Ireland Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | See below | No | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | See below | No | No |
Passports
Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU) but not part of the Schengen area. This means that while EU nationals may enter and stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa, border controls still apply. Ireland and the United Kingdom also maintain a long-standing Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which allows citizens of Ireland, the UK, and the Crown Dependencies (the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey) to live, work, study, and travel freely between these territories without immigration restrictions.
EU nationals: You must carry a valid passport or national identity card when travelling to Ireland. Although you are not normally required to show proof of onward travel or sufficient funds, border officers may request such evidence if necessary.
British citizens: Under the Common Travel Area, you do not need a passport to enter Ireland. However, airlines and ferry operators usually require photographic identification, and UK passengers arriving by air should have their passports ready for inspection.
Americans, Australians, Canadians and other non-EU nationals: You must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, along with a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for the duration of your visit.
Visas
British: Under the Common Travel Area, British citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days: all EU/EEA countries, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City plus others in the official Irish Visa & Non-Visa Required Nationalities list.
Citizens of other countries must obtain an Irish visa before traveling.
Also, through the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme, nationals of some visa-required countries holding a valid UK short-stay visa may enter Ireland without a separate Irish visa, under certain conditions.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (C) visa: €60 single entry; €100 multiple entry.
Long-stay (D) visa: €100.
Transit visa: €25.
Some categories, such as diplomatic and official visits, students on approved programmes, and family members of EU/EEA citizens, may be exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Short-stay (C) visas allow visits of up to 90 days. Long-stay (D) visas are issued for stays exceeding 90 days and usually require registration with the Irish Immigration Service after arrival.
Transit
Travellers from certain countries require a transit visa even if remaining airside in an Irish airport. Check with the nearest Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
Application to
Applications should be made online via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website, followed by submission of supporting documents to the relevant Irish embassy or visa office.
Schengen Visas
Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Agreement, therefore the Schengen visa scheme does not apply.
Working days
Visa applications are typically processed within 4 to 8 weeks, but times can vary depending on nationality, local demand, and the completeness of documents. Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
Sufficient Funds
Travellers must be able to demonstrate access to adequate funds for the duration of their stay.
Extension of stay
Short-stay visas cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or humanitarian reasons. Long-stay visa holders must register with immigration authorities if they wish to remain beyond the visa's validity.
Entry with pets
When bringing a pet from another EU country, it must have an EU pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination. Pets arriving from non-EU countries must meet the same requirements and enter through an approved point of entry for veterinary inspection. Certain dog breeds are subject to control regulations in Ireland. Travellers should contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for detailed guidance.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of Ireland in the USA
Telephone: (202) 462 3939
Website: http://www.embassyofireland.org
Address: NW, 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1300, 1400-1600.
British Embassy in Ireland
Telephone: (1) 205 3700
Website: http://www.britishembassyinireland.fco.gov.uk/en
Address: Ballsbridge, 29 Merrion Road, Dublin, ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. (Public counters for visa enquiries, by appointment only, are 0900-1230 and 1330-1530; passport office opening hours are Tues and Thurs 0900-1230 and 1400-1600).
Embassy of the Republic of Ireland in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7235 2171 (embassy); (020) 7373 4339 (passport office)
Website: http://www.embassyofireland.co.uk
Address: , 17 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HR,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1700 (0930-1200 for visa lodge applications; 1430-1600 for visa collections; 0930-1630 for passport section).
