Ireland Visit Visa
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    Ireland visit visa: short stay C tourist, business, and family

    An Ireland visit visa is the short stay C visa that lets Indian travellers enter Ireland for up to 90 days. It covers tourism, business, visiting family or friends, conferences, short study, and medical visits. It does not allow work or use of publicly funded services. An immigration officer decides entry and length of stay.

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    See the visa steps
    EUR 60 single entry fee
    Up to 90 days stay
    AVATS online application

    Data current as of June 2026

    What the Ireland visit visa covers

    An Ireland visit visa, officially the short stay C visa, lets Indian travellers come to Ireland for up to 90 days. One visa type covers many purposes.

    It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business and conferences, short study of 90 days or less, and private medical treatment. The same short stay C visa is used for all of these, so the key is showing your real purpose and that you will return to India.

    Ireland is not a Schengen country, so this visa is separate from a Schengen visa. The visit visa does not allow work, paid or unpaid, or use of publicly funded services. This page is a full guide: the options, the costs, the documents, the AVATS and VFS steps, what to do before you fly, and what to do once you arrive.

    Short-stay purposes at a glance

    All short visits to Ireland run through the short stay C visa, applied for online via AVATS. The diagram shows how the purposes branch from one core visa.

    Visit visa, short stay C Applied for via AVATS

    Tourism Holidays and travel

    Family visit Family and friends

    Business Meetings, conferences

    Medical Treatment visits

    Child or dependant Own short stay C visa

    BIVS option Also visit the UK

    Short-stay purposes branch from the short stay C visa, with BIVS a separate option to also visit the UK. Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery guidance, current for 2026. Confirm your category before you apply.

    The visit visa purposes explained

    The short stay C visa serves several purposes. Here is what each one means and what the visa office expects to see.

    Tourist visit

    A tourist visit is for holidays, sightseeing, and short personal travel, such as touring Dublin, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. Show funds for the trip, accommodation that covers your whole stay, a clear travel plan, and strong ties to India so the officer is satisfied you will return.

    Business visit

    A business visit is for meetings, conferences, training, or short business activities. You must not take up employment or enter the Irish labour market. A letter from the host company explaining the purpose and who pays costs strengthens the file, along with proof of your ties to India.

    Family and friends visit

    This is a common reason. You visit relatives or friends who live in Ireland, with an invitation letter and proof that your host lives at the stated address. The invitation supports your file but does not by itself guarantee approval. Your own funds, accommodation, and ties to India still matter.

    Medical treatment

    A medical visit is for private treatment at an Irish hospital or clinic. Show a letter from the Irish facility, an estimate of the cost, proof you can pay privately, and your plan to return home. A visitor cannot use publicly funded services, so private cover is important.

    Child or dependant

    A child or dependant applies for their own short stay C visa, often with a parent. Include documents that show the family relationship, such as a birth certificate, and parental consent where a minor travels with one parent or alone. Each applicant completes a separate AVATS form and pays their own fee.

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    Ireland short-stay visa options compared

    Most short visits use the same short stay C visa for different purposes, with BIVS as an extra option to also visit the UK. This table compares them.

    Ireland short-stay options for Indian applicants
    Option Who it is for Typical stay
    Tourist visit visa Holidays, sightseeing, travel Up to 90 days
    Business visit visa Meetings, conferences, training Up to 90 days
    Family or friends visit Visiting relatives or friends Up to 90 days
    Medical visit visa Private treatment at a facility As approved
    Child or dependant Children travelling with family Up to 90 days
    BIVS endorsed visa Travel to Ireland and the UK Up to 90 days

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery and Citizens Information guidance, current for 2026. The tourist, business, family, medical, and child or dependant routes all use the short stay C visa. BIVS is an endorsement that also allows UK travel. Ireland is not Schengen and runs its own visa system. The officer sets the exact stay at the border, up to 90 days. Rules can change.

    For most travellers one short stay C visa serves several purposes, so the key is showing your genuine reason and your funds. We match you to the right option.

    Documents you need for an Ireland visit visa

    A complete file with a clear cover letter is the single biggest factor you control. This table shows the core documents and the extras for each purpose.

    Ireland visit visa documents for Indian applicants, 2026
    Document Who needs it Notes
    Passport and old passports All applicants Current and all previous passports
    Signed AVATS summary All applicants Printed and signed after applying online
    Cover letter All applicants Purpose, dates, and where you stay
    Funds and accommodation All applicants Six months of statements, full-stay stay proof
    Invitation letter Family and business visits Host address proof, or a company letter
    Birth certificate, consent Child or dependant Relationship proof and parental consent

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery and Citizens Information guidance, current for 2026. Send original documents, not photocopies, and a certified translation for anything not in English. Gaps in accommodation and large unexplained deposits are common refusal triggers. Requirements vary by case. Confirm the current checklist before you apply.

    Strong, honest documents and a clear cover letter are what officers reward. We build and review your full file so it tells a clear, genuine story of your visit.

    Want your documents checked before you apply?

    Get a free assessment and we will review your file and cover letter for gaps that lead to refusals.

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    Ireland visit visa fees

    Government fees for an Ireland visit visa are set by the Irish authorities and paid through AVATS. The table shows the main charges to plan for.

    Ireland visit visa government fees, 2026 snapshot
    Fee Amount Notes
    Single entry short stay C EUR 60 One trip within validity
    Multiple entry short stay C EUR 100 Repeated trips within validity
    Transit visa EUR 25 For layovers only, not a visit
    VFS service charge Varies Service and biometrics at VFS Global
    Other costs Varies Insurance, courier, translations

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery fee schedule, current for 2026. The visa fee is paid through AVATS and is non-refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. A VFS Global service charge, courier, and translation costs are extra and vary. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount before you apply.

    Budget for the visa fee, the VFS service charge, and travel medical insurance for your trip. We give you a clear, current cost picture before you apply.

    What to do before you travel to Ireland

    A smooth trip starts before you fly. Get your documents, money, and plans in order so the immigration officer sees a genuine, well-prepared visitor.

    Step 1

    Check your passport and visa

    Make sure your passport is valid for your trip and your visa sticker is correct. Carry both with you when you fly.

    Step 2

    Buy travel medical insurance

    A visitor cannot use public health services in Ireland. Buy private travel medical insurance for your trip dates before you leave.

    Step 3

    Prepare a document folder

    Carry your cover letter, invitation, funds proof, return ticket, and full accommodation details. The officer may ask to see them.

    Step 4

    Confirm your accommodation

    Make sure your stay is booked or your host is confirmed for your whole trip. Gaps in accommodation cause problems at the border.

    Step 5

    Know what you cannot bring

    Declare food, plants, cash over the limit, and restricted goods at the border. Do not carry anything that breaks Irish rules.

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    The Ireland visit visa application process

    You apply online through AVATS, then submit your passport and biometrics at VFS. Ireland does not issue e-visas. This table explains the key steps.

    Ireland visit visa steps for Indian applicants, 2026
    Step What it is Why it matters
    Apply on AVATS Online form, short stay C Select the correct reason for travel
    Pay the fee Single or multiple entry Non-refundable, paid through AVATS
    Print and sign summary AVATS summary sheet Needed for submission with documents
    Book a VFS appointment Biometrics and submission Apply up to 3 months before travel
    Submit and give biometrics Passport, documents, photo In person; processing starts after this
    Collect your passport Visa sticker if approved Track online, collect or courier

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery and AVATS guidance, current for 2026. Steps and fees are set by the Irish authorities and can change, and processing from India usually runs about four to eight weeks, longer in peak season. A visa does not guarantee entry, since an immigration officer decides at arrival. Confirm current details before you apply.

    Good preparation is everything here. We help you complete AVATS, prepare your cover letter and documents, and guide the VFS step so each part lines up before you travel.

    Worried about AVATS or the documents?

    We prepare your application, cover letter, and file, then guide the VFS submission so nothing slips.

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    Ireland visit visa dos and donts

    Small mistakes cause many refusals. These dos and donts keep your application honest and strong.

    Do the right things

    • Show genuine funds and a clear source of money.
    • Book accommodation that covers your whole stay.
    • Prove strong ties to India, such as a job, family, or property.
    • Write a clear cover letter with your purpose and dates.
    • Apply early and answer every question honestly.
    • Buy travel medical insurance for your trip.

    Do not do these

    • Do not work in Ireland, paid or unpaid.
    • Do not overstay the date on your landing stamp.
    • Do not give false information or fake documents.
    • Do not hide a past visa refusal from any country.
    • Do not leave gaps in your accommodation proof.
    • Do not make large unexplained deposits before applying.

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery guidance, current for 2026. False information or overstaying can lead to refusal and can affect future applications. Rules can change, so confirm current details. Following them protects your record.

    What to do once you are in Ireland

    A visit visa lets you do more than sightsee, within clear limits. Here is what you can and cannot do as a visitor.

    You can

    • Travel, sightsee, and visit family and friends.
    • Attend meetings, conferences, and events.
    • Take a short course of 90 days or less.
    • Get private medical treatment you have arranged.
    • Travel to the UK if your visa is endorsed BIVS.
    • Stay up to the date on your landing stamp.

    You cannot

    • Take work, paid or unpaid.
    • Use publicly funded services such as public hospitals.
    • Enrol in a long course without a study visa.
    • Stay past your 90-day landing stamp date.
    • Treat the visa as permission to settle.

    At the border, an immigration officer asks about your visit and places a landing stamp showing the reason and how long you can stay, up to 90 days. Note that date and plan your trip around it. You do not register for short stays under 90 days.

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery guidance, current for 2026. The landing stamp controls your authorised stay. A short stay C visa does not permit work or publicly funded services. Rules can change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.

    Plans changing while in Ireland?

    Get a free assessment and we will explain your options and the right visa if you want to study or stay longer.

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    How long you can stay and the BIVS option

    A short stay C visa is for visits of up to 90 days. This table explains the stay, the landing stamp, and the BIVS option for UK travel.

    Ireland visit visa stay and BIVS, 2026 snapshot
    Item Detail Notes
    Maximum stay Up to 90 days Set by the officer on your landing stamp
    Entry type Single or multiple Chosen when you apply on AVATS
    What controls stay Landing stamp Not the visa sticker date alone
    Extension Rare cases only Only for unforeseen circumstances
    BIVS endorsement Ireland and UK Land first in the issuing country

    Source: Irish Immigration Service Delivery and British-Irish Visa Scheme guidance, current for 2026. The officer sets the stay at entry, up to 90 days, and you must leave before that date. A C visa is not normally extended. With a BIVS endorsement, the Ireland stay is up to 90 days, and you must first land in the country that issued the visa. Rules can change.

    The short stay C visa is for short visits, not for settling. If you want to study or stay longer, a different visa is needed. We explain the BIVS option and the right path for your plans.

    What officers look for, and refusal reasons

    An Ireland visit visa is approved when you show a genuine short visit, enough funds, full accommodation, and strong ties to India. Knowing what the visa office checks helps you prepare.

    Common refusal reasons include weak proof of funds, gaps in accommodation, unclear ties to India, a weak cover letter or unclear purpose, an incomplete file, or large unexplained deposits in bank statements. Many cases can be reapplied with a stronger file.

    An Ireland visit visa is the short stay C visa, applied for online via AVATS with biometrics at VFS, costing EUR 60 for single entry or EUR 100 for multiple entry. It covers tourism, business, family, medical, and child or dependant travel for up to 90 days. It does not allow work or publicly funded services, and Ireland is not part of the Schengen area.

    Factual overview, verified against Irish Immigration Service Delivery and Citizens Information guidance, current for 2026. Fees, stay periods, and rules are set by the Irish authorities and can change at any time. A visa does not guarantee entry.

    Meeting the criteria improves your chances, but the final decision rests with the visa office and the immigration officer. We give you a realistic view and help you build the strongest possible application.

    Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about your Ireland visit visa

    Our immigration experts guide Indian applicants through every Ireland visit visa, from tourist, business, and family visits to medical, child, and dependant applications, including the AVATS form, fees, documents, and the VFS biometrics step. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free assessment today.

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    Ireland visit visa frequently asked questions

    What is an Ireland visit visa?
    An Ireland visit visa is the short stay C visa, which lets Indian travellers enter Ireland for up to 90 days. It covers tourism, visiting family or friends, business, conferences, short study, and medical visits. It does not allow paid or unpaid work, or use of publicly funded services. A visa lets you travel to Ireland, but an immigration officer at the border makes the final decision on entry. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps Indian applicants apply for the right Ireland visit visa for their purpose.
    Is Ireland part of the Schengen area?
    No. Ireland is not a Schengen country and runs its own visa system, so a Schengen visa does not let you enter Ireland, and an Ireland visa does not let you visit Schengen countries. Ireland shares a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom, and the British-Irish Visa Scheme can let some Indian travellers visit both on one endorsed visa. Always confirm what your visa covers. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how the Ireland visit visa differs from a Schengen visa.
    How much does an Ireland visit visa cost?
    The single entry short stay C visa fee is EUR 60, and the multiple entry visa is EUR 100. A transit visa is EUR 25. These are government fees, paid through AVATS, and are non-refundable even if the application is refused. A VFS Global service charge and any courier or translation costs are extra. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount before you apply. BestMigrationConsultant.com gives you a clear cost picture for your Ireland visit visa.
    How long can I stay in Ireland on a visit visa?
    The short stay C visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The immigration officer at the border decides the exact period and places a landing stamp in your passport showing the reason and how long you can stay. You must leave before that date. A C visa is for short visits only and is not normally extended, except in rare, unforeseen circumstances. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains how long your Ireland visit visa allows you to stay.
    What documents do I need for an Ireland visit visa?
    You generally need a valid passport and previous passports, the signed AVATS summary, a cover letter explaining your visit, proof of funds such as six months of bank statements, proof of accommodation for your whole stay, a travel plan, and proof of ties to India. Family visitors add an invitation letter from the host, and business visitors add a company letter. Documents not in English need a certified translation. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares and checks your full Ireland visit visa document set.
    How long does an Ireland visit visa take to process?
    Standard processing from India is usually about four to eight weeks from document submission, and it can extend to ten weeks or more during peak travel seasons. Processing only begins once your documents reach the visa office, so apply early, around eight to ten weeks before travel. These are estimates that change with demand, not guarantees. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you apply early with a complete file so your Ireland visit visa is not delayed.
    What is a tourist visit visa for Ireland?
    A tourist visit visa is the short stay C visa used for the Visit Tourist reason. It is for holidays, sightseeing, and short personal travel, such as touring Dublin, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher. You show funds for the trip, accommodation for your whole stay, a clear travel plan, and strong ties to India so the officer is satisfied you will return. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you build a clear tourist Ireland visit visa application.
    Can I visit Ireland for business on a visit visa?
    Yes. The short stay C business visa lets you attend meetings, conferences, training, or short business activities for up to 90 days. You must not take up employment or enter the Irish labour market. A letter from the host company explaining the purpose and who pays costs strengthens the file, along with proof of your ties to India. BestMigrationConsultant.com prepares strong business visitor files so your Ireland visit visa reflects your real purpose.
    Can I visit family or friends in Ireland on a visit visa?
    Yes. The short stay C family or friends visit visa is for travelling to Ireland to visit relatives or friends who live there. You provide an invitation letter and proof that your host lives at the stated address, along with proof of your ties to India and funds. Accommodation must cover your whole stay. The invitation supports your file but does not by itself guarantee approval. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you build a strong family-visit Ireland visit visa application.
    Can I go to Ireland for medical treatment on a visit visa?
    Yes. A short stay C medical visit lets you receive private treatment at an Irish hospital or clinic for up to 90 days. You should show a letter from the Irish facility, an estimate of the cost, proof you can pay privately, and your plan to return home. A visitor cannot use publicly funded services. A doctor’s letter from India explaining the condition also helps. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you present a clear medical Ireland visit visa application.
    Can I bring my child or dependant on an Ireland visit visa?
    Yes. A child or dependant applies for their own short stay C visa, often alongside a parent, with documents that show the family relationship, such as a birth certificate, and parental consent where a minor travels with one parent or alone. Each applicant pays their own fee and completes a separate AVATS form. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps families prepare child and dependant Ireland visit visa applications correctly.
    What is the AVATS application system?
    AVATS is the official online application system for Irish visas. You complete the form online, select short stay C and your reason for travel, pay the fee, then print and sign the summary sheet. Ireland does not issue e-visas, so you then book a VFS Global appointment to give biometrics and submit your passport and documents. The final visa is a sticker placed in your passport. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you complete the AVATS form accurately for your Ireland visit visa.
    What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme?
    The British-Irish Visa Scheme, or BIVS, lets eligible Indian travellers visit both Ireland and the United Kingdom on one visa endorsed with the letters BIVS. You must first land in the country that issued the visa. In Ireland the stay is up to 90 days, decided by the immigration officer. Not every visa is endorsed for BIVS, and there is no appeal against a decision not to endorse it. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains whether BIVS suits your Ireland visit plans.
    What should I do before I travel to Ireland?
    Before you fly, check your passport validity, carry your visa and supporting documents, buy travel medical insurance, confirm accommodation for your whole stay, and prepare a folder with your cover letter, invitation, funds proof, and return ticket for the immigration officer. Carry access to enough funds and a clear story of your visit. Do not pack anything that breaks Irish rules. BestMigrationConsultant.com gives you a pre-travel checklist so your Ireland visit goes smoothly.
    What can I do while I am in Ireland as a visitor?
    As a visitor you can travel, sightsee, visit family and friends, attend meetings, conferences, and events, take a short course of 90 days or less, and get private medical treatment you have arranged. You cannot take paid or unpaid work, or use publicly funded services such as public hospitals. Respect the dates on your landing stamp. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains what your Ireland visit visa allows once you arrive.
    Can I extend my stay in Ireland on a visit visa?
    A short stay C visa is for visits of up to 90 days and is not normally extended. You are expected to leave before your landing stamp date. In rare and exceptional cases, you may apply to extend if your circumstances change in an unforeseen way after you arrive, such as a medical emergency. Extensions are not granted for foreseeable or non-emergency reasons. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the limits of an Ireland visit visa and your options.
    Do I need biometrics for an Ireland visit visa?
    Yes. After you complete AVATS and pay the fee, you book a VFS Global appointment and attend in person to give biometrics, fingerprints and a photo, and to submit your passport and documents. Ireland does not issue e-visas, so this in-person step is required and the visa is a physical sticker. Booking your appointment early helps with timing. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides you through the AVATS and VFS biometrics steps for your Ireland visit visa.
    Do I need travel insurance for an Ireland visit visa?
    Travel medical insurance is strongly recommended for an Ireland visit, since a visitor cannot use publicly funded health services and private care can be costly. Insurance that covers your trip dates protects you against accident or illness and shows the officer you have planned responsibly. Some applicants include insurance proof with their file. BestMigrationConsultant.com helps you understand insurance choices for your Ireland visit so you travel with cover.
    Can I work or study on an Ireland visit visa?
    No work is allowed on a short stay C visa, paid or unpaid, and a long course needs a long stay D study visa. You may take a short course of 90 days or less, such as a short English language course, on the C visit study visa. Anything longer, or any job, needs the correct study or employment permission. BestMigrationConsultant.com explains the limits of your Ireland visit visa and the right visa if your plans change.
    What are the dos and donts for an Ireland visit visa?
    Do show genuine funds, accommodation for your whole stay, strong ties to India, and a clear cover letter, apply early, and answer honestly. Do carry your documents and respect your landing stamp date. Do not work, overstay, give false information, hide a past refusal, or leave gaps in your accommodation, since these can lead to refusal. Do not book non-refundable travel before approval. BestMigrationConsultant.com guides the dos and donts so your Ireland visit visa application stays strong.
    Why are Ireland visit visas refused?
    Common reasons include weak proof of funds, gaps in accommodation, unclear ties to India, a weak cover letter or unclear purpose, an incomplete file, or large unexplained deposits in bank statements. Concerns that you may not leave on time also lead to refusal. Many cases can be reapplied with a stronger file. Meeting the criteria improves your chances, but the final decision rests with the visa office. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews the reason and helps you strengthen your Ireland visit visa application.
    What if my Ireland visit visa is refused?
    Irish visa refusals come with reasons, and many short stay applicants can appeal or reapply with a stronger file that fixes the gaps, such as clearer funds, accommodation, or ties. The route depends on your refusal letter. Meeting the eligibility criteria improves your chances, but approval is never guaranteed and the final decision rests with the visa office. BestMigrationConsultant.com reviews your refusal and helps you decide on the strongest next step for your Ireland visit visa.
    How can BestMigrationConsultant.com help me with an Ireland visit visa?
    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian applicants through every step of the Ireland visit visa. We run an eligibility check, help you complete the AVATS form, prepare your cover letter, funds, and accommodation proof, guide invitation letters for family, business, and medical visits, and support the VFS biometrics and submission steps. We also help with BIVS questions, pre-travel checklists, and refusals. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com to start your free assessment for your Ireland visit visa.

    Written and reviewed by

    Author: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    Reviewed by: Sairam, Senior Immigration Consultant, BestMigrationConsultant.com

    BestMigrationConsultant.com guides Indian travellers and families on overseas visit, study, work, and PR pathways. Visa fees, stay periods, and rules are set by governments and can change at any time. This page is guidance and application support, not legal advice, and no visa outcome is guaranteed.

    Last reviewed: June 2026