Ireland Tourist Visa

Apply today for the Ireland Tourist Visa with us!

Last updated: June 2023

Welcome to the Ireland Tourist Visa application guide! In this guide, we will provide you with detailed information, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

We assist in navigating the process of getting a tourist visa to visit the enchanting land of Ireland. Whether captivated by its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, or warm hospitality, Ireland has something for everyone.

From understanding the eligibility criteria to gathering the required documents, we've got you covered. We will also address common concerns and frequently asked questions, allowing you to apply online today with confidence and peace of mind.

Download the iVisa mobile app for an even smoother application experience!

What is the Ireland Tourist Visa?

The Ireland Visa is an official document allowing eligible travelers to visit Ireland. It’s also called the short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa.

Ireland boasts many attractions, from the iconic Cliffs of Moher to the bustling streets of Dublin, the charming countryside of County Kerry to the ancient ruins of Newgrange. With a tourist visa in hand, you'll be able to create unforgettable memories and experience the warmth and charm of the Irish people firsthand.

When applying for the Ireland Tourist Visa online, it's important to remember that you must clearly state the purpose of your visit.

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What can you do with the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Depending on the chosen travel purpose of your trip to Ireland, you can do the following activities:

• Tourism
• Visit family or friends
• Get married
• Get medical treatment
• Short-term courses

What can’t you do with the Ireland Tourist Visa?

It’s important to adhere to the conditions of your specific visa. Keep in mind that you can’t work or live in Ireland with this visa.

You also can’t use a publicly funded service while in the country, such as a public hospital.

For further information about a work visa or residence permit, check the website of the Irish government immigration service here.

Who is eligible to apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa?

Those from countries that are visa-required must apply for a visa before they enter Ireland. They must also meet the following criteria:

• Each traveler must apply for a separate visa.

• You haven’t bought tickets to travel to Ireland yet (you must wait until you have received a decision on your visa application).

Note: The visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not automatically grant you entry to the country or to stay there. An immigration officer at border control can still refuse entry even if you have a visa.

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Which nationalities must have Tourist Visas for Ireland?

Travelers from over 100 countries can apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa online. Find out if you need a visa using our user-friendly Visa Checker Tool. You must meet the following visa requirements:

Who is visa-exempt for Ireland?

Ireland is an EU and EEA member state. This means that any foreign national of one of the countries included in those agreements is exempt from having a visa to visit Ireland.

Some countries aren't in the EU or EEA, but their citizens are also exempted from needing an Irish Visa, such as Canada, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and New Zealand.

You may be able to enter Ireland without an additional visa, if you hold a short-stay visa for the United Kingdom, under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme. Find out more here.

Do minors/children have to apply for the Ireland Visa?

Yes, if they are from an eligible country. A parent or legal guardian should make a tourist visa application for minors or children (younger than 18 years).

While Ireland does not offer family visas, it is possible to submit your application as a family through our platform, by clicking ‘Add another person’ during the online process. We will check and submit each application carefully.

How long is the Ireland Tourist Visa valid?

We offer the following option:

• Single Entry visa: Must be used within 90 days after issuance and allows a stay of up to 90 days Per Entry. You can only visit Ireland once with this visa.

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Can I extend the Ireland Tourist Visa?

To extend your visa in Ireland, it is necessary to demonstrate an unforeseen change in your circumstances since your initial entry.

An extension will not be granted if there’s not been a change in your circumstances since you entered Ireland, or since you were initially granted a travel visa.

Ireland Visa application: required documents

To apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa, you will need the following documents:

• Valid passport: It must have at least 6 months of validity from the departure date from Ireland, and two blank pages for stamps.

• Two color passport photos: If you don’t have one, use our handy passport photo service.

• Complete visa application form: Printed and signed. You’ll receive this during the application process.

• Proof of sufficient funds: Provide bank statements showing your income and savings, including a letter explaining any large amounts moving in and out of your account.

• Application letter: Giving full details of the reason for your visit to Ireland (holiday, visiting family and/or friends, etc.)

• Proof of ties to your home country: Such as payslips from the last three months and a letter from your employer, a letter from your college or university, evidence of owned property or rental agreement in your name, or details of family members living in your country.

• Proof of accommodation: Such as reservation confirmations for accommodation, or proof of address of your host.

• In some cases, the Irish immigration office may request proof that you have travel/medical insurance to make a decision. Please note that you must have travel health insurance to enter Ireland after your visa has been approved.

• If you apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa in a different country of your citizenship, you must present proof of legal residency status there.

• If you have faced a previous refusal for an Ireland Tourist Visa or another visa, or have been deported from any country in the past, you must disclose the details and documentation.

• Residents living in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, or Pakistan, must provide biometric info each time they apply for the Ireland Visit Visa.

Additional documentation based on the purpose of your trip to Ireland

Depending on the purpose of your trip, the government requires additional specific documents as explained below.

To visit family and/or friends:

• Invitation letter from the host, including the reason they are inviting you to Ireland, the dates they plan to see you in Ireland, and a description of how they know you.

For studying purposes:

• A study plan, including the dates of your course and a confirmation letter of the placement.

• Invitation letter from the educational institution.

For marriage purposes:

• Evidence of your intention to marry, including the Acknowledgement from the Registrar confirming the date of receipt of notification of intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership, and the Marriage Registration Form (MRF).

• Evidence of your relationship history.

• Divorce or dissolution of civil partnership certificate from previous relationships.

For medical purposes:

• Letter from your referring hospital.

• Letter from your private hospital in Ireland.

• A letter stating your travel itinerary from your current location to Ireland.

All documents must be in English (or be accompanied by a notarized translation). When applying with us, we provide you with the guidance of an iVisa Expert and an application guide to help you make an error-free application and achieve a successful outcome!

Ireland Visa application: Financial requirements

There is no specific amount that you must have to get a visa for Ireland. However, you must show that you can pay for your flights, daily expenses, and any planned activities, based on the purpose of your trip. Travel/medical insurance is also helpful to have.

If you're funding your own visit, make sure to include an up-to-date bank statement along with your documents. Here's what the bank statement should have:

• It should be an original document on official bank paper. If you have a printed internet statement, it must be certified by your bank.

• Your name and address should be clearly mentioned.

• The statement should display your bank account number and the type of account, such as checking/current account or savings and deposit account.

• It should show the incoming and outgoing transactions in the account over the past six months.

• If you're providing a bank statement from a savings and deposit account, you'll need to include an original letter from your bank on their official letterhead. This letter must confirm your ability to withdraw money from that account.

If you have a friend or family member in Ireland contributing to your trip expenses, estimate how much they'll be spending in Euros and what they'll cover (if applicable), like the cost of plane tickets.

Your friend or family member needs to show that they can actually afford these expenses by providing bank statements, payslips, and a letter from their employer. This rule applies to any friends or family members.

Additional documents for minors/children

To travel to Ireland with a minor or child, also provide the following documents:

• The child’s birth certificate.

• A copy of both parents’ passports or IDs.

• If one of the minor's parents has deceased, you must present the original Death Certificate.

• If one of the minor's parents has sole custody, you must present the original court order granting custody to the concerned parent.

• If the minor travels with one of the parents, or legal guardian, a copy of the other parent/legal guardian’s passport or ID and consent letter are required.

If the minor is traveling with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian, or if the minor is traveling alone, you will need the following documents:

• A consent letter signed by both parents or legal guardians for each minor.

• A copy of both parents' passports or IDs.

Apply now and get a full list of visa requirements and documents required!

How to apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa online

To apply for the Ireland Tourist Visa online via our website or our user-friendly iVisa app, follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Fill out your basic info, travel itinerary, and passport details.

• Step 2: Pay our visa application fee online with a credit/debit card or PayPal.

• Step 3: Fill out the required info on our simplified application form, and visit the embassy or application center with the required documents and pay the government visa fees. We will make an appointment on your behalf.

Wait for the embassy's response, receive your visa, and get ready to travel!

Our team of iVisa Experts will carefully check all your information, along with your supporting documents, to avoid inconsistencies.

Apply for your Ireland Tourist Visa now!

Ireland Visa costs and processing time

There are two parts to the Irish Visa application fees and processing:

1. Visa fee and processing by iVisa: Our processing fee of USD $175.99 includes numerous benefits, such as a simplified application form, full guidance from our team of experts, and a careful review of your applications.

2. Government visa fee and processing: After we’ve checked and submitted your application to the foreign affairs department of Ireland, the general processing time is around 8 weeks, but this varies per application. For some nationalities, the payment can be done online.

The government fee for a single-entry visa is US$65.

Start your application today!

Is the Ireland Tourist Visa needed for transit?

All passengers intending to transit through Ireland are recommended to check if they require a visa or transit visa for Ireland on the government website.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) with my Irish Visa?

No, you must apply to the UK authorities for a separate UK Visa.

If you are traveling to the Republic of Ireland, and you also intend to visit Northern Ireland and return to the Republic, you have to get a multiple-entry Ireland Visa (not available through us) and a UK Visa.

You can also count on our services to guide you through the process of getting a Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom!

Benefits of getting your Ireland Visa with us

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa Experts will review all information and make sure it’s 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Unlimited access to our iVisa Experts: Our iVisa Experts will guide you through the entire application process and answer any questions you may have.

• Simplified form: Applying for a visa can be confusing and tedious. At iVisa, we’ll only include relevant questions, making the application hassle-free.

• Fill out at your own pace: Save your progress, make changes, and come back to it later whenever you need a break.

• Step-by-step guide: Apply with us and receive an exclusive manual with all the tips to answer difficult sections and get your visa without problems.

Ireland entry requirements or restrictions

Great news! All COVID-19 travel restrictions to Ireland have been lifted. That means you don't have to fill out the passenger locator form anymore. Plus, you don't need to show any proof of vaccination or recovery, or even undergo a COVID-19 test.

Please note: You’ll need proof of travel/medical insurance upon arrival in Ireland.