Ireland Tourist Visa (Short-Stay “C” Visa) – Guide

Planning a trip to Ireland? Whether it’s to explore its scenic landscapes, experience its culture, or visit family and friends, the Ireland Tourist Visa is the key entry route for short stays. This guide provides a clear overview of the process, requirements, and important details to help you prepare for your journey.

What Is the Ireland Tourist Visa?

The Ireland Tourist Visa, officially classified as a Short-Stay “C” Visa, is issued by Irish immigration authorities to travelers from visa-required countries. It allows visitors to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, short business activities, or medical treatment. This visa is strictly for temporary stays and does not permit employment, access to public services, or residence beyond the approved duration.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ireland?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on your nationality and the visa-policy schedules in place. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days, while others must apply for a Short-Stay “C” visa before travelling. It is important to note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry to Ireland.

Visa-Free Countries

Nationals of visa-exempt countries can enter Ireland without applying for a visa in advance, usually for short visits of up to 90 days. The official list of visa and non-visa required nationalities is maintained by the Irish immigration authorities and is updated regularly.

Category	Description	Example Countries
Visa-Exempt / Visa-Free Entry	Nationals of many countries do not need to obtain an Irish visa for short stays of up to 90 days.	Citizens of EU, EEA, Switzerland, and other visa-exempt states.
Visa-Required Countries	Nationals from these countries must apply for a Short-Stay “C” visa before travelling.	Countries listed under the Irish “Visa Required Nationalities” schedule.
Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme	Nationals of certain countries holding a valid UK short-stay visa may enter Ireland without a separate Irish visa if conditions are met.	Includes countries such as India, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines.
British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)	Allows eligible Indian and Chinese nationals with a UK visa endorsed “BIVS” to travel between the UK and Ireland on the same visa.	Applicable only to specific visa types under the scheme.

Schedules (Visa-Required / Waiver)

Ireland classifies nationalities under specific schedules. For example, Schedule 1 lists countries that do not require a visa for short visits. Other schedules outline which nationalities are subject to visa requirements or may benefit from exemptions and waivers.

Special Schemes (UK Visa Waiver, BIVS)

• Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme (SSVWP): Nationals of certain countries who have already entered the UK on an eligible short-stay visa may visit Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish visa, provided all programme conditions are met.
• British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS): This scheme allows eligible Indian and Chinese nationals holding a UK visa endorsed “BIVS” to travel freely between Ireland and the UK for short stays, using the same visa within the permitted duration.

Duration & Validity of Ireland Visit Visa

The Ireland Tourist Visa, also known as the Short-Stay “C” Visa, is generally issued for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This time limit applies whether the purpose of the visit is tourism, family visits, or short business activities, and overstaying beyond the approved period is not permitted.

Single-Entry Visa

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Ireland once during the validity of your visa. If you leave the country, you will need a new visa to return, unless a multiple-entry visa has been granted.

Multiple-Entry Visa

A multiple-entry visa may be granted in specific circumstances, usually for applicants who have a clear travel history with Ireland, need to travel frequently, or are making onward journeys that require re-entry. This type of visa allows you to leave and re-enter Ireland multiple times during the validity period, provided the total stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day window.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements & Documents Checklist

When applying for an Ireland Tourist Visa (Short-Stay “C” Visa), you must prepare a full set of documents to support your application. These demonstrate the purpose of your visit, financial stability, and assurance that you will return home after your stay.

Requirement	Details
Passport Validity	A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned stay in Ireland. Include copies of previous passports and visas, if any.
Photographs	Recent passport-sized color photos that meet official Irish visa photo guidelines.
Proof of Finances	Bank statements for the past 6 months, showing sufficient funds to cover your stay. Employment letters or payslips may also be requested.
Accommodation Bookings	Confirmed hotel reservations, rental agreements, or proof of other accommodation. If staying with family or friends, provide an invitation letter with their contact details.
Travel Itinerary / Invitation	A clear travel plan with return flight bookings. If visiting relatives or friends, an official invitation letter with proof of their residence in Ireland.
Other Supporting Documents	Travel insurance valid for the duration of your trip, a return or onward ticket, and additional documents depending on your situation (e.g., employment or student status).

Ireland Tourist Visa Application Process – Step by Step

Applying for an Ireland Tourist Visa (Short-Stay “C” Visa) involves several stages. Each step must be completed carefully to avoid delays or refusals.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

• Begin your application on the AVATS online visa application system, where you select “Short-Stay ‘C’ Visa – Visit/Tourism.”
• Provide accurate details regarding your purpose of visit, travel dates, and personal information.

Step 2: Print and Sign the Application Summary

• Once submitted, print the summary application form generated by the system.
• Sign and date it before including it with your supporting documents.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Collect all necessary documents, such as your valid passport, photographs, financial evidence, accommodation details, travel itinerary, and invitation letters (if applicable).

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

• Pay the applicable visa fee (single-entry or multiple-entry), as instructed by the embassy, consulate, or visa office handling your application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Submit your signed summary form, payment receipt, and all supporting documents to the designated Irish embassy, consulate, or visa application centre in your region.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

• The visa office will process your application. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances.

Step 7: Appeal or Reapply if Refused

• If your application is refused, you will receive a written explanation. In most cases, you can appeal the decision within the specified timeframe or submit a fresh application once issues have been addressed.

Ireland Tourist Visa Fees 

Visa fees vary depending on whether you apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Additional costs may also apply for document preparation, translation, or third-party services.

Visa Type	Fee (EUR)
Single-Entry Visa	€ 60
Multiple-Entry Visa	€ 100

Additional Costs to Consider

• Document translation and certification fees (if required by the visa office).
• Visa application centre service charges, where applicable.
• Courier or postage fees for returning documents.
• Travel insurance (mandatory for all applicants, cost depends on provider and coverage).

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Ireland Tourist Visa Processing Time & Tips

Processing times for Ireland Tourist Visa applications can vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the time of year. The Irish immigration authorities recommend applying well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any delays.

Processing Stage	Typical Timeframe
Average Processing Time	Around 6–8 weeks from the date your application and documents are received
Peak Season Applications	May take longer during summer months, holidays, or high travel seasons
Delays Due to Incomplete Applications	Applications missing documents or information will face delays or possible refusal

Tips for Applicants

• Apply Early: Submit your application at least 8 weeks before your planned travel to avoid last-minute issues.
• Prepare Documents Carefully: Double-check that your passport, finances, travel plans, and supporting documents are complete and accurate.
• Track Your Application: Some visa offices provide tracking services; use them to stay updated on your case.
• Avoid Peak Rush: If possible, apply outside of peak travel periods to reduce processing delays.

What You Can & Cannot do on an Ireland Tourist Visa

The Ireland Tourist Visa (Short-Stay “C” Visa) is strictly for temporary visits of up to 90 days. It comes with clear conditions that all visitors must follow.

What You Can Do	What You Cannot Do
Visit Ireland for tourism, family visits, or short business activities.	Work or engage in any paid or unpaid employment.
Attend short courses or training lasting less than 90 days.	Access public funds, social welfare, or state benefits.
Travel within Ireland during the validity of your visa.	Stay beyond the visa expiry date — you must leave before your permission ends.
Receive private medical treatment (if documented).	Convert or extend this visa into another type (e.g., work or study visa).

What to Expect at the Border / On Arrival

Holding an Ireland Tourist Visa does not guarantee entry. Final permission to enter the country is decided by an immigration officer at the border. Visitors must be prepared to present documents and answer questions about their stay.

Immigration Officer Checks

• An officer will examine your passport and visa to confirm validity.
• You may be asked about the purpose of your visit, your travel plans, and your intended length of stay.

Documents You May Need to Show

Even with a visa, you may be required to present additional evidence at the border, such as:

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a host).
• Return or onward ticket showing your plan to leave Ireland before your visa expires.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
• Travel insurance details, if applicable.

Common Questions You May Be Asked

• What is the purpose of your visit to Ireland?
• Where will you be staying during your trip?
• How long do you intend to stay in Ireland?
• Do you have a return or onward ticket booked?
• How will you finance your stay?
• Have you visited Ireland or the EU before?

Things to note:

• If the officer is not satisfied that you meet the entry conditions, you may be refused permission to enter Ireland, even if you hold a valid visa.
• If granted entry, the officer will place a landing stamp in your passport, confirming the number of days you may stay (up to a maximum of 90 days).

Appeals & What Happens If Refused

Being granted an Ireland Tourist Visa is not automatic. If your application is refused, you will receive a written refusal letter outlining the reasons for the decision. This letter will also explain whether you have the right to appeal.

When You Can Appeal

• Most short-stay “C” visa refusals allow for an appeal.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing within 2 months of the refusal date.
• The appeal is free of charge and must directly address the reasons stated in the refusal letter.
• New or additional documents can be included to strengthen your case.

How the Appeal Is Processed?

• Appeals are reviewed by a different visa officer than the one who made the original decision.
• The outcome will be communicated to you in writing once the review is complete.
• If successful, your visa will be granted; if unsuccessful, the refusal stands, and no further appeal is possible.

If You Cannot Appeal

In cases where the decision is not open to appeal, you may still submit a new visa application at any time, provided you address the issues that led to the refusal.

Note: Common reasons for refusal include insufficient financial proof, weak ties to your home country, missing documents, or doubts about your purpose of visit. Submitting a clear, well-documented application is the best way to avoid refusal.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis can guide UK residents through each step of applying for an Ireland Tourist Visa. We offer:

• A free assessment to check if you qualify, based on your nationality and UK residency status.
• A checklist of needed documents that is specific to your situation.
• Assistance with scheduling appointments at the nearest visa centres.
• Help creating cover letters, finding travel insurance, and planning your trip.
• Continuous help until you get your visa and are ready to travel.

 

Our Accreditations