Overview
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa — even a multi-entry one — does not cover travel there; you need a separate Irish visa. Every applicant creates their own application on the Automated Visa Application and Tracking System (AVATS), the government's official online system. Finishing the online form doesn't lodge your application — it generates a "Summary Application Form" that you print, sign, and physically submit with your documents to the location AVATS tells you (an Irish embassy, a designated visa office, a VFS Global centre, or Immigration Service Delivery in Dublin). Notably, Ireland's process has no biometrics and no interview for most applicants — the decision is made entirely on your submitted documents.
Visa categories
| Short Stay (C) Visa | Tourism, business, or visiting family/friends, up to 90 days. |
|---|---|
| Long Stay (D) Visa | Study, work or family reunification exceeding 90 days. |
| Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme | Some nationalities who hold a valid UK, US or Schengen visa may be exempt from needing a separate Irish visa — check eligibility before applying. |
Documents checklist
- Valid passport with sufficient validity beyond your stay
- Signed, dated printout of your AVATS Summary Application Form
- Passport-sized photo
- Signed letter of application explaining your purpose of travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds and travel itinerary
- Visa application fee (some applicants are exempt)
Step-by-step application process
1. Check whether you need a visa
Use the "Check Irish Visa Requirement" tool for your nationality before starting.
2. Complete the AVATS online application
Answer every question fully and honestly — you have 30 days to complete and submit your paperwork after starting.
3. Print, sign and date the Summary Application Form
An unsigned form is returned unprocessed.
4. Submit your documents where AVATS directs
This may be your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate, a designated visa office, or Immigration Service Delivery in Dublin.
5. Pay the visa fee
Follow the payment instructions shown on your Application Summary Form.
6. Track your application
Check status through your AVATS account using your reference number.
Fees & processing time
| Processing time | Typically several weeks; can extend to 4–10 weeks depending on the mission and visa category |
|---|---|
| Biometrics/interview | Not required for most applicants — a paper-based decision |
Sources reviewed: irishimmigration.ie and visas.inis.gov.ie (Immigration Service Delivery), Irish embassy consular pages. Fees, jurisdictions and processing times vary — always confirm with the Irish mission serving your location.