Ireland
Western Europe · Non-Schengen EU
My checklist
Tailored for Ireland · Tourist (Schengen C)
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll build a personalised document checklist you can tick off as you gather everything.
Fees & exemptions
- Single entry short-stay C visa
One trip
€60 - Multiple entry
Several trips within the validity
€100 - Family member of an EU citizenFree
Fee waived under Directive 2004/38/EC
Free - VFS service feeService fee
Charged in GBP; varies by centre
+€25
EUR 60 single entry, EUR 100 multiple entry, paid in sterling through AVATS, plus a VFS service fee. Family members of EU citizens exercising free movement are exempt.
Where to apply
Apply online through AVATS (the Irish immigration online visa system), then lodge your passport and documents at one of the five VFS Global Ireland visa application centres in the UK.
Appointment system
Create the application on AVATS at irishimmigration.ie, print the summary sheet, then book a slot (or use postal submission where the centre allows) at the VFS centre in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Cardiff.
Required documents
- Signed AVATS application summary sheet
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport photo to Irish specification
- Proof of UK immigration status or residence permit
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Travel and accommodation itinerary
- Invitation letter if visiting family or friends
- Employment or study confirmation letter
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Editor tips
Allow eight weeks or more. Check the UK Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme first: some nationalities holding a valid UK visa can travel to Ireland without applying separately.
Country-specific quirks
Ireland is not in Schengen, so a Schengen visa does not admit you. British and Irish citizens travel freely under the Common Travel Area, so this route is for third-country nationals living in the UK.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Ireland are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Ireland mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Ireland visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Ireland mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonEmbassyEmbassy of Ireland — Visa Office
17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR
Irish visas for UK residents; apply online via AVATS first. Ireland is outside the Schengen area.
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
Apply online through AVATS (the Irish immigration online visa system), then lodge your passport and documents at one of the five VFS Global Ireland visa application centres in the UK.
Appointment system
Create the application on AVATS at irishimmigration.ie, print the summary sheet, then book a slot (or use postal submission where the centre allows) at the VFS centre in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Cardiff.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Ireland are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Ireland visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonEmbassyEmbassy of Ireland — Visa Office
17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR
Irish visas for UK residents; apply online via AVATS first. Ireland is outside the Schengen area.
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Ireland
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Dublin and attach the confirmations to your application.
Advertising disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects which options we list or how we describe them.