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Short-stay & visitor visas

Irish Ireland Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme

Lets certain visa-required nationals who hold a valid UK visa travel on to Ireland without needing a separate Irish visa, easing short onward trips from Britain.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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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 Visa Waiver Programme
Route type
Visa waiver programme
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
You may visit Ireland for less than 90 days without an Irish visa; the Irish stay is capped at 90 days regardless of how much UK leave remains.
Cost
No Irish visa fee
No separate Irish visa is required or paid under the programme.
Eligible countries
24 listed nationalities
Covers nationals of certain countries including several in Eastern Europe plus Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Colombia and Peru.
Key precondition
Valid UK short-stay visa used to enter the UK first
You must have already landed and gained lawful entry to the UK on your current eligible UK short-stay visa before travelling on to Ireland.

Who can apply

  • Visa-required nationals from a country included in the programme
  • People who already hold a valid UK visa of an eligible type

What you can do

  • Travel on to Ireland for a short stay after entering the UK, without a separate Irish visa

Requirements

  • You must be a national of one of the countries covered by the programme.
  • You must hold a valid UK short-stay visa and have already lawfully entered the UK on that visa before travelling to Ireland.
  • You may only use the time remaining on your current UK leave to remain (each UK leave period is capped for programme purposes), and your stay in Ireland cannot exceed 90 days.
  • A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) cannot be used to avail of the programme — only holders of an existing valid UK short-stay visa qualify.
  • The purpose of your visit must be a short stay such as tourism or visiting family/friends, not work or long-term residence.

How it works

Nationals of the listed countries who have entered the UK on an eligible UK short-stay visa may travel on to Ireland without applying for a separate Irish visa. You travel using the remaining time on your current UK leave to remain, but your permitted stay in Ireland is limited to a maximum of 90 days — the Irish stay does not add on top of unused UK days.

At the Irish border you should carry evidence of your eligibility, including your valid UK visa and proof that you lawfully entered the UK on it. Admission remains at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation cannot be used. Only travellers who entered the UK on an existing valid UK short-stay visa can use the programme to travel on to Ireland.

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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