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Ireland

Western Europe · Non-Schengen EU

Updated today
AI-generated
Avg. processing
35 days
Consular fee (from)
€60
Booking model
Outsourced center

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Tailored for Ireland · Tourist (Schengen C)

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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 UK 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.

  • LondonEmbassy
    Embassy 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.