Whether you need a visa to travel to Ireland depends on what country you're from. Visit the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path for more information regarding your personal requirements for travelling to Ireland.

Information on visa requirements for transiting through Ireland is available here.

Please note that Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement, and a Schengen visa or French residence permit does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Unless you qualify for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme (CURRENTLY SUSPENDED) or the British Irish Visa Scheme a valid UK visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa. Further information on these schemes is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

Note: A visa allows you to travel to Ireland only. It does not give you permission to enter the country or to stay here. An immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Information on types of visa and required documentation can be found on the Immigration Service Delivery website.

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter from the visa office telling you why it has been refused and if you can appeal the decision.

Further information on appealing visa decisions is available on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

All appeals are handled directly by the Irish Immigration Service.

To apply for a visa, you must:

• Apply online though the Immigration Service Delivery website, which will automatically request you to submit your documentation to the relevant Embassy
• Check the fees information on this page
• Compile your application, which must include:
  • The online summary sheet signed by you, with a valid photo
  • Current passport and any previous passports (or copies of previous passports if originals unavailable)
  • All required supporting documents
• Submit this completed documentation, together with a printed confirmation of bank transfer of appropriate fee, if fee is payable. We do not accept cash.  

The Embassy advises that you send your application by registered post or by courier. Alternatively, applications may be left in the Embassy post-box.

Please note that we can only process fully complete applications. The onus is on the applicant to ensure their application is complete. Any missing documentation may result in longer processing times and potential refusal.

Further information on what to expect on arrival in Ireland can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

Information on entry for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals is available here. 

Information on entry for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals is available here.

Information on travelling with children is available here.

Information on transiting through Ireland is available here.

The visa fee is an administration fee which covers the cost of processing your application. This fee cannot be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn. Some applicants are exempt from the requirement to pay the visa fee.

Check the website of the Irish Immigration Service for information on preclearance and entry visa fees, including information on visa fee exemptions.