a copy of the form, and sign it.
• Two passport-size photographs that comply with Irish visa application photo guidelines.
• A birth certificate or marriage certificate (if you’re married).
• A cover letter explaining your reason for entering Ireland. It should convince the Irish authorities that you will comply with the immigration rules.
• Evidence of paid Irish Tourist Visa application fee.
• Proof of funds. It must show that you can cover your expenses when you enter Ireland. You must provide your bank statements to reveal your income and savings. You can also include your business bank account (if any).
• Travel itinerary showing the places you wish to visit when you enter Ireland.
• Proof of accommodation. This document must prove that you have a place to stay after arriving in Ireland. You should convince the Irish government that you won’t be stranded when you enter the country. You can provide a hotel reservation, rent, Airbnb booking confirmations, etc. If you intend to visit a friend or family member, you can include their home address as proof of accommodation.
• Medical insurance. This will cover any medical treatment you may need when in Ireland.
• Any previous visa applications you have including those that were denied.
• Evidence that you will go back to Nigeria once your Irish Tourist Visa expires. Proofs such as work contracts, property ownership, family ties, etc. can suffice.
• Proof of no criminal record to show that you will not threaten public safety in the country.
• A letter of invitation from a friend or family member you intend to visit in Ireland. This letter should contain how they know you, when you’re expected to come and why they need you to visit Ireland.

Depending on your circumstances and reason for entering Ireland, you may be required to provide additional documents to support your application. Ensure you get an English translation of any document in a foreign language. The translated documents must be notarised. 

Gathering and assembling all the required documents for an Irish Tourist Visa can be overwhelming. You should consult a professional immigration lawyer to help you gather the documents for your visa application. Our immigration lawyers at IAS can help. Call us at +23413438882 or fill out our online contact form for immediate assistance.

Types of Irish Tourist Visas Available for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian citizens who want to enter Ireland through an Irish Tourist Visa can do so via Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry visas. These Irish visa categories are based on how often you wish to enter and leave Ireland on a short-stay visa.

Single-Entry Visa

The Single-Entry visa is the Irish visa category that is most commonly issued to visa nationals. It permits its holder to visit Ireland once during the visa’s validity. If you exit Ireland, a re-entry through that same visa will be refused even if your duration of stay is still valid.

If this is your situation, you can only obtain another visa to be allowed into Ireland. Nigerian nationals with Single-Entry short-stay visas can stay in Ireland for 90 days from the day they were granted. The Single-Entry visa costs €60.

Multiple-Entry Visa

The Multiple-Entry visa (also called Multiple Journey visa) is the Irish visa category that allows visa nationals to enter Ireland multiple times. This is possible if the visa remains valid and the holder obeys the Irish immigration rules. You can qualify for the Multiple-Entry visa if you entered Ireland on a Single-Entry visa and didn’t break the immigration rules.

You can apply for the Multiple-Entry visa if you intend to enter Ireland frequently on a short-term basis, such as business trips. This visa costs €100 and could be valid for up to 1 to 5 years. If the Ireland immigration officer at the port of entry believes you don’t qualify for a Multiple-Entry visa, they can deny your visa application.

They can assign you a Single-Entry visa instead of the Multiple-Entry visa you applied for. You must not make Ireland your permanent home with the Multiple-Entry visa. You must not use it to bypass the Irish immigration rules that guide residency in the country.

You must leave Ireland within 90 days and re-enter after a while for another 90 days, but not within the same 12-month period. If you overstay the 90 days, you may be refused future visa applications or denied entry into the country.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

Nigerian citizens must adhere to a step-by-step process on how to apply for Ireland visa from Nigeria. Below are the steps:

1. Consult an Immigration Lawyer

Nigerian nationals seeking an Irish Tourist Visa can consult an immigration lawyer. At IAS, our immigration lawyers have helped many Nigerians obtain their Irish visas. Our lawyers can guide you at each stage of your visa application process. Call us at +234 2013306361 or complete our online contact form for immediate assistance.

2. Provide Your Travel Details

You must submit your travel details for the visa application on the Irish Online Application facility AVATS. The AVATS can only be valid for 30 days from the date you started completing your application form. If you cannot complete your application within this period, you must submit a new visa application. After providing your travel details, you must pay the visa application fee online.

3. Pay Your Visa Fees

You can pay the Ireland visa fee in Nigeria with POS, QR or cash (in Naira only) at the Abuja or Lagos application centre. It should be paid after submitting your visa application. You must also pay a service charge via credit/debit card while booking an online appointment. 

Visa-required spouses and some family members of EEA citizens won’t pay visa fees. The condition of not paying is that they must have submitted proof of relationship with the EEA citizens in their application. The visa fees are administration fees, therefore if they reject your application, you will not receive a refund of your payment.

4. Finish and Submit the Visa Application Form

You will be asked to choose a “C” or “D” visa to complete your Irish Tourist Visa application form. You will also decide whether the visa is for a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry.

Choose your purpose for entering Ireland, and the Irish short-stay visa type you need. Answer all the remaining questions on the visa application form correctly. You have to print a summary of the application form which must be included in your documents submission within 30 days.

5. Gather Your Documents

Gather the required documents which you must submit to support your visa application. Your travel documents must be valid for 6 months beyond your proposed date of leaving Ireland. 

Get colour photocopies of the original documents you have.

Ensure you don’t provide false information or forged documents in your application. If you do so and get caught, the Irish immigration officer will refuse your application.

In the worst case, you may be banned from applying for an Irish visa for up to 5 years. In some situations, you won’t have the opportunity to appeal the visa refusal.

6. Fix an Appointment to Submit Your Documents

You will know where to submit your printed application form, passport, and other important documents through the printed summary of your application. Nigerian nationals must fix an appointment with their nearest Ireland Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) office in Abuja or Lagos.

They must be at the appointment in person to submit their Irish visa application documents and biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You can only reschedule a booked appointment if you can’t be available on that day, as you can’t cancel it. You must not staple the application documents, instead, use paper clips to hold them together.

Sort and assemble the documents you should submit for your application. Each document category has a barcode separator page. Download and print them out to help you track your application. After submitting your Irish Tourist Visa application, you’ll wait for a decision.

Ireland Tourist Visa Process

Expect the following process after submitting your Irish Tourist Visa application in Nigeria:

Be Patient

If a unique circumstance arises in your application, the time required to process your visa application can vary. Therefore, you need to exercise patience and not fear.

Provide Supporting Documents

If the Irish authorities need further clarification, they may require you to provide additional documents to support your application. If this is the case, just provide them with all the documents they need on time and accurately.

Visa Decision

The embassy will notify you once a decision is made on your Irish Tourist Visa application. If your application is successful, the immigration officials will stamp your passport with the Irish Tourist Visa. But if your application is unsuccessful, a letter of refusal that explains the decision will be sent to you.

Processing Time and Visa Fees for Nigerian Citizens

You should get a decision on your visa application within 8 weeks of submitting it. However, the complexity of your situation may delay the visa processing time. Ensure you include all the required documents in your application to maximise the chance of a visa approval.

 If you don’t apply in advance, your Ireland visa processing time in Nigeria may be delayed. To avoid delays, you should apply for the Irish Tourist Visa 8 weeks before your expected departure to Ireland.

Visa Fees for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian nationals applying for an Irish Tourist Visa must pay their visa fees. The visa fee depends on whether you want a Single-Entry or a Multiple-Entry Visa.

If you want a Single-Entry Irish Tourist Visa, you will pay a €60 visa fee. You will pay a €100 visa fee for a Multiple-Entry Irish Tourist Visa.

Tips for a Successful Visa Application

Nigerian nationals’ applications for an Irish Tourist Visa may be rejected for many reasons. Here are the common pitfalls of applying for an Irish Tourist Visa:

• If you don’t plan ahead of time.
• If you don’t submit all the required documents to support your application.
• If you submitted an incomplete visa application form.
• If you don’t have enough ties to Nigeria.
• If you provided false information or forged documents while applying for your visa.
• If you presented an unclear travel itinerary.
• If you have past Immigration violations, etc.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

Nigerian citizens who want to improve their chances of success must avoid the pitfalls of visa application. Here are a few ways to avoid those pitfalls:

Present Authentic and Accurate Details

Complete your Irish Tourist Visa application form with the correct information. Ensure that the details you include in your visa application form align with those in your supporting documents.

If the Irish immigration officers notice inconsistencies in your application, the visa may be refused. It may also be difficult for you to obtain another visa in the future.

Plan Ahead of Time

You should start the Irish visa application before your expected date of leaving Nigeria. When you begin the application early enough, you’ll have more time to assemble and submit all the required documents accurately.

If the immigration officers need more clarification on your application, you must gather additional supporting documents. This is what you can do when you plan ahead of time.

Provide a Clear Travel Itinerary

Your Irish tourist visa application must include a comprehensive trip schedule that includes your travel destinations, intended activities, and duration of stay in Ireland. Your itinerary must be detailed and organized to show that you sincerely desire to travel.

Prove Strong Ties to Nigeria

Convince the Irish immigration officers of your intentions to return to Nigeria after visiting Ireland. You can present some documents to prove your ties to Nigeria. These documents include property ownership, employment letters, photos showing that you’re connected to your family, birth certificates of spouse and dependents, etc.

If you intend to maximise your chances of a successful Irish Tourist Visa application from Nigeria, you should consult an immigration lawyer. Our immigration lawyers at IAS are experienced in Irish immigration laws. Our lawyers can help you make a comprehensive application within the required timeline for the submission of your visa application. Call us today at +234 2013306361 or message us online for immediate assistance.

Benefits of Obtaining an Ireland Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian nationals who hold an Irish Tourist Visa can enjoy several benefits, including:

Access to Ireland’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Nigerian citizens holding an Irish Tourist Visa can visit Ireland’s historical sites and rich cultural heritage. The famous attractions in Ireland include Dublin Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel, etc. The travel experience to Ireland is thrilling as the country blends with natural beauty, modern culture and ancient beauty.

Participation in Cultural and Educational Exchange

Entering Ireland with a tourist visa offers the opportunity to participate in the cultural and educational exchange. Several cultural institutions and universities exist in Ireland where tourists can participate in seminars, short courses and workshops. This opportunity allows Nigerian citizens to build networks, upskill professionally and obtain divergent perspectives on issues.

International Business Opportunities

The Irish Tourist Visa can allow you to enter Ireland and participate in short business trips. You can also use it to attend trade fairs and conferences, including building relationships with global and European business professionals. The tourist visa offers businesspeople various opportunities including exploring potential partnerships, business expansion, conducting market research, etc.

Future Travel Prospects

After obtaining an Irish Tourist Visa and adhering to the Irish immigration rules during your stay, you can build a positive travel history. This will make your future visa applications to Ireland or any other country easier.

Ireland Tourist Visa with Family Dependents

Nigerian nationals applying for an Irish Tourist Visa cannot bring dependents to Ireland through the same visa application. If you want your dependents to enter Ireland with you, they must get their tourist visas. They must fulfil the eligibility requirements, provide different documents to obtain the visa and make a separate visa application.

Impact on Future Immigration Applications

Obtaining an Irish Tourist Visa can influence future immigration applications to enter Ireland to work or study. The influence can be positive if you have obeyed the rules of staying in Ireland on a tourist visa or have a positive travel history.

Conversely, overstaying in Ireland or working illegally on a tourist visa can negatively influence your future immigration applications. If you fulfil the stay requirements on an Irish Tourist Visa without issues, you’ll have a better opportunity of successful future applications for a work or study visa. However, if you have a negative history or breach the Irish immigration rules, you can experience difficulties obtaining an Irish visa in the future.

Alternatives if the Ireland Tourist Visa is Rejected

Nigerian citizens whose tourist visa applications were rejected can apply for alternative Irish short-stay visas. These visas must align with the applicant’s travel purpose, including:

Ireland Business Visa

An Ireland Business visa is a short-stay visa designed for individuals who want to visit Ireland for a brief business meeting. You can request a single-entry or multiple-entry business visa. This depends on how often you intend to enter and leave Ireland.

You must state the purpose of your business trip to Ireland. You must show if you’re entering the country for a meeting or conference. This visa is valid for 90 days. While completing your visa application, you must meet the requirements of the Irish Business Visa.

Ireland Medical Treatment Visa

This visa is for Nigerian citizens who intend to undergo medical treatment at an Irish institution. You can stay in the country and receive medical treatment for 90 days. In your application for an Ireland Medical Treatment Visa, you must provide a referral document from a hospital in Nigeria. 

This document must explain your medical condition alongside your proposed treatment. You should also get a statement from the same hospital explaining the reasons for such treatment. It should state why the treatment must be performed in Ireland and not by them.

Ireland Training Visa

This visa is designed for individuals who want to visit Ireland and participate in training for professional development or work. The course is offered on a company-to-company basis, and the company you work for in Nigeria must sponsor you for the training.

This visa allows applicants to enter and stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. If the course will last beyond 90 days, the individual can apply for a long stay (D visa). A long-stay visa can last for up to 3 years.

Ireland Marriage Visa

This type of Ireland short-stay visa can allow Nigerian nationals to enter Ireland for marriage purposes. It permits individuals in a relationship with an Irish citizen or resident to enter into a civil partnership or get married in Ireland.

You must let the Registrar of Civil Marriages in Ireland know you intend to get married in the country before applying for this visa. You must notify the Registrar 3 months earlier before getting married in Ireland. This visa can allow you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days.

Reapplication Process for a Rejected Ireland Tourist Visa

If your Ireland Tourist Visa is rejected, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reason for it. This letter will confirm whether or not you can appeal the decision. Do the following to reapply for a rejected Ireland Tourist Visa:

• Consult an expert immigration lawyer to help you analyse your situation and file a comprehensive application.
• Assess the visa rejection letter and know why your visa was rejected.
• If you submitted incomplete documents, assemble additional documents to support your application.
• Recheck your application to ensure that all required documents are included and are accurate.
• File a new application after paying the application fee.
• Await a decision on the visa application.

Get Ireland Immigration Advice Online or In Our Office

If you need guidance in travelling to Ireland from Nigeria, our lawyers at IAS can help. Our immigration lawyers are experienced in all immigration-related matters. If you can’t provide all the required documents for your Irish Tourist Visa application, your visa application may be rejected.

We can help you gather all the required documents and advise you on everything needed to increase your chances of a successful visa application. You can contact us from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week for advice or support.

You can book an appointment with our Lagos office for an in-person meeting with one of our expert immigration lawyers. You can also consult our immigration lawyers online via video call. Or call us on the phone at +23413438882 for immediate immigration advice. 

Comprehensive Support

At IAS, we help Nigerian clients with several services, including:

Initial Consultation to Full Representation

During a consultation, our IAA-certified immigration lawyers will first analyse your situation to determine your purpose for travelling to Ireland. At this stage, they’ll review your current status and eligibility to travel. After understanding your situation, they’ll advise you on the appropriate visa type that suits your travel purpose.

After the consultation, our expert immigration lawyers will assist you in completing your visa application form. We will also help you assemble all the required documents for your specific visa and ensure they’re submitted accurately within 24 hours. After we have submitted your visa application, we can assist you in tracking its progress. We can also help you make changes the Irish immigration authorities may require.

We will let you know if there is additional information you need to provide. We will represent you in communicating with the immigration authorities throughout your visa application process. This will ensure you have a stress-free visa application. We will also prepare you for the visa interview by giving you tips to increase your chances of success.

Concierge Services

If you want to move to Ireland, we can assist you in moving items to the country. With our James Freeman Concierge Services, we can help you take care of logistics and customs regulations to ensure your items are seamlessly moved to Ireland.

Our major goal is to ensure that your journey to Ireland is as stress-free and seamless as possible. This is why we offer many concierge services to assist you. We can help you coordinate travel arrangements and book your flights to Ireland.

Here are some of our concierge services:

• Car rental.
• Vehicle shipping.
• Flight and Ireland transport bookings.
• Wedding and event planning.
• Property furnishing.
• Research of housing, and information on pet services, health providers and educational facilities.
• Security storage solutions, etc.

Immigration Journey Planning

Nigerian nationals intending to remain in Ireland can benefit from our detailed immigration journey planning services. We can also help you plan your immigration journey if you wish to obtain Irish citizenship.

Depending on your circumstances, we can help you create a comprehensive step-by-step plan to achieve your immigration goals. We can assist you throughout the plan’s stages, from obtaining an initial visa to satisfying the residency requirements and applying for citizenship.

We can also provide continuous support and advise you to comply with the Irish immigration rules. If any challenges arise, we can help you tackle them by providing the best solution, depending on your circumstances.

Business Immigration

If you’re a Nigerian business owner, IAS can help you with various immigration needs. We can help you secure visas for you and your staff and assist you in establishing your branch offices in Ireland.

We can assist you in fulfilling all the administrative and legal requirements needed to establish your business in the country. This includes ensuring that your business is registered and you comply with regulations designed for business owners in Ireland.