Ireland tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Ireland tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Ireland consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Ireland tourist visa
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.
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)
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Single entry short-stay C visa€60— One trip
- Multiple entry€100— Several trips within the validity
- Family member of an EU citizenFree— Fee waived under Directive 2004/38/EC
- VFS service fee€25— Charged in GBP; varies by centre
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.
Booking an appointment
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.
Practical 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.
What is unusual about the Ireland process
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.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Embassy of Ireland — Visa Office17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HRIrish visas for UK residents; apply online via AVATS first. Ireland is outside the Schengen area.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Ireland consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Ireland tourist visa cost?
- For a Ireland tourist visa, the consular fee is €60. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Single entry short-stay C visa — €60; Multiple entry — €100; Family member of an EU citizen — free; VFS service fee — €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. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Ireland tourist visa take to process?
- A decision on a Ireland tourist visa typically takes around 35 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Ireland tourist visa?
- 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. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Ireland tourist visa?
- The Ireland consular network lists: 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). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Ireland tourist visa?
- Appointment model: Outsourced center. 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.
- Can I apply for a Ireland tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 1 submission point in the UK for Ireland, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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