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Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements (2026)
An Ireland tourist visa — officially the Short Stay C Visa — allows you to visit Ireland for up to 90 days for leisure, sightseeing, family visits, or short business trips. Ireland has no visa-on-arrival and is not part of the Schengen Area, so visitors from visa-required countries must apply in advance at an Irish embassy or via VFS Global.
Last updated: June 2026
What Is the Ireland Tourist Visa?
The Ireland Short Stay C Visa is a single or multiple entry visa that allows stays of up to 90 days at a time. It is the correct visa for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting family or friends living in Ireland
- Short business meetings (not employment)
- Attending a conference or event
- Short medical consultations
It does not permit working, studying (beyond 90 days), or settling in Ireland.
Ireland Tourist Visa — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa category | Short Stay — Type C |
| Maximum stay | 90 days per visit |
| Entry type | Single or multiple entry |
| Fee (single) | €60 |
| Fee (multiple) | €100 |
| Processing time | 4–10 weeks |
| Biometrics required | No |
| Interview required | No |
| Part of Schengen | No — separate visa required |
Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements
Passport
- Valid for the full duration of your stay
- At least two blank pages for entry stamps
- Copies of all used pages (stamps, old visas, cancellations)
AVATS Application Form
- Completed online at irishimmigration.ie
- Printed summary page — must be hand-signed
Photographs
- Two recent photos, white background, 35×45mm
- Taken within last 6 months
- No glasses, neutral expression
Financial Proof
- Bank statements covering last 6 months
- Consistent salary credits visible
- General guideline: €50–€100 per day of planned stay available as funds
- No sudden large deposits immediately before applying
Employment or Occupation Proof
- Employment letter: role, salary, leave approval, return-to-work date
- Self-employed: business registration and company bank statements
- Student: college enrollment letter
Travel Itinerary
- Planned travel dates
- Cities and regions you will visit in Ireland
- Activities or tourist sites on your plan
- Flight details (tentative is fine — avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets before approval)
Accommodation Proof
- Hotel bookings confirmed for each night
- Airbnb or rental property confirmation
- If staying with family/friends: host's invitation letter + proof of their Irish residency
Travel Insurance
- Policy covering medical emergencies for the full trip duration
- Minimum €30,000 medical cover recommended
What Makes a Strong Ireland Tourist Visa Application?
The consular officer's job is to assess whether you are a genuine tourist with means to fund your visit and a clear reason to return home. Applications that demonstrate all three tend to succeed:
- Genuine tourism intent: A specific itinerary with real places and activities — not just "sightseeing in Dublin"
- Financial credibility: Stable, consistent bank history over 6 months
- Strong home ties: Permanent employment, family, property — reasons to go back
- Clean travel history: Prior UK, US, or Schengen stamps show you comply with visa rules
- Complete documents: No missing items, consistent information throughout
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry — Which to Choose?
| Option | Best For | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | One trip, first-time visitor, straightforward tourism | €60 |
| Multiple Entry | Frequent travellers, those with family in Ireland, business visitors | €100 |
First-time applicants are typically granted a single entry visa. Multiple entry visas are more commonly issued to repeat visitors with a good track record.
Top Tourist Destinations in Ireland
Include specific places in your itinerary — it strengthens your tourism purpose claim:
- Dublin: Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Phoenix Park
- Galway: The Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, Aran Islands
- Cork: Blarney Castle, Cobh, English Market
- Kerry: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Skellig Michael
- Wicklow: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Monastery
Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Ireland on a tourist visa?
An Ireland tourist (Short Stay C) visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. The immigration officer at the port of entry stamps your passport with the permitted stay duration — it may be less than 90 days.
Can I extend my Ireland tourist visa?
Tourist visa extensions are rarely granted and are not a right. If you have a compelling reason (medical emergency, travel disruption), contact the Irish Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) office in Dublin before your visa expires.
Does an Ireland tourist visa allow me to work?
No. A tourist visa (C visa) does not permit working in Ireland in any capacity. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and will affect future visa applications.
What is the difference between Ireland tourist visa and Schengen visa?
They are completely separate. A Schengen visa covers 27 European countries but not Ireland. An Irish tourist visa covers only Ireland. If visiting both Europe and Ireland on one trip, you need both visas.
How long does Ireland tourist visa take to process?
Processing takes 4–10 weeks from when the embassy receives your application. Apply at least 10–12 weeks before your travel date.
Do I need travel insurance for an Ireland tourist visa?
Travel insurance is not a formal requirement but is strongly recommended and viewed positively by consular officers. A policy with at least €30,000 medical cover for the full trip duration shows you have prepared responsibly. Some Irish embassies in certain countries do require it — check with your local VFS centre before applying.
Can I apply for an Ireland tourist visa without any travel history?
Yes. Prior travel history is not a requirement. First-time international travellers can and do get approved. What matters more is a genuine trip purpose, stable finances, and clear ties to your home country. No prior travel history means you need to make these three things especially convincing in your application.
How much bank balance do I need for an Ireland tourist visa?
There is no fixed published minimum. The general guideline INIS uses is €50–€100 per day of your intended stay. For a two-week trip that means roughly €700–€1,400 available in your account. More important than the exact amount is consistent transaction history — regular salary credits over six months with no sudden large deposits before you apply.
Can I visit Northern Ireland on an Ireland tourist visa?
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, not the Republic of Ireland. Your Ireland tourist visa does not cover Northern Ireland. If you plan to cross the border from the Republic into Northern Ireland during your trip, you need a valid UK visa as well. Many travellers are caught off-guard by this — the two countries share a land border but have entirely separate immigration systems.
Can I get an Ireland tourist visa after a UK visa refusal?
A UK visa refusal does not automatically bar you from getting an Ireland visa, but INIS will know about it. You must disclose any previous visa refusals honestly on the AVATS form. If the reason for the UK refusal was financial insufficiency or travel history, address those gaps directly in your Ireland application. Hiding a prior refusal is treated as dishonesty and will result in a refusal.