ireland visit visa application

Embassy of Ireland, USA

Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, United States of America website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at  Ireland.ie/washington .

Update on Visa Services

Update on Visa Services - 30 November 2023

The Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC accepts visa applications from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands - Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Montserrat, Netherlands, Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands (US), Virgin Islands (British).

We are accepting short and long stay visa application, and preclearance applications.

Full instructions for applying for a visa are available at Home - Immigration Service Delivery . A list of visa required nationalities is included on this website.

To apply for a visa, you must:

• Apply online through the Department of Justice, which will automatically request you to submit your documentation to the nearest Embassy.
• Compile your application package, which must include:
• The online summary sheet signed by you, with a valid photo
• Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals are unavailable).  We require your original passport to confirm that we have seen the original before submitting the application through a security clearance.
• All required supporting documents that are listed in the online application.

      3. Submit the completed application package and payment to the Embassy: Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, addressed to Visa Officer.

• Please submit the visa fee  and  postage fee  together as a total sum in one form of payment  (see below), payable by money order, cashier's cheque or bank draft, and made out to " Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland ." We are  not  able to accept cash or wire transfers.

Single-entry visa: $81

Multi-entry visa: $136

Transit visa: $36

Shipping (FedEx Overnight)

Domestic: $10

International: $20 

Payment is accepted by cashier's check, money order, or bank draft payable to: Department of Foreign Affairs - Ireland. Debit cards, credit cards, personal checks, and cash are not accepted.

**Please note that we can only process fully complete applications. The onus is on the applicant to ensure their application is complete with original copies. Any missing documentation may result in longer processing times and potential refusal.**

To ensure that resources can be used to the best effect, we ask applicants to  submit their documentation through registered post so that they can track the delivery themselves . Alternatively, if you live nearby, you can drop off your application package in the secure drop box at the front doors of the Embassy.  We do not confirm receipt to all applicants. We will only contact you if there is missing documentation from your application and/or when the visa is issued or application is declined .

Normal processing time is about  4 - 6 weeks . We  do not  offer an expedited service.

Who needs a Visa

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available here

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 the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does  not  entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service .

Note : A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Types of Visa and Documentation

Full information on the different types of visas, required documentation, and how to apply can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service . 

Information on applying for a short-stay (less than 90 days) tourist visa is available here .

Information on coming to work in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to study in Ireland is available here .

Information on coming to join family in Ireland is available here .

Visa Appeals

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service

How to Apply

You need to:

• Complete the  online application form  

This will generate an application summary form and declaration at the end, which you must print, sign and date.

• Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee.
• Submit your application

To complete the process, you must submit your passport and supporting documents for processing. Where you submit your application depends on where you are living. The summary application form will direct you to the relevant Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre.

Check the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information on how to submit your application for processing

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision on the visa application has been made.

If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service  Visa Decision Weekly Listing   using your reference number.

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 .

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available here . 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available here .

Information on travelling with children is available here .

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here .

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.

You can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

Ireland Tourist Visa

• Table of contents

Traveling to Ireland

Who needs an ireland visa, ireland tourist visa validity, application summary sheets, application letter, invitation letter (if applicable), holiday itinerary, medical or travel insurance, proof of visa payment (if applicable), valid passport, passport photographs, proof of subsistence, proof of intent to leave, past visa refusals (if applicable), ireland visa application steps, ireland tourist visa fees, where to apply, ireland tourist visa processing time, approved visa applications, denied visa applications, ireland visa extension, ireland tourist visa faq.

Ireland is known for its unique culture, warm local population, and breathtaking natural beauty. It is also home to vibrant cities and towns like Dublin, Galway, and Cork. Each year, millions of tourists travel to the island nation to explore all it offers. For many nationalities, visiting Ireland is possible by obtaining an Ireland tourist visa before arriving in the country.

The following nationalities must apply to obtain a short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa in advance, before arriving at the port of entry in Ireland: 

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The short stay ‘C’ visit (tourist) visa is intended for eligible nationals who plan to travel to Ireland for touristic activities. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival in Ireland. The tourist visa is usually available as a single-entry visa, and occasionally granted as a multiple-entry visa. Extensions for the tourist visa are only granted in the case of emergency or exceptional circumstances.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a tourist visa to Ireland, all applicants will need to gather the required documents to be sent to one of the pre-approved application offices. While the visa application can be completed online through the AVATS portal, the following documents will need to be collected and sent to the application office: 

After completing the Ireland tourist visa application through AVATS, the applicant will be able to access their application summary sheets. These should be printed, signed, dated, and included in the visa application materials. Failure to do so will likely result in a refusal of the application.

All tourist visa applicants must type or write a letter explaining why they want to travel to Ireland and submit it along with their application documents. This letter must explain a) the reason for travel, b) the dates of arrival and departure, c) the planned accommodation, and d) a description of who will pay for the trip.

If planning to visit a family member or friend in Ireland, applicants should submit a letter (typed or written) of invitation from that individual. It should be signed and dated by the inviter and included along with the other application documents. 

The itinerary must include a description of the planned activities in Ireland and details about the applicant’s accommodation.

Proof of insurance does not need to be included with the application materials, but it is within the rights of the visa officer to request it before making a decision. The applicant will also need to provide it at the port of entry in Ireland.

In some cases, applicants will need to provide proof of payment for the visa application fee. More information about this document can be found at the relevant application office.

Applicants must include a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months past the date of departure from Ireland. Photocopies of previous passports must also be provided (if available). For anyone traveling to Ireland from a country that is not their country of residence or traveling from Ireland to a country that is not their country of residence, must include a letter explaining why and what kind of visa is required.

The applicant must include two passport-sized, color photographs in their application. On the reverse side of each one, the applicant must sign their name (in their native script or language) and write their Visa Application Transaction Number from the AVATS portal, and meet the guidelines for acceptable photographs.

Applicants must show they have adequate finances to support themselves for the entire duration of their stay in Ireland.

For short-stay visas, applicants must include evidence that they have sufficient ties with their country of residence and motivation to return home after their visit.

Applicants must disclose any former visa refusals, deportations, entry refusals, or other instances where they were officially asked to leave a country. Original letters from the relevant immigration officials must be included along with the other application materials.

All applicants must provide translations of any official documents they submit into English or Irish. Both the original and translated documents must be sent with the other application materials.

The basic steps to apply for an Irish tourist visa are as follows:

• Applicants must create their application on the Ireland AVATS portal . • They should select “Short Stay (C)" as the visa type and “Visit Tourist” as the reason for travel. • Applicants can choose between single or multiple-entry options. It should be noted that multiple-entry tourist visas are only given in very specific cases.

The application should be completed accurately and in full. There are three pieces of information that will be provided once the application is complete: • The Visa Application Transaction Number: This must be kept accessible for further application steps. • The application summary sheets: These must be printed, signed, dated, and sent along with the other application materials. • The application office address: Applicants will receive the address where they can send the application documents. This will either be the Dublin visa office, an international visa office, or an international Irish embassy or consulate.

Applicants must pay the tourist visa fee using a valid form of payment. Payment methods and currencies will differ between offices and countries. A single-entry visa will cost EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100.

Applicants must ensure they have all the necessary documents gathered and ready to send. That includes signing and dating any documents that require it.

Documents should be sent to the appropriate application office address that the applicant received upon completing their online visa application.

A single-entry tourist visa for Ireland will cost each applicant EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100. 

Nationals from the following countries are exempt from paying the visa fee: Bosnia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zambia.

Applications for the Ireland tourist visa can be completed online through the AVATS portal and sent to the appropriate application office for processing. After submitting the online application, the applicant will receive the address for the appropriate application office. The address may belong to the Dublin visa office, a global visa office, or a foreign Irish embassy or consulate.

The applicant is required to send all supporting documents to the appropriate application office within 30 days of submitting the application on AVATS.

It typically takes 8 weeks to process an Irish tourist visa. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case.

If the Ireland tourist visa is approved, it will be stuck into the applicant’s passport, taking up one blank page. The passport and specific original documents will be returned to the new visa holder by mail, such as birth and marriage certificates. It is also possible to arrange a pick-up of the documents from an international visa office, or an Irish embassy or consulate.

If the application is denied, a “letter of refusal” will be sent to the applicant. The passport and some original documents will be returned by mail or can be collected at an international visa office, or an Irish embassy or consulate. 

It is possible to appeal a refusal free of charge. The appeal must be submitted within two months from the date of the letter of refusal.

For those who want to stay longer than 90 days, extensions are not readily available. Ireland tourist visas can only be extended in an emergency or under exceptional circumstances.  

There are two options for extending the Ireland tourist visa: 

• If the applicant was not granted the full 90 days at the port of entry and is still within the valid duration of their tourist visa, they can visit the local immigration office and ask for an extension for the full 90 days. They must present their passport and proof of a return flight.
• If the applicant must extend their tourist visa for more than the allotted 90 days, they can apply at the Immigration Service Delivery. They must submit their application and documents by emailing [email protected] or by post. 

They must include the following documents: 

• A complete and accurate visa application form 
• A copy of the biometric page of their passport 
• A copy of the passport page showing their entry stamp into Ireland 
• Proof of medical or travel insurance 
• Proof of subsistence while in Ireland 
• Any additional documents i.e. medical reports 

The Ireland tourist visa is a document intended for eligible nationals who plan to travel to Ireland for touristic activities. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days from the date of arrival in Ireland. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

A single-entry tourist visa will cost EUR 60 and a multiple-entry will cost EUR 100.

Applications for the Ireland tourist visa can be completed online through the AVATS portal and sent, along with all required documents, to the appropriate application office for processing.

Ireland tourist visas are typically processed within eight (8) weeks. This is subject to change depending on the complexity of the application.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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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.

Related Links:

Irish Embassies Abroad

Embassies in Ireland

Assistance abroad

Travel Advice

Citizens' Registration

Top Passport Questions

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Visas for people visiting Ireland on business

Who needs a short-stay business visa for ireland, how to apply for a short-stay business visa, documents to send for a short-stay business 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 business visa. You should apply for a business visa if you plan to come to Ireland for up to 90 days to:

• Go to meetings
• Negotiate or sign contracts
• Work for up to 14 days

If you plan to work for up to 14 days, your work must begin and end within the one 14-day period. If you want to work for more than 14 days or more than 14 days will pass between your first and last days of work, you should apply for the Atypical Working Scheme .

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 should also include 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.

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

Letter of invitation

You should send a letter of invitation the business or company that will host you. The letter should have information about the dates you are visiting them and why they are inviting you to Ireland.

They should evidence of an existing relationship between you and your host. This could be copies of emails for example. Your host should also state what (if anything) they will contribute to the cost of your visit.

If you are visiting more than one host, you need a letter of invitation from each host.

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 your host, you should include a letter from the host with their name, address, dates you will stay with them and information about how much they will contribute to the cost of your visit. You should also include proof of your host’s address.

You must show that you have the money you need for your trip. If someone else is paying for your visit (for example your host), you should send a letter from them with details of what they will pay for.

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 tourists visiting Ireland Information about coming to Ireland for a short stay (less than 90 days). 2403.9834
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