Visas for tourists visiting Ireland.

Introduction

Citizens of certain countries must apply for an entry visa before they travel to Ireland. If you require a visit or holiday visa and do not have one when you arrive in Ireland, you will not be allowed to enter the country. A visit or holiday visa is for a short-term stay and will not exceed a maximum of 90 days.

Even if you do not require a visa to enter Ireland, all non-EEA nationals must obtain permission to enter the State by reporting to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. You should have supporting documentation relating to the purpose of your visit.

The Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme allows nationals of a number of Eastern European, Middle East and Asian countries who have a short-term UK visa to come to Ireland without the need for a separate Irish visa. This programme is currently suspended due to COVID-19.

The British Irish Visa Scheme applies to visitors from China since 20 October 2014 and to visitors from India since 9 February 2015. This scheme allows visitors from these countries to travel freely within the Common Travel Area (in this case, Ireland, and the UK but not the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), using either an Irish or UK visa.

Documentation required for all visa applications.

The following information describes the minimum documentation that you must provide with any visa application. If any of this documentation is missing, your application will be refused.

All documents must be in English. If any document is in another language, you must provide a notarised translation as well as the original document.

• All sections of the online application form must be completed.

• You must sign the form yourself. The only exception is for children under 18 - the parent(s) may sign in this case.

• If a child (under 18 years of age) is travelling alone, both parents and guardians must have given their consent. If the child is travelling with one parent, the consent of the other parent is required. Where only one parent has total custody and access rights, you must provide official evidence of this.

• You must have a passport which is valid for a period lasting at least 6 months after the date you propose to leave Ireland.

• You must be able to prove that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay in Ireland. A detailed bank statement, covering the 6 months before you apply for the visa, and showing sufficient funds, is required.

• You must provide details of any members of your family who are in Ireland or any other EU country.

• You must also give details of any previous applications that you have made for a visa to enter Ireland.

Travelling to Ireland as a tourist

If you will be visiting Ireland for a short period (less than 3 months) and you require a visa, you must present at least the following documents with your completed and signed visa application form:

• Full details of the reason for your visit.

• If you plan to stay in a hotel, you will need written confirmation of the hotel booking containing the dates of your proposed stay.

• A letter from a reference in Ireland inviting you to come to Ireland.

• Written undertakings from both yourself and your reference.

• Details of your relationship to your reference.

• If your reference is not an Irish citizen, evidence of their permission to remain in Ireland.

• Evidence of how you intend to finance your trip and support yourself for the duration of your visit, allowing for any unforeseen events such as illness.

• Evidence that you are obliged to return to your country of residence.

Permission to land

All non-EEA nationals, including those with visas, must obtain permission to enter the State by reporting to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The length of time you will be allowed to stay in Ireland is determined by the Immigration Officer but will never exceed a maximum of 90 days.

You should have supporting documentation relating to the purpose of your visit.

What do I do after my arrival if I wish to stay in Ireland for longer than 3 months?

Visit or holiday visas are only granted for short term stays and never exceed 90 days. It is not possible to extend your stay beyond 90 days. You must leave the State on or before the date which has been stamped on your passport by the Immigration Officer when you entered.

How to apply

Detailed online application

We will be very happy to assist you with your tourist/holiday visa application – please contact us for further information.