ireland tourist visa application from uk

A visa is a certificate in your passport or travel document that shows you are authorised to land at an Irish port or airport Ireland. However, there may be a number of other conditions you need to meet before you are permitted to enter Ireland.

On arrival at the airport, make sure that you have copies of the documents submitted with your visa application in case of inspection by immigration officers.

Visas for Ireland

There are different visa requirements depending on your country of citizenship. Find out more about applying for a visa to travel to Ireland.

Visas and Preclearance

Some non-visa required nationals may need to apply for preclearance before travelling to Ireland. Find out how to apply for a preclearance scheme.

Visa Processing Times and Weekly Decision Report

Check our visa processing times. Each week, a report is published detailing all decisions made in the previous week at the visa office London.

Working Holiday Authorisations

Working Holiday Authorisations (WHA) are available to young people who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand

Visas for Irish people going abroad

DFA provides guidance on determining visa requirements for entering your destination country when travelling abroad.

FAQs about Visas

IrishImmigration.ie provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about applying for a visa to travel to Ireland.

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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Documents Required

Photo specifications, processing time, download forms.

If you would like to visit Ireland for a short period (less than 3 months) for the purpose of tourism, attend an event, undertake short-term study etc. you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Tourist visa applications here .

If you would like to visit Ireland for a short period (less than 3 months) to visit family and friends in Ireland you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Family/Friend visa applications here .

Some customers are required to pay a visa fee, while others are exempt. Please refer here for information

If you are resident in the UK and you are a national of a country included in the Irish Visa Waiver Programme you require a separate Irish visa but you are not required to pay an application fee. Please refer to the Irish Visa Waiver Programme information note for details.

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee. . If you are not required to pay a visa application fee you will be required to pay the VFS service fee only.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit Card.

Cash payments are only accepted in London.

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Along with your application form we will need to submit the supporting documents detailed in the link below.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

You are advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.

Photocopies of your bio page and all visas and stamps in your passport(s)- all immigration stamps and visas for all travel must be submitted. (Not only those relating to the UK and Ireland)

The onus is on you, the customer, to ensure that your fully complete application is submitted in sufficient time for a decision to be made before your date of travel.

• The photograph for each customer must be an un-mounted, full face photo, color photo as described below
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months.
• 1 photo must be submitted.

The photo for each customer submitted must measure:

• 35 mm x 45 mm with the head centered in the frame.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure at least 30 mm

Photo Appearance

• The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.
• The face should cover about 70-80 percent of the photo area.
• The photograph MUST be in color and have only a white or light background. Photos with dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted
• In general, the customers head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed
• Sunglasses or other wear, which detracts from the face, are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example).
• A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.

You can apply for a visit visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.

Visa applications are processed in the order they are received. The minimum processing times depend on the type of visa you are applying for.

Your application may also take longer if:

• You have not submitted the necessary supporting documentation
• Your supporting documentation needs to be verified
• Because of personal circumstances, e.g. you have a criminal conviction

Note: Processing times can change during the year, e.g. before holiday periods. You are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before you receive a decision on your visa.

The current target processing times for complete visa applications submitted to the Irish Visa Office, London are as follows:

Complete the online application form

You can apply for this visa if you are working outside Ireland and want to come to Ireland to carry out activities relating to your job, such as to attend meetings, attend trade shows for promotional work, arrange deals or negotiate or sign trade agreements or contracts, or carry out fact finding missions. Applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

More information on this visa type is available here

Please follow this link in order to ascertain whether you require a visa to travel to Ireland: Click Here

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee. If you are not required to pay a visa application fee you will be required to pay the VFS service fee only.

Photocopies of the bio page and all visas and stamps in your passport(s) must be submitted. (All immigration stamps and visas for all travel, not only those relating to the UK and Ireland)

For most Short Stay visas, you can expect a decision within 8 weeks of the application being received by the London Visa Office. Applications for Long Stay visas may take longer.

Note : Processing times can change during the year, e.g. before holiday periods. You are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before you receive a decision on your visa.

Important Notes

Processing times can fluctuate during the year, e.g. before holiday periods. You are advised not to pay for a travel ticket before you receive a decision on your visa.

Incomplete applications may not be accepted or may result in a visa refusal

The onus is on you, the applicant, to ensure that your fully complete application is submitted in sufficient time for a decision to be made before your date of travel

Your application may also take longer than advertised if:

More information on this visa type is available here .

You can apply for this visa if you want to travel to Ireland for a conference, relating to your work, studies, or for an event. Customers will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

You can apply for this visa if you are required to work in Ireland. Customer will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

Exam / Interview

An interview visa may be used only attend an interview for a job that is on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations (HSEO) list . To attend a job interview, apply for a visa under the category 'Other' (not 'Employment') when submitting your application online.

If you are a visa-required national and coming to Ireland to take examination/ interview you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for exam/ interview visa applications on this page. Applicants will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

Join Family

If you wish to come to Ireland to reside for longer than 3 months with a family member who is an Irish citizen or who is lawfully resident in Ireland you can apply for a long stay (join family) visa.

A comprehensive statement of national immigration policy on the area of family reunification is contained in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification published on 31 December 2013.

The policies outlined in the document apply to all decision making in relation to family reunification cases where ministerial discretion applies including long stay (join family) visa applications.

The policies do not apply to:

• applications pursuant to Directive 2504/38/EC on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of Member States
• Customers for family reunification by recognised refugees or persons granted subsidiary protection.

Before you apply for a long stay (join family) visa please read the Policy Document carefully to find out:

• who is eligible to be a sponsor for the purposes of an application for family reunification,
• who may be sponsored and the eligibility requirements,
• whether waiting periods apply before a person becomes eligible to sponsor,
• whether a sponsor must achieve a minimum level of earnings prior to being eligible to sponsor,
• what a person who is granted a join family visa may do in Ireland,
• how dependency is measured when this is adduced in support of an application for family reunification.

Customer will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

If you hold other passports, or have held previous passports, you must also submit them with your application. If you are unable to do so include a written explanation with any relevant police reports.

You can apply for a study visa if you are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study.

You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland. Please follow this link in order to ascertain whether you require a visa to travel to Ireland: Click Here

You can apply for this visa if you are required to travel to Ireland as a Volunteer. Customer will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category.

Please follow the link to know more about Volunteering in Ireland: Click Here

Please follow the link to know more about Minister of Religion: Click Here

Family Members Of Eu/eea/swiss Citizens

Applications under the European Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive) may be submitted through this office.

Information about this type of visa application is available here

Information about the type of documentation that should be included for consideration for this type of application is available here

Note : Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete.

Performance Visa

This visa type should be used if you intend to stage a performance or take part in a competitive tournament, information is available here

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Visas for tourists visiting Ireland

Who needs a short-stay visa for ireland, how to apply for a short-stay visa, documents to send for a short-stay visa, decisions and appeals, can i stay longer than 3 months, further information.

If you plan to visit Ireland, you should check if you need a visa .

This page has information on how to apply for a short-stay visa. This is also called a ‘C’ visa and is usually valid for up to 90 days from the issue date of the visa. You apply for a C visa if you plan to come to Ireland:

• For tourism
• To visit family or friends
• To get married
• For medical treatment
• For short-term study

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, Switzerland or UK and you do not need a visa to come to Ireland, you still need to have documents with you to show the reason for your visit. You must present yourself at immigration when you enter Ireland.

Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You apply for a visa online. You complete a separate application for each person travelling, including children. After you have submitted the visa form, you have 30 days to send the supporting documents. It’s a good idea to prepare your documents before completing the form.

You pay a fee of €60 for each application. A multiple entry visa costs €100.

When you have submitted the form, you will get a summary of your application. This includes:

• Your visa application transaction number
• Your application summary sheet
• Details of the application office where you should send your documents

You send the signed summary sheet with your documents.

You must send documents in support of your application. This section has information on the main documents you need to send. You can get more information about documentation on the Irish Immigration Delivery website.

You must send original documents (not photocopies). If your documents are not in English, you must send a certified translation and the original document.

Birth, marriage and death certificates will be returned to you. If you want other pages returned to you, you should include a note with your application that says this. Send a photocopy (in addition to the original) of the page you want returned to you.

If your visa is approved, you must get travel insurance before you travel to Ireland.

Letter of application

You must write a letter that explains why you want to come to Ireland. You should give the details of your trip, including the dates you plan to be here, where you will stay and how you will pay for things while you are here.

You must say in your letter that you will:

• Obey the conditions of your visa in full
• Leave Ireland before your visa expires
• Not rely on public services or become a burden on the State

If you are visiting friends or family your letter should also have:

• Their names and addresses
• The names and addresses of any of your family who live in Ireland or another country in the EEA or Switzerland, even if you do not plan to visit them

Letter of invitation

If you are visiting someone in Ireland, you should send a letter of invitation written by them. The letter should have information about how they know you, the dates you are visiting them and why they are inviting you to Ireland.

They should include a colour copy of their passport or national identity card. If they are from outside the EEA, Switzerland and UK, they must include a copy of their Irish Resident Permit and the current immigration stamp in their passport.

The letter must also say that they understand you must:

Information about where you will stay

You must include the details of where you will stay. You should include printouts of your booking confirmations. If you are staying with friends, family or colleagues, see ‘letter of invitation’ above.

You must send your current passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland. You must also send a photocopy of each page of all of your previous passports.

Proof of finances

You must show that you have the money you need for your trip. If someone else is paying for your visit (for example a family member), you should send documents to show that they can afford to pay for you.

You don’t need to have a particular or set amount of money to qualify for a short-stay visa.

Passport photos

Include 2 passport photos. You must sign your name and put your visa application transaction number on the back of each photo.

Show that you must return home

You must show that you have strong ties to your home country and that you must return home. This could be family responsibilities, work, education or something else. You should send proof of these responsibilities. For example, if you are working you should send a letter from your employer and recent payslips.

You can read more details of the documents you need on the Immigration Service Delivery website.

If you sent your application to Dublin, you can check visa decisions and waiting times . If you sent your application somewhere else, you can contact the embassy or consulate you sent your documents to for updates on your application. Applications take around 8 weeks, but may take longer.

If your visa application is successful, the visa office will post your passport back to you with the visa attached. The visa will be valid for a particular period. Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Ireland .

You will get a letter that says why your visa application was refused. You can appeal this decision within 2 months.

You are expected to leave the State on or before the date which has been stamped on your passport by the Immigration Officer when you entered.

You can only extend your visa if there is an unexpected change in your circumstances since you entered Ireland.

You cannot get an extension if:

• There is no change in circumstances from the time you entered Ireland
• There is no change in circumstances from the time you were granted a travel visa
• You are in Ireland to seek medical attention
• You are seeking a permission to marry in Ireland
• You are in Ireland to provide childcare facilities
• You wish to live in Ireland full time

Some people do not have to pay the visa fee .

A visa costs:

Single-journey visa : €60

Multiple-journey visa : €100

If you require a visa in order to visit Ireland, your application must be made online .

Irish embassies and consulates

Visa Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13-14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 D02 XK70 Ireland

Related documents

• Visas for people visiting Ireland on business Certain people who wish to travel to Ireland for business purposes require visas. Find out more. 1954.5936
• Student visas to study in Ireland People from certain countries who wish to study in Ireland require visas. Find out more. 1065.6066
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 985.557

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/london .

Visa Information

Update 30/10/2023 - Christmas & New Year Travel

**Christmas & New Year Travel**

Please note that the Visa Office cannot guarantee that any Visit Visa application made at a Visa Application Centre (operated by VFS) later than the 17/11/23 will be processed in time for travel by 22/12/23. Those seeking to travel earlier than 22/12/23 should tailor their submission time accordingly.

Similarly, postal applicants from Northern Ireland, IoM and the Channel Islands should send their applications by tracked post on or before 17/11/23 to meet a travel date of 22/12/23.

Update 2nd March 2023 .

Please note that, on a temporary basis, VFS can only facilitate ‘walk-in’ customers at their Visa Application Centres (VACs) in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff & Edinburgh, between 08.30 am to 11.00am. It is not possible to make reserved appointment on-line.

Update 30th November 2022.

We are pleased to advise that the Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland, London, can now facilitate Irish Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) applications for New Zealand citizens who are currently in the UK, on the same basis as for Australian citizens.

Further information can be found  here .

Visas for Ireland

Please note that it is only permitted to apply for an Irish visa to the Embassy of Ireland in London if you are legally resident in the UK. Those in the UK on temporary visas (e.g. tourism) cannot apply for an Irish visa through this Embassy. Applicants for Irish visas worldwide must do so from their country of ordinary residence, in advance of travel, and in accordance with the arrangements in place for visa applications for that country.

As such, this page contains information for permanent residents of the UK who may require a visa to travel to Ireland. Please be aware that possession of a residence permission in the UK has no bearing on the requirement for a visa to travel to Ireland.

Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area. An Irish visa does not permit travel to the Schengen Area, nor does a visa issued by a country in the Schengen Area allow for travel to Ireland.

The Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland caters for visa required non-EEA citizens who wish to visit Ireland, not for Irish citizens who may require visas to travel internationally. Irish citizens who wish to ascertain if they need a visa for a third country can find information  here .

Australian & New Zealand Citizens who wish to avail of a Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) in Ireland can find information  here .

Who needs a visa

You need to check if you need an Irish visa on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or residence permit does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the  short stay visa waiver programme or have a visa issued as part of the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) , a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

How To Apply

You should apply for a visa in good time before you travel. You are advised  not  to pay for a travel ticket before you receive a decision on your visa.

Submitting your application

1. Complete the  online application form . 2. Refer to the checklists available in the 'Types of Visa and Documentation' section of this website and gather your supporting documentation 3. Submit your signed application form and supporting documents to the appropriate office

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales you need to submit your application by attending VFS Global in person at one of the following Irish Visa Application Centres. It is not possible to make an appointment on-line at present. Please attend in person, without an appointment, from 08.30 to 11.00am, at the Irish Visa Application Centre of your choice.   

If you live in  Northern Ireland , the  Channel Islands  or the  Isle of Man,  you should submit your application by sending a tracked post envelope to the following address:

Visa Office,

Ground Floor,

114A Cromwell Road,

You should ensure that you note the tracking number of the envelope used to send your documents to this office.

4. Decisions will be made on applications in date order from the date received in the Embassy of Ireland Visa Office. Due to the volume of applications received it is not possible to provide an update on individual applications. However, we do publish target processing time information under the visa processing times category. We also publish a  Weekly Decision Report  so you can check if a decision has been made on your application.

Please Note

All supporting documentation should be in English or accompanied by a notarised translation . Failure to translate your documents into English may result in your visa application being refused. It is not sufficient to send in copies of your documents. All documentation submitted must be original and verifiable (e.g.) employment/study details, accommodation bookings must have correct contact details on each document. If this Office is unable to verify the information supplied this may result in your visa being refused.

Remember…

The onus is on you, the applicant, to ensure that your application is fully complete before submitting it for consideration.  You should note that if you submit an incomplete application, it may result in your application being refused.

 If you have been refused a visa for any country, details of this must be given in your application. Submit a copy of the visa decision letter issued to you by the authorities of that country, including a notarised translation if not in English.  Concealment or non-submission of previous visa refusals will result in your Irish visa application being refused.

Please note that if you provide false, fraudulent or misleading information or documentation, your application will be refused. You may also lose the right to appeal the decision. Any future applications made by you may also be refused, or you may be prevented from making further Irish Visa applications for up to 5 years.

If deemed necessary, additional documentation / information may be requested by the Deciding Officer upon detailed examination of the application.

If you submit false or misleading information in support of your application, you may become liable for prosecution and/or deportation.

Types of Visa and Documentation

The following  checklists  outline the requirements of the most common types of visa applications

• Visit Visa  
• ‌ Business Visa ‌
• Conference Visa
• Exam or Interview Visa
• Performance Visa
• Employment Visa  
• Join Spouse (Employment Permit)
• Student Information
• Join Family Information

Further information on travelling to Ireland on a short or long term basis, and the documentation involved, can be found on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Payment Details and Fees

Visa Application Fees

Some applicants are required to pay a visa application fee, while others are exempt. Please refer  here  for information.

If you are resident in the UK and you are a national of a country included in the Irish Visa Waiver Programme you require a separate Irish visa but you are not required to pay an application fee. Details of the countries included in the programme can be found  here .

For those applicants required to pay a fee, the following amounts are currently applied by the Visa Office in London:.

Visa fees are paid in local currency – i.e. pounds sterling. Fees may vary from time to time to take account of currency changes

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales payment for your application will be taken by VFS Global at the Irish Visa Application Centre when you submit your application.

If you live in Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man payment for your application submitted by post should be made by including a postal order or bank draft with your application. Personal cheques are not accepted. Postal orders and bank drafts should be made payable to 'the Embassy of Ireland' for the appropriate amount.

The visa fee is an administration fee which covers the cost of processing your application.  This fee cannot be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.

VFS Global Fees

VFS Global is a commercial company who facilitate visa applicants in making their visa applications to the Irish Visa Office. VFS Global manages the Visa Application Centres (VACs) on behalf of the Embassy of Ireland, where applicants in England, Scotland & Wales should submit their completed visa application form, supporting documents and biometric data. 

Whether or not an applicant is exempt from paying a visa application fee, VFS Global will levy a service fee for the submission of an application at a VAC. VFS also provide a range of additional services which an applicant may choose to avail of in making their application.

Your visa application will be processed and decided by Embassy of Ireland staff. VFS Global and its staff do not play any part in, or influence, the outcome of your visa application. VFS Global can only provide services to ensure that your visa application is correctly submitted.

Processing Times

Check our visa processing times.

Visa Appeals

If your application has been refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons for refusal.

If you still wish to travel to Ireland, you can appeal this decision within two months of receiving the refusal notice.

Further information on appealing visa decisions can be found on the  website of the Irish Immigration Service .

On Arrival in Ireland

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the  Irish Immigration Service.

Prior Visa Refusals

I understand that any false or misleading information , or false supporting documentation may result in the refusal of my application may be refused and I may be prevented from making further visa applications for a period of up to 5 years. An appeal, against the decision to refuse to grant the visa sought, may not be permitted.

The Embassy applies a zero tolerance policy with respect to fraudulent applications. An application containing a deception such as a forged document, a document containing false information or information withheld from an application (such as a previous visa refusal) may result in your application being refused without the prospect of appeal. If the application was submitted as part of a group, all applications in that group maybe refused without appeal. Where applications are rejected on the grounds of a deception, a 5-year ban may also be applied.

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Ireland Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa allows foreign citizens to visit Ireland for tourism purposes and stay there for up to 90 days.

To receive assistance with your Tourist Visa application, call our immigration team today on 0333 305 9375.

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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

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

What is the Tourist Visa?

The Tourist Visa is intended for foreign citizens who want to visit Ireland. It allows them to come to Ireland to engage in standard tourism activities or to take part in a short-term English language course.

The Tourist Visa is a  Short Stay ‘C’ Visa , which means that if you receive it, you will be able to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. After your visa expires, you have to go back to your home country.

The Tourist Visa does not allow you to seek and undertake employment in Ireland nor use publicly funded services such as public hospitals.

Who has to apply for the Tourist Visa?

If you are a citizen of a country that belongs to the EU/EEA, or a citizen of Switzerland, you do not have to apply for a visa to visit Ireland. Citizens of these countries can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa.

The Tourist Visa is intended for individuals coming to Ireland from a visa required country. You have to submit your application for the Tourist Visa in your home country or the country where you are a resident.

You should apply for the Tourist Visa if you want to come to Ireland to explore the country and its culture or take part in an English language course.

If you are not sure whether you need a visa to come to Ireland, talk to our immigration consultants. They will analyse your situation and will explain to you what you need to do before buying a flight ticket to Ireland.

How to apply for the Tourist Visa?

If you need a Tourist Visa to come to Ireland, you need to apply for it before you arrive in the country.

It is recommended that you apply for it three months before your travel to Ireland.

This should allow enough time for the processing of your application.

Keep in mind that you will not be allowed to enter Ireland without a valid visa.

To apply for the Tourist Visa, you have to use the online visa application system. In the form, you will need to provide personal details and information about the purpose of your trip to Ireland.

When you finish, you will see the summary of your application. There, you will find the following information:

• Your Visa Application Transaction Number  – you will need it to check the progress in the processing of your visa application
• Application summary sheets –  you need to print and sign them. You also need to include them in the portfolio of evidence that you will send to the application office at a later stage of the application process.
• Your application office –  you need to send your application and documents to the office featured on your summary sheet.

Once you submit the application, you have to pay the visa application fee of either €60 or €100 depending on whether you need a single or multiple entry permit.

Depending on where you are applying, payment methods and currency may differ.

The visa application fee is non-refundable even if you are not granted the visa or you withdraw your application.

After that, you can start gathering all the required supporting documents that prove your eligibility for the Tourist Visa.

Once you have compiled all of them, you need to send them to the application office displayed on your application summary sheet.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Tourist Visa?

Before you submit your application for the Tourist Visa, you have to determine whether you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You have a passport valid for at least six months past your planned stay in Ireland
• You have enough funds to support yourself during your visit
• You are able to provide information about any previous Irish visa applications
• You are able to complete all the sections of the visa application form
• You can prove that you have ties that will make you return to your home country after your visa expires.

Additionally, you have to provide details of any of your family members who currently live in Ireland or another EU country. You also have to sign the application yourself.

What documents are required for the Tourist Visa?

When you are applying for the Tourist Visa, there are a number of documents that you need to submit. These include:

• Signed application summary sheet
• Application letter explaining why you want to come to Ireland
• Details of dates you plan to arrive and leave
• A statement that you promise to obey the conditions of your visa
• Details of your accommodation in Ireland
• If you are coming to take part in a short study course – details of the course and a confirmation letter showing that you registered for it
• Proof of having travel and medical insurance
• Receipt showing that you paid the visa fee
• Your current passport valid for at least six months after the date you plan to leave Ireland
• Two passport-size photographs in colour
• Proof of having enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Ireland
• Evidence of having social or economic ties that will make you return to your home country after your visa expires.

All documents you submit have to be in their original form. Photocopies will be rejected. Moreover, if any of the application documents are issued in a language that is not English, you have to have them translated by an official, certified translator.

If you fail to include some of these documents, the processing of your application might take longer. To avoid delays, hire one of our immigration experts. They will help you put together a complete portfolio of evidence.

Take the first step. Request a Fact Finding + Expert Consultation

How can IAS help?

Hiring an immigration lawyer? Our team of highly trained immigration consultants can make the process of applying for the Tourist Visa much easier than it would be if you went through it otherwise.

Our team have expert knowledge of the Irish immigration system and they can guide you through each step of applying for your chosen visa. Thanks to their help you can be sure that your application is complete and meets the required standards.

If you hire one of our experts, you will have access to professional assistance, which can increase the chances of your visa application being approved.

To find out more about how we can help, call us today on  0333 305 9375 .

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum amount of finance for the tourist visa.

Having enough money to be able to support oneself during the stay in Ireland is an important eligibility requirement for the Tourist Visa. Nevertheless, there is no specific minimum amount of finance that applicants need to have. That varies depending on the individual circumstances of each visa applicant.

The visa officer will assess your situation and determine whether your funds will be enough to cover your expenses while in Ireland. To prove that you have enough finances, you should provide recent bank statements.

Who is exempt from Tourist Visa fees?

Most Tourist Visa applicants have to pay the visa application fee that covers the cost of processing their application. Some applicants, however, are exempt from this requirement. The nationalities exempt from visa fees are:

• Côte d’Ivoire
• North Macedonia

If your country of origin is not listed here, you have to pay the visa fee or you will not be able to proceed with your application.

Can I extend the Tourist Visa?

If your application for the Tourist Visa is approved, you will be able to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. As the Tourist Visa is a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, you have to leave the country after that. Typically, it is not possible to extend it. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you want to come to Ireland for longer than 90 days you should apply for a Long stay ‘D’ Visa.

Talk to our immigration consultants about the purpose of your trip to Ireland and they will help you which visa you should apply for.

What happens if you overstay your visa in Ireland?

When you are applying for short term visas in Ireland, including the Tourist Visa, you have to prove your intention to return to your home country after your visa loses validity.

You are also obliged to leave Ireland as soon as your visa expires. If you fail to do so and you stay in Ireland longer, you might face prosecution and/or deportation. You might also face trouble when applying for any Irish visas in the future.

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Related pages for your continued reading

Irish Work Visas

Looking to work in Ireland or obtain a work visa for your employee? We can help. Learn more here.

Irish Residency

There are a few routes to permanent or long-term residency in Ireland. Click here to explore them.

Irish Family Visas

IAS Ireland immigration lawyers can help you reunite with your family in Ireland. Contact us today for support.

Irish Business Visas

You may need a business visa in order to establish and run a business in Ireland Click here to learn more.

Irish Study Visas

If you want to study in Ireland, you may need to obtain a study visa. Click here to learn more about Ireland’s study visas.

Irish Visitor Visas

Are you looking to visit Ireland for tourism, to see family/friends, for business meetings, or any other reason? Reach out to us to discuss.

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Ireland Solved

Tourist Visa In Ireland: A Simple Guide

Ah, Ireland—a country of rugged coastlines , warm pubs , and complicated tourist visa paperwork. Just kidding!

It’s not that bad, especially if you know what you’re doing.

So before you dream of frolicking among the shamrocks, let’s break down how to secure that essential entry ticket : your tourist visa.

Living In Ireland

Situated in the North Atlantic in northwestern Europe, Ireland is the second-largest island of the British Isles. Split between the north and the south, most of the region is made up of the Republic of Ireland, while Northern Ireland forms part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland has been a member of the European Union since 1973 and is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the United Nations.

Home to 5.2 million people, Ireland boasts a mild oceanic climate , and the landscape comprises low-lying mountains and lush vegetation . 

The country is one of the most attractive European destinations due to its rich cultural history, historic architecture, natural beauty, and thriving business environment.

Facts About Ireland

A tech giant.

A thriving startup and IT culture and some of Europe’s most prominent research centers have contributed to Ireland’s status as one of the region’s most attractive countries for foreign direct investment. 

The government is committed to supporting innovation, with Industry Development Agency Ireland and Enterprise Ireland encouraging modernization.

Excellent infrastructure and some of the fastest connection speeds in Europe have produced a golden tech environment.

Ireland is a favorite for US tech companies . Since IBM, the first US company to invest in the country, opened an office in 1956 , many tech powerhouses followed suit, including Ericsson.

A year later, Microsoft, Dell , and Apple in the 1980s , and many more throughout the years. The 2000s saw Google, Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, and Mastercard , among others, opening operations in Ireland.

In addition, the Europe, Middle East, and Africa headquarters for social media forces Google, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be found in Dublin’s Silicon Docks.

A Strong, Open Economy

Ireland has developed a reputation for being one of the most open economies in the world. The country greatly benefits from modern world trade and has shown how quickly it can adapt to fluctuating market conditions. 

Ireland has often been ranked as one of the best countries in the world to do business in and provides optimal legislation and incentives for foreign businesspeople.

Investors can look forward to taking advantage of the following:

• One of the EU’s fastest-growing economies
• A very high quality of life ranking in the top five most developed nations on the UN’s Human Development Index, ahead of Canada, the UK, and the USA.
• Some of the world’s most prestigious and well-known boarding schools and universities
• A young, highly educated, English-speaking workforce
• A favorable tax regime for investors, with corporate tax at 15%, compared to 35% in the USA
• The 1st position in Europe for ease of paying taxes, according to PwC’s Paying Taxes 2020 report
• An increasing number of multinationals and foreign businesses are relocating to Ireland for its generous incentives

Best Places To Visit In Ireland

Ireland is a country of beautiful and diverse landscapes. 

Here, you’ll see rugged coasts lined with glacial-era limestone, vast peninsulas made up of sandy white beaches, and green hills that roll off into the distance. 

You also experience modern cityscapes, Georgian architecture, and delicious Irish food and drink in Ireland. 

Make sure to roam Ireland’s capital city and its pretty canals lined with cobbled streets. Here, you’ll discover some of the best live Irish folk music you’ll ever tap your foot to.

Once you explore some of the capital’s historical and cultural attractions , you’ll wonder why you didn’t take a trip to Dublin sooner.

Tour Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College Dublin, where you can see the Book of Kells. Another historical highlight you should visit is the grand St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Every trip to Dublin is complete with a visit to the Temple Bar District. As soon as you enter the famous quarters, you’ll hear live music from the many bars and pubs and buskers on the street. 

Of course, you can only go home with having tried one of Ireland’s most famous exports: Guinness.

Whether you’re a staunch stout enthusiast or want to see why it’s so beloved in Ireland, visit the Guinness Storehouse. At this top attraction in Dublin, you’ll go behind the scenes at a working brewery and taste a perfectly poured pint.

The colorful harbor city of Galway is effortlessly cool, with its burgeoning art scene , rich musical background , and roots in Irish history and language.

You’ll enjoy the best sightseeing in Galway by exploring the city on foot. Stroll down the Salthill Promenade, dating back to the 19th century, and breathe in the sea air that rolls in from Galway Bay. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to pass by Galway Cathedral, the Galway City Museum, and the medieval Kirwan’s Lane. This will give you a fascinating taste of the city’s heritage.

If you love soaking up local cultures through festivals, be sure to time your trip to Galway for one of the exciting events held here annually. 

You could go along to the Galway International Arts Festival in mid to late July , for a complete immersion into the vibrant art, theatre, and music scene. Or savor one of the region’s finest delicacies at the Oyster Festival at the end of September.

Nestled on the banks of the River Lee, Cork is a bustling city with a history that can be traced back to the 6th century . Today, though, Cork has a reputation for being the foodie capital of Ireland.

The city has many inviting cafés, traditional pubs , and enticing restaurants serving everything you want to sink your teeth into. You’ll be able to enjoy a bit of everything, from hearty farm-to-table Irish fare to modern and flavourful vegan cooking.

Be sure to visit the English Market, with its high, ornate vaulted ceilings and grand marble fountain. This market sells some of the tastiest fresh produce in the region.

Cork also has plenty of eye-catching architecture for you to admire. As you walk around town, feast your eyes on grand Georgian streets and hidden alleyways that date back to the 17th century. 

You’ll want to visit Blarney Castle if you’re a history buff. Situated just north of Cork, you’ll find this striking medieval stronghold in a picturesque setting, surrounded by leafy woodlands. 

You could kiss the famous Blarney Stone, and perhaps you’ll be blessed with the gift of the gab, as the legend goes!

Ring Of Kerry

If you only take one Irish road trip, make it the Ring of Kerry. Whichever window you peer out of, you’re guaranteed impressive views along these 179 kilometers (111 miles) on the southwest coast of Ireland.

This circular route, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, takes you across the green hills and stunning coastlines of the Iveragh Peninsula.

You could enjoy activities such as fishing, golf, and water sports and stay the night at cozy hotels to experience the warm Irish hospitality. On clear nights, you may even be able to watch the sun melt into the vast North Atlantic Ocean.

Explore Killarney, where your Ring of Kerry road trip begins, and the beautiful Killarney National Park. Marvel at historical sites like Ross Castle, Muckross House and Abbey, and the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue.

Soak up stunning natural wonders at Torc Waterfall, the Skellig Islands, and the Gap of Dunloe mountain pass.

The Ring of Kerry is one of the best places to visit in Ireland for a remarkable snapshot of Irish culture and nature.

Dingle Peninsula

Also part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way route, the rugged Dingle Peninsula is brimming with natural charm. If you love hiking and wildlife watching, this is the place for you!

You’ll have 48 kilometers (30 miles) of scenic sights to explore in the Dingle Peninsula in southwest Ireland. 

Roam remote shores; mountain ranges such as Slieve Mish, and pristine beaches. Stop by one of the small towns and seaside villages where you can immerse yourself in Irish traditions and culture.

During your visit to the Dingle Peninsula, you could take a boat tour of Dingle Bay to see dolphins and other marine wildlife. You can also hike up Mount Brandon or stroll along the sands at Inch Beach.

Take advantage of a trip along the Slea Head Drive, a circular route at the westernmost point of the peninsula. 

Here, you’ll find fascinating artifacts at the Celtic & Prehistoric Museum and learn about life on this remote archipelago at the Blasket Centre. Moreover, you can see the Blasket Islands from the shore on a clear day.

What Is An Ireland Visitor Visa?

Ireland is home to 30,000 castles . If you are okay with the rainy weather, there is a lot to see, from historical monuments to museums and bustling cities in this country. The breathtaking natural landscapes of Ireland give the epithet “Emerald Isle”.

This small country attracts millions of visitors every year. You can never get bored in Ireland. Over 11.2 million people traveled to Ireland as tourists in 2019. This generated Euro 5.8 billion for the country’s economy. 

Ireland Tourist Visa is also known as the Ireland Visitor Visa . This is a short-stay visa (C visa) that allows you pre-entry clearance. It helps you go through Border Control and request permission to enter the country.

This visa is only valid for a maximum of 90 days or less. The immigration officer will decide how long you can stay in the country.

As a foreign national, you can fall into any of these 3 categories for your right to visit the country. This depends upon your country of origin.

No Ireland Tourist Visa Required

You can travel to Ireland without applying for a visa if you are a citizen of any of the EU countries, from Switzerland, or the countries falling under EEA agreements.

No Ireland Tourist Visa Required But Subject To Border Control

Citizens other than EU countries or under the EEA agreement are granted visa-free travel to Ireland. 

Such cases have to request permission to stay from the Immigration Officer at Border Control.

Both Ireland Tourist Visa And Border Control Are Required

All other citizens across the world have to apply for a visa if they want to travel to Ireland. They will also have to seek permission from the Immigration Officer at Border Control to stay in Ireland.

Types Of Ireland Tourist Visas

There are two main types of Ireland Tourist Visas.

Ireland Single-Entry Tourist Visa

allows you to enter the country only once. You cannot re-enter once you leave, even if there are remaining days on the visa.

Ireland Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

This allows you to enter and leave the country as many times as you want. However, this is only issued in specific cases.

People already having received an Ireland Tourist Visa or need to make short and frequent trips, like for business, can avail of the Ireland Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa.

Transit Visa

People from a small number of countries on their way to another country will also need an Irish Transit Visa. 

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The Ireland Tourist Visa?

You will have to meet the following criteria to be eligible to travel to Ireland.

• Be a genuine traveler.
• Capable of bearing all expenses.
• Have valid reasons to return.
• Be in good health .
• Be of good character .
• The valid purpose for travel.

The Irish Embassy or Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents. A personal appearance for interviews in exceptional cases may also be desired.

The documents mentioned here do not guarantee to grant a visa. Visa applications may be rejected in case of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear.

What Documents Are Required For The Ireland Tourist Visa?

Here is an extensive list of all necessary documents required to be submitted by Indian passport holders seeking an Ireland Tourist Visa.

Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for 6 months ahead of the span of your stay. It should have a minimum of two blank pages for the visa stamp. It should not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any way.

Photographs

Your face in the passport photograph must cover 80% of the frame.

Travel Documents

Air tickets need to be booked for the complete round trip. It should reveal your course of travel and confirm your return to the native country. This is an important document that needs to be submitted.

Travel Insurance

You cannot travel to Ireland without travel insurance. It should also be valid for your entire stay in the country. It should also mention your details as per those in the passport.

Covering Letter

This is the first document that is seen by the consular. Covering letters lacking relevant information may cause your visa to be rejected. Seek professional visa services while creating one to cover all necessary details.

How To Apply For The Irish Tourist Visa?

The below points give you a step-by-step procedure to get an Irish Visiting Visa.

Step 1: Download The Application

Step 2: Fill out the application with the correct details.

Step 3: Submit the online visa application form on the official website.

Step 4: After submission, you will be provided a declaration.

Step 5: Print the declaration into a hard copy , sign it, and keep it.

Step 6: The fee should be submitted at the mentioned place and time.

Step 7: Submit the application at the visa office/Irish consulate/Irish embassy.

What Follows The Submission Of Application?

The application status will be notified through SMS if you have opted for this service, or via email. Four SMS and email notifications are typically sent at various stages of processing.

Sometimes, you may be asked to provide more information or additional documents or attend another interview.

What Costs Are Involved With The Ireland Tourist Visa?

Application Fee for Ireland Tourist Visa is:

• Single-Entry Tourist Visa: EUR 56.38
• Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: EUR 93.59 
• Transit Visa Fee: EUR 23.68

What Is The Processing Time For An Ireland Visitor Visa?

The Irish Visa has to be applied in an online form. Eight weeks is the visa processing period, which the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service tells you. 

That is, you must apply for the Ireland Visa at least 2 months before the period you plan to get to Ireland. But please apply even before that. 

Ireland Travel Tips: What To Know Before You Go

If you’re coming from the UK or other parts of mainland Europe, there are low-cost airlines you can snag a cheap seat with. 

However, These have one major drawback, and that’s the baggage restrictions. So don’t get caught out – check the baggage allowances before you fly. 

And no matter what you’re planning on doing when you arrive, the golden rule is to pack layers. Weather in Ireland is highly changeable – the sun could be beaming down one moment, and it could be cloudy and grey the next. 

With some dramatic exceptions (we recommend googling The Beast from the East), you can expect moderate temperatures and a bit of light just about anytime, anywhere in Ireland. 

This way, you can strip down or add layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Check the 10-day weather forecast and pack accordingly. 

But remember, regardless of what the forecast says, a waterproof jacket and boots are a must. (we’re not joking when we say you could experience all four seasons in one day here!) 

Bonus tip : Double-check your passport expiration date before traveling and ensure you have enough time to renew it if needed. 

Travel Out Of Season If You Want Fewer Crowds Or Are On A Budget

Ireland’s peak season is the summer months , from about the middle of June through mid-September. 

For much of this period, Ireland – particularly the coast – can be bathed in the sun, worth considering when deciding the best time to visit. If you’re planning to lie on a beach or surf, you’ll want to go in summer. 

For outdoor pursuits, you’ll also find June to September the warmest and driest for walking and climbing.

The downside is you can be jostling with thousands of people at some of the more prominent attractions. You’ll also want to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible (and remember that peak season = peak prices).

One of the most significant benefits of traveling to Ireland in the off-peak season is having more time and space to explore comfortably. For reasonably good weather with less dense crowds, go in April, May, or October. 

It’s also a bit cheaper to visit in the off-season – as the crowds thin out, the hospitality industry starts vying for the remaining travelers’ attention, which means better rates and deals.

Since the days are shorter in the winter, you must also consider that when planning to visit Ireland. 

Choose Your Transport Carefully

If you’re planning a city break in Dublin, renting a car is only necessary if you plan to travel to the more rural parts of the island. 

Most trips to Ireland will start and end at Dublin Airport, and you can easily pick up your car rental at one of NewWay’s desks in Terminals 1 and 2 .

While you can get around a good chunk of the country using public transport, a car allows you to squeeze into the little country roads and explore some seriously hidden gems off the beaten track. 

Also, there are some parts that a large bus cannot get to, so having your rental car is going to give you access to absolutely everything.

Finding Free Wi-Fi Is A Breeze

EU roaming charges were scrapped a few years back, meaning any EU visitors to Ireland can now “roam like at home”. 

For the rest of you, there’s no need to fret about racking up a sky-high phone bill.

Ireland is chock full of places offering free Wi-Fi hotspots. Cafes, shopping centers, and pubs, in particular, like to provide free wifi to increase their business by attracting more customers. 

You’ll also find free Wi-Fi hotspots in train and bus stations , public transport, museums, restaurants, airports, and all kinds of tourist hotspots throughout the country. 

If you plan on visiting more remote parts of the island and have an unlocked phone, you can also pick up a SIM card relatively cheaply at the SPAR at Dublin Airport. 

Book As Much As You Can In Advance Online

Want to keep your trip as affordable and stress-free as possible? 

From flights to rental cars and accommodation to tickets for popular attractions, make sure you’re booking these well upfront, especially if you’re traveling in the summer high season. 

The longer you dawdle, the fewer options you’ll have and the more you need to pay. 

There you go! You’re one step closer to enjoying the Emerald Isle without any pesky visa hiccups. Whether it’s the Cliffs of Moher or a cozy Dublin pub you’re yearning for, your Irish dream is now within reach.

So go ahead, pack your bags and maybe even a four-leaf clover for good luck!

Travel Ready!

But wait! there’s lot more that you might be interested in to follow:

• Types OF Visas In Ireland
• Tax Refund In Ireland
• Temporary Residence In Ireland

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• Entering and staying in the UK

Travelling to the UK from Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey or Jersey

Information for people travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, and information for people passing through the UK on the way to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

The Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is made up of the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man).

For the UK, the CTA arrangements means that you won’t always go through UK immigration control when travelling to the UK from somewhere else in the CTA. This is different to when you come to the UK from outside of the CTA.

You will never go through immigration control at the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

British and Irish citizens

Under the CTA arrangements , Irish citizens in the UK and British citizens in Ireland have the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare, social security and public services in each other’s countries without having to apply for permission.

Read more about what the CTA means for Irish citizens .

You don’t need to show your passport to a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to Great Britain. However, you may be asked to show a document that confirms your identity and nationality.

This could include:

• a valid passport or passport card (if you’re Irish)
• a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity and nationality clearly visible
• an expired passport or passport card, which Border Force are satisfied was issued to you originally
• evidence of having obtained British or Irish citizenship

This list is not exhaustive and other documents including providing more than one may be accepted. These are considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You will not pass through any immigration control when you enter the UK from Ireland across the land border, so you don’t need any documents to enter the UK on that route.

If you’re not a British or Irish citizen

There are different rules if you enter the UK from the CTA than if you enter the UK from a place outside the CTA. Usually, you don’t need to get permission to enter the UK if you are arriving from the CTA for a visit of up to 6 months.

However, there are exceptions to this. Some people need permission to enter the UK for a short visit wherever in the CTA they travel from. Other people only need permission if they’re travelling from Ireland.

If you enter the UK illegally from another part of the CTA, you may be removed from the UK.

People who need permission to enter the UK from anywhere within the CTA

For most people, there are different arrangements in place depending on whether you travel to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies .

You need to seek permission to enter the UK from anywhere in the CTA if:

• you are subject to a deportation order
• your exclusion has been deemed conducive to the public good
• you have previously been refused permission to enter the UK and haven’t, since the time you were refused permission, been granted permission to enter or remain in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies

Travelling from Ireland to the UK

If you’re from an eea country or switzerland.

However, you may be asked to show your passport (which should be valid for the whole of your stay) or identity card to enter Great Britain when travelling from Ireland if you are encountered by Border Force.

You cannot use an EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK, and can only use a valid passport, unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the  EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• have a Frontier Worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa

Irish citizens can use a passport card.

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

If you’re not from an EEA country or Switzerland

However, you may be asked by Border Force to show your passport, which should be valid for the whole of your stay, to enter Great Britain.

Permission to enter requirements

If you have permission to enter or remain in the UK (for example if you have a UK visa) you do not need further permission to enter the UK from Ireland.

You only need to get permission to enter the UK when arriving from Ireland if:

• you arrived in Ireland from outside of the CTA and did not obtain immigration permission to enter Ireland
• you’re a visa national who doesn’t have a valid UK visa, or a visa granted under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)
• you entered Ireland unlawfully from outside the CTA
• you entered the UK or the Crown Dependencies unlawfully and went directly from there to Ireland
• your permission to enter or stay expired before you left the UK and since then you haven’t been given permission to enter or stay in the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies
• you are the subject of an international travel ban
• you were refused admission or subject to a removal decision under specific regulations - unless you were later given permission to enter or stay

In these situations, you must either apply for:

• a visa before you travel
• permission to enter from a Border Force (immigration) Officer at the UK border

You may not be able to get permission to enter the UK from a Border Force Officer if you enter the UK from the CTA. This is because there are usually no immigration controls on these journeys, and none on the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

For more information on who needs permission to enter the UK from Ireland, see the guidance on arriving in the UK from within the CTA .

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out if you need a visa and what type.

Visas issued by Ireland are not acceptable for travel to the UK except for visas issued under the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) .

If you don’t need permission to enter the UK from Ireland

Some people automatically have permission to enter the UK when they arrive from Ireland. This permission is called ‘deemed leave’. You don’t need to apply for it. You won’t get a stamp in your passport showing deemed leave because you won’t necessarily meet a Border Force officer when travelling from Ireland to the UK.

You can enter on the basis of deemed leave when you either:

• enter Ireland from a country outside the CTA, and then travel on to the UK
• were in the UK with permission to stay for a limited time, went directly to Ireland and while you were in Ireland your permission expired, and you then came directly back to the UK

The length of time you can stay in the UK and the things you can do here on the basis of deemed leave are different depending on why you are entering the UK. If you don’t need to apply to enter the UK from Ireland, you can enter and stay in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave.

You can be in the UK for up to 6 months on your first visit from Ireland. This time starts from the date you entered the UK. You can prove the date you entered the UK by, for example, your ticket or boarding pass.

Your deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On following visits to the UK from Ireland, you can be in the UK for up to 2 months on the basis of deemed leave if you haven’t left the CTA since you were last in the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work if you’re in the UK on Article 4 deemed leave except for activities allowed under Appendix V: Visitor of the Immigration Rules .

If you want to come to the UK to do something that isn’t allowed under Article 4 deemed leave, you must apply for the relevant visa before you travel to the UK.

Use the check if you need a UK visa tool to find out which visa is right for what you want to do.

Other ways for non-visa nationals to enter the UK using deemed leave

You can also use deemed leave if you enter the UK from Ireland either:

• as an S2 healthcare visitor
• to do a permitted paid engagement

The rules of your deemed leave will be different depending on what you are coming to do.

Travelling to the UK for S2 healthcare treatment

S2 Healthcare Visitor arrangements apply to patients who applied before 11pm on 31 December 2020 to come to the UK for a course of planned healthcare treatment under the ‘S2 healthcare route’.

These arrangements also cover people who come with or join S2 Healthcare patients to support or care for them during their treatment.

See more information on S2 Healthcare Visitors including the documents you need .

If none of the exemptions apply to you and you enter the UK from Ireland with a valid S2 certificate you can enter and stay in the UK under Article 5 deemed leave. This is also true for anybody accompanying or joining you to provide care or support.

Under Article 5 deemed leave, you have permission to enter for 6 months, starting from the date you enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

You cannot do any paid or unpaid work.

You can apply for permission to stay in the UK for another 6 months if treatment needs to continue. There’s no limit to the number of 6 month extensions you and your accompanying person can apply for, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

If you go from the UK to Ireland and then back to the UK without having left the CTA, you’ll automatically be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months if you still have a valid S2 healthcare certificate. This permission will start from the date you return to the UK.

Irish citizens in the UK automatically have rights to enter and stay in the UK and don’t need deemed leave for healthcare purposes (except in a rare circumstances).

If you’re a visa national you must hold a visa issued under the S2 Healthcare Visitor route in the Immigration Rules before you get to the UK, including from Ireland.

See more information on the S2 Healthcare Visitor route .

Travelling to the UK for permitted paid engagements

If you are coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement from Ireland, you can stay in the UK on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave for up to one month.

Your deemed leave starts from the date you first enter the UK from Ireland. You can prove this date, for example, with your travel ticket or boarding pass. This deemed leave ends when you leave the UK.

On further visits to the UK you can only stay for up to 7 days on the basis of Article 6 deemed leave on each visit from Ireland, as long as you haven’t left the CTA in between visits to the UK.

If you want to use the longer deemed leave period given by Article 4 then you must first leave the CTA. You cannot switch between Article 4 and Article 6 deemed leave while still in the CTA.

You can do a different permitted paid engagement activity each time you visit the UK.

Your permitted paid engagement must:

• have been arranged before you travel to the UK
• be evidenced by a formal invitation
• relate to your area of expertise and occupation overseas

Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession

If you are travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession you must apply for remote clearance at least 72 hours before you arrive in the UK.

Travelling between the Crown Dependencies and the UK

You don’t need a passport when travelling from the Crown Dependencies to the UK. However, you may need to show a Border Force officer document confirming your identity.

• a copy of your passport or passport card with your identity clearly visible
• a driving licence
• an armed forces identity card

This list is not exhaustive and other proof may be accepted. This will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

You may also need to show that you have permission to enter the UK such as:

• a biometric residence permit
• proof of your digital status (or eVisa)
• a vignette in your passport
• confirmation of immigration permission from one of the Crown Dependencies

This list is not exhaustive and you may be able to confirm you have permission to enter the UK in another way. Your circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis by Border Force.

If you get permission to enter or stay in the UK, that permission and any conditions attached to it also apply in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey (the Crown Dependencies). The same is true if the Crown Dependencies give you permission to enter or stay and you then travel to the UK.

You only need one UK visa if you plan to travel directly to the UK or any of the Crown Dependencies, or stop in any one of those places on the way to another.

Submit and pay for visa applications for permission to enter the Crown Dependencies in the same way as for the UK.

Travelling through the UK on your way to another part of the CTA

Even if you only enter the UK as part of your journey to Ireland or the Crown Dependencies you must still follow the UK’s immigration laws while you’re in the UK .

You must follow the immigration laws of whichever part of the CTA that you are in at the time. This includes visa requirements, restrictions on employment and length of stay.

Travelling to Ireland from the UK

Check travel advice for Ireland .

Added link to advice on travel to Ireland.

Updated section on 'Travelling to the UK through Ireland under the Creative Worker visa concession' to reflect that this concession is no longer available to sporting workers.

Updated information on use of ID cards to enter the UK if you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

Updated information for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies.

First published.

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UK Tourist Visa from Ireland

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK. However, foreign travellers coming to the UK from Ireland may need to apply for a tourist visa. If you are looking for more information about whether you need a tourist visa to enter the UK from Ireland, what eligibility criteria you must meet, what supporting documents you may require, what activities you are allowed as a tourist in the UK, or to receive bespoke advice from a team of expert immigration advisers, reach out to us today on +353 061 518 025 .

Request a call back from our immigration experts

• Visit the UK as a Tourist From Ireland

The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between the UK and the Republic of Ireland bestows a variety of rights upon each other’s citizens, including the right to travel freely between both countries. Even after Brexit, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU did not affect the rights of Irish and British citizens in each other’s territory protected under the CTA.

Irish citizens will not need to show their passport to the UK immigration officers while travelling from Ireland to the UK. However, they may be asked to confirm their identity and nationality via documents such as a valid passport or passport card, a legible copy of the same, an expired passport or passport card, or any evidence of having obtained Irish citizenship. EEA and Swiss citizens can also travel to the UK for holidays without a visa.

However, if you are a third-country tourist travelling to the UK from Ireland, you may need to obtain a Standard Visitor visa for tourism purposes, commonly called a UK tourist visa. Even if you are from a visa-exempt country for Ireland, you may still require a valid UK visa to enter the country. Moreover, even visa-exempt foreign nationals for the UK may have to produce certain documentary evidence to the UK border control officers at their port of entry.

Page Contents

The british-irish visa scheme, what i can or cannot do as a tourist in the uk, eligibility requirements for a uk tourist visa, how to apply uk tourist visa from ireland, documents required for visiting the uk from ireland, uk tourist visa fees and processing time, how total law can help, frequently asked questions.

The British-Irish visa scheme allows Indian and Chinese tourists to visit the UK from Ireland if they are holding certain Irish short stay visas, such as the visit (family/friend), visit (tourist), conference/event, or business visas. However, Indian or Chinese nationals holding any other type of Irish visa, such as a work or a study visa in Ireland, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa to travel to the UK.

Under the British-Irish visa scheme, Indian or Chinese nationals will have to apply at an Irish visa application centre in India or China, respectively, for entering the UK from Ireland. Visa applications made at centres outside either of these two countries will not get the travel advantages under this scheme.

Foreign tourists coming to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa are allowed to engage in certain activities as permitted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Even if you are a visa-exempted foreigner for the UK, if you are entering the UK for tourism purposes you will not be permitted to:

• Do paid or unpaid work for an employer
• Work as a self-employed person
• Access public funds
• Enter matrimony or register a civil partnership, or give notice of the same
• Live in the UK for a considerable length of time through frequent or successive visits

As a tourist, you will be able to stay in the UK for up to six months (or as long as your Standard Visitor visa is valid, whichever is shorter). You will be able to travel through the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey as per your proposed itinerary submitted with your visa application.

You will be eligible to apply for a Standard Visitor visa in the UK for tourism purposes if you can prove that you:

• Are coming to the UK as a tourist
• Will leave the UK at the end of your visit (or when your visa validity ends, whichever is shorter)
• Have sufficient financial means (or a sponsor) to cover for your and your dependants’ (if any) expenses, including accommodation in the UK and return/onwards journey
• Have funds or travel health insurance to pay for any medical treatment, emergencies or repatriation
• Will not stay in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits
• Do not have any intention to make the UK your main home

Moreover, in case you are under 18 years of age and are travelling alone, you must have written consent from your parent(s) or guardian to be eligible for a UK tourist visa.

Similar to other UK visas, a UK Standard Visa application for tourism purposes has to be made online. You may apply for your UK tourist visa three months before your planned travel date at the earliest.

Please start with creating an account on the Home Office website with a valid email ID. It is recommended to have your supporting documents and other necessary information ready with you so as to fill in the online application form correctly and completely.

After completing the form, you will have to submit the same online along with scanned copies of your supporting documents. You will then be redirected to the payments page where you will have to pay your tourist visa processing fees online.

The next step will involve booking a visa appointment at a UK visa application centre (VAC) for submitting your passport and supporting documents as well as providing your biometric information i.e. your facial image and fingerprints. TLScontact is the official partner for UKVI in Ireland and they have a VAC in Dublin.

Speak to our legal team for assistance with your UK tourist visa from Ireland. Contact Us

To apply for a UK tourist visa, you may need to submit the following supporting documents along with your application:

• A valid passport or any other travel document
• A copy of your travel itinerary in the UK
• Proof of accommodation, e.g. a hotel reservation etc.
• Details of your tour operator, if applicable
• Proof of funds (or sponsor details)
• Your current residence address proof (including how long you have been living in that address)
• Your parents’ names and dates of birth
• Proof of income, e.g. salary slips, pension, income from any other sources etc.
• Record(s) of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• Your travel history for the last 10 years
• Your employer’s details (if you are employed in your country of residence)
• Tax returns
• Your spouse/civil partner’s name, date of birth and passport number, where applicable
• Details of your family members (if any) in the UK
• Written consent from your parent(s)/guardian along with their full contact details if you are under 18 and travelling without an adult

If you are under 18 and are travelling with an adult who is neither your parent nor your legal guardian, you must have documentary evidence to show that you have your parent(s)’ or guardian’s consent with regard to your travel and accommodation arrangements in the UK, even if you are visa-exempt.

Even if you are exempt from applying for a UK visit visa (except Irish citizens), please carry the supporting documents mentioned above with you while travelling to the country, since UK immigration authorities may ask for them at your port of entry. You may even be refused entry to the UK if you are unable to show these documents.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, please submit certified translation copies.

A UK Standard Visitor visa for tourism purposes will cost you £115. This is a non-refundable fee, meaning you will not get your money back even if your visa application is not successful.

After submitting your documents and providing your biometric details, it may typically take UKVI up to three weeks for processing your visa application. You may also be eligible to get your visa decision faster by paying an additional fee, i.e. £500 for a ‘priority service’ to get the decision within five working days or £1,000 for a ‘super priority service’ to get your UKVI decision letter by the end of the next working day.

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter the UK, but if you are a visa-required foreign national coming to the UK from Ireland for holiday or vacation purposes, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa UK for tourism purposes. You, however, may travel to the UK on an eligible Irish short stay visa if you are an Indian/Chinese citizen and qualify under the British-Irish visa scheme.

Even visa-exempt country nationals have to meet the applicable eligibility requirements as specified by the Home Office as well as carry required documents with them to be able to enter the UK. You should also be aware of what activities you are allowed to do in the UK while on a tourist visa, so as to avoid a cancellation of your current visa or any future UK visa implications.

Speak to Total Law. Our expert immigration lawyers can assist with your application as well as resolve any query or doubts you may have regarding the UK tourist visa requirements and application process. To know more about the bespoke services we provide and how we can help you, call us today on +353 061 518 025.

Advice Package

Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.

Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.

The Advice Package

During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.

The Application Package

With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package

Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.

The Appeal Package

By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.

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

Related pages for your continued reading.

Can i extend my tourist visa in the uk.

You may be able to extend your UK tourist visa if your current visa validity is less than six months. You cannot, however, extend your stay in the UK on a tourist visa for more than six months.

For example, if you have been granted permission to stay in the UK as a tourist for two months, you may be able to extend the same for a maximum of an additional four months.

Can I Travel to the UK With My Irish Work Permit?

UKVI does not recognise an Irish work permit as a valid travel document for the UK. However, it may prove to be beneficial in your UK tourist visa application if you have one.

Disclaimer: Total Law operates under different capacities in the various countries we cover, including as immigration consultants or lawyers; We connect clients with our network of immigration lawyers if we are not registered as a law firm in a particular country