Ireland boasts a flourishing tourism sector that significantly contributes to the country’s economy. Renowned as one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations, Ireland captivates visitors with its enchanting beaches, historic castles, and lush green landscapes. With an Ireland tourist visa, you can immerse yourself in the country’s natural beauty. This definitive guide provides you with the essential information to secure your Ireland tourist visa.

Understanding the Ireland Tourist Visa:

The Ireland tourist visa falls under the short-term ‘C’ category, allowing individuals to enter the Republic of Ireland for tourism-related activities. While it is available as both a single-entry and multiple-entry permit, issuance of the multiple-entry permit is limited. However, nationals of the European Union (EU) and a few other visa-exempt countries do not require this permit for entry.

Applying for an Ireland Tourist Visa:

The application process for an Ireland tourist visa for Indian citizens is primarily conducted online. Nevertheless, the submission of your application must be done at one of the Irish Visa Application Centres (VACs) situated across India. To initiate the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow these steps:

1. Gather all necessary documents required for the tourist visa category.
2. Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website and access the online portal to complete your visa application form.
3. Make the required visa fee payments online.
4. Schedule an appointment for submitting your application at one of the VACs in India. You must submit your application within 30 days of filling out the form.
5. Bring along your payment confirmation, appointment confirmation, and the required documents to your visa appointment at the VAC, where you will also submit your biometrics.

Eligibility for Ireland Tourist Visa:

To apply for an Ireland tourist visa from India, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Residing in India if applying from India. If you live abroad with a residence permit, you should apply through the respective authority in that country.
• Possessing a passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended travel date, including submission of any previous passports.
• Having the sole purpose of visiting Ireland for tourism activities.
• Demonstrating proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ireland.
• Applying for the permit solely for travel to the Republic of Ireland, not Northern Ireland.

Required Documents for Ireland Tourist Visa:

According to Ireland tourist visa requirements, you must submit the following documents to complete your visa application:

• A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages, valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended travel date. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted, and old passports should be attached.
• A covering letter that includes your basic details, such as name, designation, address, passport number, etc. The letter should clearly state the purpose and duration of your visit, mention the person providing funds, and be addressed to the Irish embassy.
• Travel itinerary/documents, including a day-wise travel plan and confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel or hostel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
• Medical travel insurance (required only after visa approval in certain cases).
• Proof of return to your home country, which could include employment-related documents (employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy, recent salary payslips), family ties (marriage certificates/proof of relationship, description of the family), or property ties (rental agreements/property papers, etc.).
• If you are a student, include a letter stating the duration and other details of your current course.
• Financial documents, such as personal bank statements for the last 3 months or a copy of an updated passbook showing sufficient funds.

Photo Specifications for Ireland Tourist Visa:

Ensure your visa photos meet the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Color: Colored
• The head must be centrally positioned.
• Photos must be recently taken within the last 3 months.
• Background should be solid, plain white, or grey.
• The face should cover 70-80% of the photo.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted.
• Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

Processing Time for Ireland Tourist Visa:

The processing time for an Irish tourist visa varies based on factors such as visa type, number of entries, application volume at the embassy, and your travel history. It may take up to 8 weeks from the date of document submission to receive your tourist visa. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance.

Ireland Tourist Visa Fees:

The fees for the tourist visa depend on foreign exchange rates and embassy decisions. The embassy may update the fees without prior notice. In addition to the application fee, there are biometric charges and additional service charges. Hence, it is essential to verify the exact amount before commencing your application.

After Submission:

Once you successfully submit your application at a VAC, it will be forwarded to the Ireland Embassy in New Delhi for processing. Remember that even though the application is made at the VAC, the embassy solely manages the processing.

Upon approval, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional charge.

How to Check Visa Status:

You can monitor the status of your Irish tourist visa application by clicking here and entering your reference number and email address. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agency to assist in tracking the status.

Upon Receiving Your Visa:

After obtaining your passport with the visa, keep the following key points in mind to ensure a pleasant journey:

Before You Travel:

• Be aware of the visa expiry date and the number of entries indicated on the visa sticker. Do not overstay in Ireland beyond this period.
• Ensure you carry all your travel documents before embarking on your journey.

At the Border:

• Remember that the visa alone does not guarantee entry into the country; it depends on the decision of the Irish border control.
• You may be asked to present copies of supporting documents submitted with your visa application at the border control.

In Ireland:

• While on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to engage in paid or unpaid work.
• You cannot use public funds.
• The permit cannot be extended.
• You are permitted to travel only within the Republic of Ireland. Visiting Northern Ireland or other countries requires specific entry permits, such as a UK visa to visit Northern Ireland.