Ireland Visa from Vietnam (2026)

Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Ireland. Applications are submitted through VFS Global Vietnam and decided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for Vietnamese tourists exploring Western Europe, students at Irish universities, and IT professionals. This guide covers the complete application process from Vietnam — what documents to prepare, where to apply, how much it costs, and the specific reasons Vietnamese applications get refused.

Last updated: June 2026

Do Vietnamese Citizens Need a Visa for Ireland?

Yes. Vietnam is on Ireland's visa-required list. Vietnamese passport holders must obtain an Irish visa stamp before boarding a flight to Ireland — there is no visa on arrival option.

Short Stay Visa Waiver: If you currently hold a valid, unexpired UK visa (Tier 1, 2, 4, or 5), a valid US visa, or a valid Schengen visa, you may qualify for Ireland's Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme and may be able to enter Ireland without a separate Irish visa for short stays. Always verify your eligibility on the INIS website before travelling — waiver conditions can change.

Note on Schengen and Ireland: Ireland is not a Schengen member. A Schengen visa does not automatically give you access to Ireland, and an Irish visa does not cover Schengen countries. These are separate applications.

Types of Ireland Visa for Vietnamese Applicants

Ireland Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens

Core Documents for All Visa Types

• Original valid passport — must remain valid for the full duration of your stay, with at least two blank pages for stamps
• Photocopies of all used passport pages, including any old passports that contain prior visa stamps or entries
• Completed AVATS visa application form — filled online on the INIS website, printed, and signed (do not alter the printout by hand)
• Two recent passport photographs — white background, 35×45mm, taken within the last six months
• Six months of personal bank statements from your Vietnamese bank showing regular income and a consistent balance
• Three months of salary slips if employed; or business registration certificate and recent financial statements if self-employed
• Employer letter on company letterhead — confirming your job title, monthly salary, approved leave dates, and confirmed return-to-work date
• Hotel booking confirmation or signed invitation letter from your Irish host, plus a copy of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card
• Round-trip flight reservation (itinerary only — you do not need a paid ticket before the visa is approved)
• Travel insurance policy with a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage valid in Ireland
• Evidence of strong ties to Vietnam — property ownership documents, family registration book (hộ khẩu), dependent family members, or permanent employment contract

Additional Documents for Tourism

• Detailed day-by-day travel plan covering each city, accommodation, and planned activities in Ireland
• If visiting a Vietnamese relative or friend in Ireland: their signed invitation letter, IRP card copy, and a recent utility bill showing their Irish address

Additional Documents for Study Visa (D)

• Unconditional offer letter from an INIS-registered Irish educational institution
• Proof of tuition fees paid or a sponsorship letter from the funding party with their bank statements
• Evidence of living costs — at least €7,000–€10,000 per academic year is the general expectation
• Academic transcripts and secondary school graduation certificate (Bằng tốt nghiệp THPT)
• English proficiency test results (IELTS or equivalent) if required by your institution

Additional Documents for Employment Visa (D)

• Valid Irish Employment Permit issued by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• Signed contract of employment from the Irish employer
• Irish employer's Companies Registration Office (CRO) number for embassy verification

Where to Apply in Vietnam

Ireland visa applications from Vietnam are submitted through VFS Global Vietnam on behalf of the Irish Embassy in Hanoi. You must book an appointment in advance — walk-in submissions are not permitted.

Confirm centre addresses and operating hours on the VFS Global Vietnam website when booking — locations and procedures can change.

Step-by-Step Application Process from Vietnam

1. Complete AVATS online: Visit the INIS AVATS portal and fill in your visa application. Save your unique application reference number carefully — you need it to track your application.
2. Print and sign: Print the completed AVATS form and sign it. Do not make handwritten changes to the printed document.
3. Book your VFS appointment: Log in to VFS Global Vietnam and choose Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Slots fill quickly, especially in peak months — book as early as possible.
4. Prepare your documents: Organise all required items in the order specified in the VFS checklist. A single missing document is enough to delay or refuse your application.
5. Attend your appointment: Submit all documents and pay all fees at the VFS centre. Biometric enrolment is not required for Irish visa applications.
6. Track your application: Use your AVATS reference number on the INIS website to monitor progress. If the embassy requests additional documents, respond promptly — delays in responding restart your processing clock.
7. Collect your passport: Once a decision is made, collect from the VFS centre or arrange courier delivery if available at your centre.

Ireland Visa Fees from Vietnam

Embassy fees are collected in Euro at the exchange rate on the day of payment. VND figures are approximate and change with the EUR/VND rate. All fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.

Processing Time from Vietnam

Ireland does not offer a priority processing service. Applications are handled in the order received by the Irish Embassy in Hanoi. From submission at VFS to a final embassy decision, typical processing from Vietnam takes 8 to 12 weeks. During peak travel periods — particularly June to August and December — this can extend to 14–16 weeks.

• Apply at least 12–14 weeks before your intended departure date
• Do not purchase non-refundable flights before your visa is confirmed
• A request for additional documents restarts your processing clock from that date

Financial Requirements for Vietnamese Applicants

Ireland does not publish an official minimum bank balance. Consular officers reviewing Vietnamese applications look at the overall financial picture:

• Six months of consistent salary credits — large one-off deposits made immediately before applying are a red flag
• A balance sufficient to cover your entire trip — the general guideline is €80–€100 per day of stay
• For a 10-day trip, an available balance of VND 20–35 million with regular monthly income is a reasonable benchmark
• If a sponsor is funding your trip, include their bank statements, a signed sponsorship declaration, and clear proof of your relationship (family registration book or birth certificate)

Common Rejection Reasons for Vietnamese Applicants

• Weak ties to Vietnam: No stable employment contract, no property, no dependants — officers need confidence you will return home
• Vague travel purpose: A generic itinerary or cover letter that does not explain specifically why you are visiting Ireland raises suspicion
• Irregular financial history: Accounts that show sudden large deposits, or a balance that does not match your declared income level
• No or inadequate travel insurance: Submitting without a valid policy covering a minimum of €30,000 medical expenses is a straightforward ground for refusal
• Unresolved prior visa refusal: Any previous refusal for Ireland, the UK, or a Schengen country that is not acknowledged and explained in your cover letter
• Incomplete documents: Missing bank statements, no employer letter, or photographs that do not meet the specification
• Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between what you state in the AVATS form, your cover letter, and the supporting documents

Official References

• INIS — Visit Ireland Visa Information
• Irish Embassy Hanoi — Visa Services
• INIS — Study in Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Ireland?

Yes. Vietnamese passport holders must apply for an Irish visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese citizens entering Ireland.

How long does Ireland visa processing take from Vietnam?

Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the date the Irish Embassy in Hanoi receives your documents from VFS. During peak seasons it can extend to 14–16 weeks. Apply at least 12–14 weeks before your travel date.

Does a Schengen visa allow entry to Ireland?

No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not grant access to Ireland. You need a separate Irish visa unless you qualify for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.

Which VFS centre handles Ireland visa applications in Vietnam?

VFS Global handles Ireland visa applications in Vietnam from two centres — Hanoi (Daeha Business Centre, Kim Ma Street) and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Centre, Le Loi Boulevard). Book your appointment online before visiting.

What financial documents do I need for Ireland visa from Vietnam?

Six months of personal bank statements showing regular income and a stable balance, plus three months of salary slips if employed. There is no official minimum balance, but a general benchmark is €80–€100 per day of your intended stay.

Can I include the hộ khẩu (family registration book) as a supporting document?

Yes. The hộ khẩu is useful as evidence of your ties to Vietnam — it confirms your family registration and permanent residence in Vietnam, which supports your case that you intend to return home after the visit.