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Short-stay & visitor visas

Irish Ireland Short Stay 'C' Visa

For short visits of 90 days or less, this route covers tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips, or short study for those who need a visa to enter Ireland.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Ireland government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Short Stay 'C' Visa
Route type
Short-stay visa
Maximum stay
90 days
A short stay 'C' visa cannot be extended beyond 90 days; you must leave on or before your permitted departure date.
Number of entries
Single or multiple
Choose single-entry or, if you travel regularly, a multiple-entry visa.
Cost
€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry
Administrative processing fee. Non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn. Some nationalities and categories are fee-exempt.
Where to apply
Online via AVATS
Apply through the Irish online visa application system (AVATS), then submit documents to the relevant visa office/embassy.
Passport validity
Valid 6 months beyond departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Ireland.

Who can apply

  • Visa-required nationals coming to Ireland for a short visit of 90 days or less
  • People visiting for tourism or to see family or friends
  • People coming for a short business trip or a short course of study

What you can do

  • Visit Ireland for tourism or a short holiday
  • Visit family or friends
  • Attend short business meetings or a short course of study

Requirements

  • You must show strong family, social or economic ties to your country of residence so the visa officer is satisfied your stay will be temporary and that you will leave on or before your intended departure date.
  • Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland.
  • You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your visit without recourse to public funds.
  • If someone in Ireland is supporting or hosting you, they may need to provide a letter of invitation and evidence of their status and finances.
  • You must disclose any previous visa refusals by any country — failure to declare a refusal will result in refusal of your Irish visa.

How to apply

  • Complete the online application on AVATS (the Irish visa application system).
  • Prepare your application around 3 months before you intend to travel.
  • Print, sign and date the summary application form generated by the system.
  • Pay the visa fee (€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry) where applicable.
  • Submit the signed summary form with your supporting documents to the visa office, embassy or visa application centre named on your form.

Documents you may need

  • The signed and dated AVATS summary application form.
  • Your current passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure) plus photocopies of every page of any previous passports where available.
  • Passport-sized colour photographs meeting the specification.
  • Evidence of finances to cover your stay (bank statements, and if employed your 3 most recent payslips and a letter from your employer confirming your return-to-work date).
  • Details of your travel and accommodation, and a description of who is paying for airline tickets, accommodation and living expenses.
  • Evidence of your ties to your home country (employment, family, property or other economic/social ties).
  • Original documents only — photocopies are not accepted except where specifically stated.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The short stay 'C' visa is limited to a maximum of 90 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 3 months you must apply for a long stay 'D' visa instead.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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