Ireland Visa
Do you need a visa to visit Ireland? Find your nearest Irish Embassy.
Visit Embassy WebsiteOur Ireland Visa Guide will teach you everything you need to know about Ireland’s visa policy for people from all over the world, including different types of visas, particular requirements, visa sponsorships, visa fees, and more. It is critical to have a scheduled flight ticket in hand before applying for a visa to Ireland.
Who needs a visa to visit ireland?
Members of the EU or Switzerland do not require a visa when travelling to Ireland. Citizens from any other Country will require a visa in order to obtain entrance.
For more information on visas to Ireland, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteEntry into Ireland
Beginning on March 6, 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted. No longer must a passenger locator form be filled out. In addition, a COVID-19 test and proof of immunisation or recovery are no longer required. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should adhere to public health recommendations.
Eligibility to apply for a Ireland visa
The criteria to apply for a visa in Ireland is straight forward. The criteria is listed below for your benefit, and if you follow the criteria, you should have no problem obtaining your Irish visa.
Form for Ireland Visa Application
A valid passport.
Passport-sized photographs.
Evidence that you've paid the Ireland visa fee.
Proof of legal residency in the country from which the application is submitted.
Describe your travel purpose in your letter.
Evidence of residence in Ireland.
Processing time for Ireland visas
The following are the current goal processing times for complete visa applications submitted to the Irish Visa Office, London:
Visa Category
Procedure Time (i.e. not inclusive of public holidays or weekends)
Visit
20 Working Days
Business
10-14 Working Days
Employment
10-14 Working Days
Study
10-14 Business Days
Accompanying or joining a relative with a Critical Skills Employment Permit
10-14 Working Days
Sponsor is an Irish national or a non-EEA national
4 to 6 Months
Appeals
6-8 Weeks
Appointment waiting times
The current wait times in Ireland can differ, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. At the present, an appointment for a visitor visa to Ireland can take around 58 days from the day you submit your application. A student visa appointment can take around 5 days and all other non-immigrant visa appointments can take around 20 days.
Who can visit Ireland without a visa?
Citizens of EU/EEA member states or Switzerland do not require a visit or tourist visa to enter Ireland. By presenting a valid passport or national identity card, you have the right to enter and reside in Ireland for up to three months; no other formality is required. Before entering Ireland, you will be required to obtain a visa if you are from any other country.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Ireland visa types
There are four available types of visas in Ireland. Each visa is for a different purpose of visit. It is important to ensure you have applied for the correct visa before travelling to Ireland. The types of visa available are:
- Short-term visas. If you wish to visit Ireland for less than three months, you must apply for a “C” visa for short stays.
- Long stay visas.
- Re-entry visas.
- Transit visas.
What to do if your visa to Ireland is rejected?
If your visa application is denied, the visa office will send you a letter explaining why it was denied and whether you can appeal the decision. There are steps to follow and conditions that may apply when filing an appeal.