Traveling to Ireland? An Ireland visit visa (Short stay ‘C’ visa) opens the door to unforgettable memories—whether it’s reuniting with family in Dublin, exploring the rugged beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, taking in the charm of Galway’s Latin Quarter, or experiencing the historic sites of Kilkenny. Avoid unnecessary delays—get all the details on eligibility, documentation, and the best practices for a successful application.

What is Ireland visit visa?

Ireland visit visa (Short stay ‘C’ visa) allows non-visa-exempt travelers to visit family or friends in Ireland for up to 90 days. However, this Ireland visa does not permit:

• Any form of paid or unpaid work.

• Access to publicly funded services, such as public hospitals.

Who needs an Ireland visit visa?

You need to apply for an Ireland visit visa if:

• You are from a country that requires a visa to enter Ireland.

• You are visiting family or friends residing in Ireland.

• You do not hold a valid Irish or UK visa that permits entry.

Each traveler must apply for a separate visa, including children under 18, whose applications must be made by a parent or legal guardian. You can check your eligibility here.

Ireland visit visa requirements

To qualify for an Ireland Visit Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Apply for Ireland visit visa in 5 steps

Here is how to get a tourist visa for Ireland:

1. Create your Ireland visa application online

2. Pay the visa application fee

   • Single-entry visa: €60

   • Multiple-entry visa: €100 (approved only in limited cases)

   • Additional fees (e.g., consular fees) may apply.

3. Submit your passport & supporting documents. Some applicants may be required to submit fingerprints or other biometric data.

4. Wait for processing. Standard visa processing time is 8 weeks.

5. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. If denied, you may be given reasons for the refusal.

These four mistakes can lead to visa refusals

Even small mistakes can result in a visa refusal. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Incomplete or incorrect information—inaccurate details can lead to a rejection.

2. Insufficient financial proof—you must show enough funds to support your stay.

3. Weak travel history or overstaying past visas—a history of immigration violations can impact approval.

4. Lack of strong ties to home country—if you don’t prove compelling reasons to return, your visa may be denied.

1 trusted shortcut for error-free applications

Applying for an Ireland Visit Visa can be complicated. With Global Law, you get:

• Expert immigration consultants—maximize your chances of approval.

• Complete documentation support—avoid common mistakes that cause refusals.

• Personalized visa assistance—every application is reviewed for accuracy.

• Higher approval rates—a well-prepared application increases success.

Global Law is a leading immigration consultancy with 17+ years of experience helping travelers secure visas quickly and efficiently.

How long can you stay in Ireland on a visit visa?

The Short Stay ‘C’ Visit Visa allows visitors to stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days. However, this visa cannot be extended while you are in the country, so you must leave before your permitted stay expires. Although the visa grants entry, the final decision on how long you can remain in Ireland rests with the immigration officer at border control, who will assess your travel plans and documentation upon arrival.

It’s essential to have clear proof of your intended departure to avoid any complications at the border.

irish visa decisions

After processing an application, the Dublin visa office or an Irish Embassy either approves or refuses the visa request.

• Approved: If your visa application is successful, you will be contacted to arrange for the issuance of your visa.

• Refused: If your visa application is denied, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the decision.

What happens after a decision?

• If approved: You must contact the relevant Irish Embassy, Honorary Consulate, or the Dublin visa office to collect your visa.

• If refused: You will receive a written explanation for the refusal. In most cases, you can submit an appeal within two months of the refusal date, but if the refusal was on appeal, no further appeal is possible.

Where to find Irish visa decisions?

Visa decisions for applications processed in Dublin are updated weekly on the official website. Decisions for applications submitted to Irish Embassies abroad can be found on their respective embassy websites.

Is Ireland visa Schengen?

No, an Ireland visa is NOT a Schengen visa. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, which means an Irish visa only allows entry into Ireland and does not grant access to Schengen countries like France, Germany, or Spain.

If you plan to visit both Ireland and Schengen countries, you need a Schengen visa too.

Can I get Irish visa online?

Yes, you can apply for an Irish visa online with Global Law. The process involves submitting your application, uploading necessary documents, and paying any applicable fees.

Ireland visa for us citizens

US citizens do not require a visa to visit Ireland for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must meet the following conditions:

• Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Ireland.

• Proof of return: You may be asked to provide proof of your return travel, such as a return flight ticket.

• Sufficient funds: You may need to show that you have enough funds to support your stay in Ireland.

• Purpose of visit: You should be visiting for tourism, business, or to visit family or friends. If you intend to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you would need to apply for the appropriate visa.

Apply for your Ireland visit visa today!

Start your application with Global Law for a hassle-free process. Our experts ensure your visa application is error-free, complete, and optimized for quick approval.