Ireland visas
Whether you need a visa to come to Ireland depends on your nationality. Ireland's visas are handled by Immigration Service Delivery and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and applications are made online through the AVATS system. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not cover travel here; instead it shares a Common Travel Area with the UK. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
Irish visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Short-stay & visitor visasShort stays in Ireland — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work & employment permitsComing to Ireland to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.4 visas
- Study visasStudying in Ireland — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.2 visas
- Family & join-family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Ireland — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.3 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Ireland as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Long-term residence & citizenshipLiving in Ireland long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Irish visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Ireland — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa or visa-exempt
- Depends on your nationality
- Authority
- Immigration Service Delivery
- With the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Apply online
- AVATS
- The official online visa application system
- Not Schengen
- Common Travel Area
- Shared with the UK; a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland
Irish visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality. Some travellers are visa-required and others are visa-exempt. British citizens can travel to and live in Ireland under the Common Travel Area. Check the official Immigration Service Delivery guidance to find out what applies to you.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.