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Embassy of Ireland, Saudi Arabia

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Please be advised that the Embassy of Ireland, Saudi Arabia website has moved and this page is no longer being updated. The Embassy website is now available at Ireland.ie/riyadh.

Embassy of Ireland, Saudi Arabia

Visa Information

Visas for Ireland

If you wish to enter Ireland, you may need a visa. In Ireland, Immigration Service Delivery, an agency within the Department of Justice, is primarily responsible for dealing with immigration and visa matters.

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

Visa Applications

Applications should be submitted to VFS directly, further information can found here.

Visa fee

Current single entry visa fee: SAR 275

Current multiple entry visa fee: SAR 460

Processing times

Processing times vary depending on the type of visa, nature of application and current restrictions, in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. 

Check how long it will take to get the type of visa you are applying for

Contact us

VFS operate a visa help phone line on behalf of the Irish Embassy. Contact details can be found here

Countries that we process visa applications for: Saudi Arabia

Embassy Visa Office Opening Hours: Visa applications are made via Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Offices.

Embassy Visa Office Phone Lines: The Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Offices operate phone lines on behalf of the Irish Embassy.

Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Contact Details

Countries that we process visa applications for: Saudi Arabia

Embassy Visa Office Opening Hours: Visa applications are made via Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Offices.

Embassy Visa Office Phone Lines: The Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Offices operate phone lines on behalf of the Irish Embassy.

Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Contact Details

Please note that current processing times for tourist visas are approximately 3, 4 weeks. Processing times vary depending on type of visa and nature of application.

Check how long it will take to get the type of visa you are applying for

Current single entry visa fee: SAR 275

Current multiple entry visa fee: SAR 460

Who needs a visa Show the panel body Hide the panel body

You need to check if you need an Irish visa on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

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

Unless you qualify for the short stay visa waiver programme or have a visa issued as part of the British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), a valid UK visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa.

Types of Visa and Documentation Show the panel body Hide the panel body

Information on types of visa and required documentation can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).

Visa Appeals Show the panel body Hide the panel body

If your application has been refused, you will be sent a letter outlining the reasons for refusal.

If you still wish to travel to Ireland, you can appeal this decision within two months of receiving the refusal notice.

Further information on appealing visa decisions can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service.

On Arrival in Ireland Show the panel body Hide the panel body

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

Fraud Show the panel body Hide the panel body

The Embassy applies a zero tolerance policy with respect to fraudulent applications. An application containing a deception such as a forged document, a document containing false information or information withheld from an application (such as a previous visa refusal) may result in your application being refused without the prospect of appeal. If the application was submitted as part of a group, all applications in that group maybe refused without appeal. Where applications are rejected on the grounds of a deception, a 5-year ban may also be applied.

Prior Visa Refusals Show the panel body Hide the panel body

I understand that any false or misleading information , or false supporting documentation may result in the refusal of my application may be refused and I may be prevented from making further visa applications for a period of up to 5 years. An appeal, against the decision to refuse to grant the visa sought, may not be permitted.

How to apply

Next:

At the end of the online application, we will tell you where to submit the following documents:

  • online summary sheet
  • visa application
  • supporting documentation for your visa type
  • photograph affixed to the top left of your application form
    fee
  • current passport (at least 6 months after the date of departure from Ireland or 12 months if applying for a stay long stay visa)
  • previous passports (copies of previous passports if originals unavailable)

When travelling with a minor you must specify the person that will accompany the child and submit:

  • a certified translation of your family book
  • written consent of the legal guardians
  • passport of both legal guardians

King Abdullah Scholarship Program - KASP Scholarship Programme

You must also submit:

  • Sponsorship letter showing the duration of the scholarship and visa purposes
  • Specify the names of any dependents
  • Proof of the relationship you have with any dependents (for example, marriage certificate, birth certificate and family book
  • Proof of enrolment at the relevant Educational Institution in Ireland

All documents must be:

  • original
  • legible
  • verifiable
  • in English or Irish, or translated with a certified translation
  • not in envelopes or folders

You must also submit photocopies of all documents including every page of your passport. Ensure you separate original documents from photocopied documents. We will send application decisions to you.

Returning your documents:

  • We do not return photocopies of documents.
  • Keep copies of any documents you submit.
  • Send a letter with your application that lists the original the documents you would like us to return.
  • Documents will be returned to you by DHL at the applicants expense.
  • A third party can collect your passport. Send us a signed letter of authority authorising that person to collect.

We are under no obligation to contact you, or your contact/host in Ireland. We may request extra documentation and or information.

We can refuse applications if:

  • your documents are not complete
  • your documents are not in English or Irish, or translated with a certified translation
  • we cannot verify the information you supplied
  • your application is not signed

Find your nearest Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) Office in:

Payment Details

You can pay the visa fee in your local currency at the relevant SAR exchange rate.

All applicants must pay their visa fee in full.

Pay at your nearest Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) Office if you are applying from:

Other charges

VFS charges its own visa processing fee in addition to the amounts indicated above.

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