Ireland Visa Information

Ireland is the green paradise of the British Isles. Thanks to its green nature and paradisiacal landscapes, the country is often titled the Emerald Island. Located in Northwestern Europe, this humble island country is among the most popular destinations for international visitors seeking a tranquil getaway from the urban crowd. Plus, thanks to Pegasus Airlines' flights to Ireland, you can travel to the country with a premium level of comfort. Of course, if you're preparing for a trip to Ireland, one of the first things you should learn is whether you need an Ireland visa. Once you've sorted out the visa details, you can explore our Dublin Travel Guide to plan your trip!

Ireland Visa

Ireland visa is a document that allows citizens of countries without visa exemption to travel to and stay in Ireland for a specific period of time. You can receive this document through an Ireland visa online application or a visa agency that carries out the process for you. The visa requirements often depend on the nature of your visit and your status. So, you must check different Ireland visa types to make sure that you apply for the right visa type. Once you receive your Ireland visa, you can travel to Ireland freely through Pegasus Airlines' exclusive flights to Dublin.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Ireland?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on your country of origin and the passport you hold. You can click                 here to visit the related page of Ireland's Department of Justice and see if passport holders of your nationality must apply for a visa for Ireland. Upon clicking the link, you can follow these steps:

1. Click on "See the full country list here"
2. A pop-up will appear with information regarding those who do not require an Irish visa
3. Scroll down the screen to see the list of countries and their visa requirements
4. If you are having trouble locating your country on the list, you can use the search bar on the upper right side

Ireland Visa Types

There are two main types of Ireland visas: Ireland Short Stay Visa and Ireland Long Stay Visa. The short-stay visa is the most common visa type issued for those planning to visit Ireland for tourist purposes. The long-stay visa, on the other hand, is given to those planning to stay in Ireland for other purposes.

Ireland Short Stay Visa (Category C visa - For Visits Up to 3 Months)

Known as the 'C visa' or 'short-stay visa,' this visa type allows you to stay in Ireland for up to 3 months for tourist purposes or to visit someone. As long as you hold this visa, you cannot stay in the country for longer than three months.

Ireland Long Stay Visa (Category D visa - For Longer Visits)

Those planning to stay in Ireland to study, work, or settle permanently with family members must apply for an Ireland long-stay visa, or 'D visa.'

Ireland Visa Requirements

When planning a visit to Ireland, it’s essential to be aware of the visa requirements, which can vary based on your nationality and travel purpose. For most accurate and updated visa guidance, visit the Official Irish Immigration website or use the Timatic service, which provides tailored information for your specific travel needs.

Required Documents to Apply for an Ireland Visa

Requirements for a Short Stay Visa

If you want to apply for an Ireland short-stay, 'C,' visa, you should submit the following documents:

• A letter of application written by you specifying the reason why you are travelling to Ireland, guaranteeing that you won't be a burden to the Irish state and confirming that you'll leave Ireland before your visa expires
• Information regarding your accommodation
• Your current passport
• Proof of your finances proving that you have sufficient funds for the trip
• Two passport photos
• Proof that you have strong ties to your home country and must return home

If you're visiting someone, you will need to provide these further documents:

• A letter of invitation written by the person inviting you to Ireland
• A coloured copy of their passport or national identity card
• If the person isn't a citizen of the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK, a copy of their Irish Resident Permit and the current immigration stamp in their passport

For more information, check the relevant page on the official website of Ireland's Department of Justice.

Long Stay Visa

A long-stay visa, or a 'D visa', is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Ireland for longer than three months. Here are the general documents you need to apply for a long-stay visa:

• A valid passport
• Two passport-sized photographs that meet Irish visa standards
• If available, previous passport copies
• Details of previous visa refusals, if any
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of medical insurance
• Signed online application form summary
• An application letter stating your reason for visiting Ireland and presenting specific information depending on your visa type. If you're applying for a student or volunteering visa, you may also need to confirm in your letter that you will return to your country once your visa expires

In addition to these documents, you will need to submit further information and documentation depending on the purpose of your visit. Below, you can find different long-stay visa types and specific requirements.

Long Stay Study Visa

If you're travelling to Ireland to study for longer than 90 days, you must apply for an Ireland student visa. When applying for this visa, you must submit the following documents:

• Acceptance letter from an educational institution
• Proof of your academic records, including past certifications, qualifications, and exam results
• Document proving that your course is full-time and has at least 15 study hours per week
• Proof of your English level - unless you're coming to learn English
• Receipt of full payment of your tuition fees
• Proof that you or your sponsor can meet the financial requirements for study
• Private medical insurance documents
• Proof showing that you'll return home after your course in Ireland
• If your studies in Ireland are not related to your previous education, you may need to provide an explanation.

Long Stay Join Family Visa

If you are applying for a Long Stay 'D' Visa for family reunification, you will need to submit the following information and documents:

• Information of your sponsor and any additional relatives in Ireland
• A notarised statement specifying the reasons why you are relocating to Ireland
• Details of other EU family members
• Proof of your sponsor's Irish citizenship or proof of their employment and residency
• Documented proof of a pre-existing relationship with the said family member
• Proof of the applicant's and sponsor's financial capability, such as bank statements from the last six months and documentation of the applicant's or sponsor's income in Ireland

Long Stay Employment Visa

In order to obtain a Long Stay Employment Visa, you must first obtain a sponsorship permit. If you have the required permit, you will need to submit the following documents to apply for the visa:

• Proof of employment contract
• Previous qualifications and work experience
• Bank statements of the past six months
• A letter from your Irish employer confirming your employment and income, which must be over €34,000

Once you fulfil Ireland's work visa requirements, you can apply for Long Stay Employment Visa.

Long Stay Volunteer Visa

If you're traveling to Ireland for volunteering purposes, you will need to apply for a Long Stay Volunteer Visa. Here are the main requirements you must fulfil to obtain the visa:

• You must be over the age of 18
• You must not be a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
• You must be a volunteer at an approved organisation
• You must be qualified to volunteer
• You must prove that the organisation you are volunteering for will fund your stay in Ireland
• If you are to work with children and vulnerable persons, you must have clearance
• You must have an insurance policy from an authorised Irish company covering expenses for medical treatments

Long Stay Minister of Religion Visa

Those coming to Ireland to work for an eligible religious body or faith community must obtain a Minister of Religion visa. This visa is usually issued for three years and, if necessary, can be extended for another three years. As the visa requires preclearance, the faith community or religious body must provide an invitation letter showing that:

• The applicant is needed by the community
• The applicant boasts the necessary skills and experience to fulfill his duty
• The applicant has a clean police record
• The applicant doesn't have any legal restraints preventing him from dealing with children and adults at risk
• The religious body or faith group can financially support the applicant
• The religious body or faith group has kid protection policies

Additionally, the following documents must be submitted:

• Proof of financial support from the inviting organisation
• Applicant's bank statements from the past six months
• Proof of qualification
• Proof of a minimum of three years experience as a Minister of Religion
• Police clearance
• Details of previous visa refusals, if any
• Proof of medical insurance

What Is Visa Sponsorship for Ireland?

A visa sponsorship allows you to enter, stay, and work in Ireland. The sponsorship is usually provided by an individual or organisation that offers sponsorship to non-EEA nationals. There are currently nine different types of sponsorship permits in Ireland that allow people of different statuses to receive sponsorship for a facilitated visa process:

• Critical Skills Employment: Allows highly skilled individuals to come to Ireland and work in key roles identified as being in short supply. Here is you can see the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment: Allows the dependants of people on a Critical Skills Employment Permit or a researcher under a Hosting Agreement to enter and stay in Ireland.
• Intra-Company Transfer Employment: Given to individuals working in a multinational company and transferred to the country's Ireland division.
• General Employment: Individuals who applied to an eligible profession in Ireland that pays at least €34,000 per year can receive this permit.
• Contract for Services Employment: Given to individuals working for a company with a contract with an Irish business or body to carry out work in Ireland.
• Reactivation Employment: Those who previously worked in Ireland and became undocumented through no fault of their own may apply for this permit.
• Internship Employment: Given to full-time students in a college outside of the EEA who aim to do their internship in an occupation on the Critical Skills Occupations List.
• Sport and Cultural Employment: Allows people working in sports and cultural occupations to work and stay in Ireland.
• Exchange Agreement Employment: Given to those travelling to Ireland through an exchange program or agreement.

Among these employment sponsorship permits, the most commonly used are the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the General Employment Permit, and Dependent Partner Employment Permit.

Ireland Visa Fees

Ireland visa fee you'll pay depends on the visa type and your nationality. Please refer to the table below for the fees associated with different visa types.

Ireland Visa Exemption

Family members of Irish citizens are also exempt from the visa fee; this includes spouses, widows/widowers, and biological or adopted children under 18 years old. The same rule applies to the qualifying family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.

Additionally, citizens of certain countries are exempt from the Ireland visa fee. Since visa regulations may change, check the official page of the Department of Justice for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a multiple-entry tourist visa for Ireland?

Yes, you can. The main requirement to obtain a multiple-entry tourist visa for Ireland is to have previously held single-entry visas and complied with their conditions. Alternatively, those who travel to Ireland often for business purposes may also apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa.

Can I travel to Ireland with a Schengen visa?

No, as Ireland isn’t a member of the Schengen Area, holding a Schengen visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland. Similarly, individuals who hold a Schengen residence permit also need a visa to travel to Ireland.

May my Ireland visa get rejected?

Yes, your Ireland tourist visa application may get rejected for a variety of reasons, such as inconsistencies in your application or incomplete documents.

How can I check my Ireland visa status online?

Follow these steps to check your Ireland visa status online:

1. Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service's (INIS) or your visa application provider's website,
2. Navigate to the "Check Visa Status" section,
3. Choose relevant options on the redirected page,
4. Enter your passport number,
5. Submit the information.

How long does it take to get an Ireland visa?

Ireland visa application is usually processed around 25 to 30 days. It might take shorter or longer for the authorities to process your application, depending on the type of visa you applied for.

Does my previous nationality matter for getting an Ireland visa?

Only your current nationality and passport are relevant for an Ireland visa.

How much does the Ireland visa cost?

Ireland visa fee is €60 for single-entry visas and €100 for multiple-entry visas.