Ireland visas

Ireland maintains an independent visa policy, distinct from the Schengen Area, offering visa-free access to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and numerous other nationalities for short stays. For others, an online application system facilitates various visa types, with recent policy adjustments impacting several countries and appeal processes.

Visa Overview

Ireland's visa policy is separate from the Schengen Area, though it shares similarities, and operates a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom. Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and approximately 45 other countries can enter Ireland visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days. For visa-required nationals, Ireland offers short-stay 'C' visas for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends, and long-stay 'D' visas for purposes like work, study, or family reunification. Applications are processed through the online AVATS system, but Ireland does not currently operate a full eVisa system where the visa is issued electronically without requiring passport submission. Recent policy changes include the introduction of visa requirements for nationals of Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia from June 15, 2026, and for Eswatini, Lesotho, Nauru, and Trinidad and Tobago in 2025. Additionally, from June 1, 2026, the right to appeal most short-stay 'C' visa refusals has been removed.

Key Highlights

Visa-free entry for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and approximately 45 other countries for stays up to 90 days.

Standard visa application fees are €60 for a single journey visa, €100 for a multiple journey visa, and €25 for a transit visa.

Short-stay 'C' visa processing generally takes about 8 weeks, while long-stay 'D' visas, especially for family reunification, can take up to 6 months.

The Atypical Working Scheme allows non-EEA nationals to undertake specific short-term work (generally up to 90 days) not covered by standard employment permits, with an application fee of €250.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit offers a pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled workers in shortage occupations, with a minimum annual salary of €40,904 (from March 1, 2026) and an application fee of €1,000.

Official Resources

Irish Immigration Service (ISD) - Official Website Department of Foreign Affairs - Visas Employment Permits Online System (EPOS) Online Visa Application System (AVATS)

Travel Tips

Apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date, ideally 3 months for short-stay visas, as processing times can vary.
Do not purchase non-refundable travel tickets until you have received a decision on your visa application, as a visa does not guarantee entry.
Ensure all submitted documents are original, complete, accurate, and translated into English if necessary, as false information can lead to refusal.
If planning to stay longer than 3 months on a 'D' visa, you must register with immigration authorities and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) after arrival.
Be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay and strong ties to your home country to assure immigration officials of your intent to leave Ireland.