Tourist Visa

Whether you need a tourist visa to visit Ireland depends entirely on your country of citizenship.
Citizens of the UK, EEA member states, and Switzerland do not require a tourist visa.
Citizens of countries such as China, Russia, and Turkey are required to obtain an Irish tourist visa before travelling.
You may also be exempt from needing a visa if you are travelling under the British-Irish Visa Scheme or the School Student Visa Waiver Programme.
To confirm your specific visa requirements, visit the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) website.

application yourself, or instruct our experienced immigration solicitors at RNL Solicitors LLP to handle the process on your behalf.
A tourist visa is required for all travellers, including those under the age of 18. Applications for minors must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
If you are from a visa-required country, you must apply for a tourist visa before travelling to Ireland. The application must be submitted from your country of residence or nationality, and is completed through the AVATS online application system. You may submit the

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Visa Officer, who will decide whether to grant the visa. If approved, you may travel to Ireland. However, the visa does not guarantee entry—permission to enter is ultimately determined by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

A tourist visa is a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, which allows you to:

    •   Stay in Ireland for up to 90 days
    •   Visit for tourism purposes
    •   Undertake a short-term course (lasting fewer than 90 days)

    •  You cannot work, whether paid or unpaid
    •  You cannot access public services such as healthcare
    •  You cannot stay longer than 90 days

If your tourist visa application is refused, you have two options:

    •   Lodge an appeal within two months of receiving the refusal letter, or
    •   Submit a new application at any time.

The refusal notice will include the reasons for the decision, which should be carefully addressed in your appeal or reapplication.

When applying for a tourist visa to Ireland, you must provide the following supporting documents:

• Application summary sheet (generated via the AVATS system)

• Cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Ireland

• Detailed travel itinerary, including travel dates, accommodation arrangements, and reservation confirmations

• Study plan, if relevant to your visit

• Proof of travel or medical insurance (may be requested by a Visa Officer but not mandatory at the time of application)

• Receipt of visa application fee payment

• Current passport and photocopies of all pages from any previous passports (where available)

• Evidence of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay

• Proof of intention to return home after your visit

• Details of any previous visa refusals or deportations, including for Ireland or any other country

• All documents not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a certified translation

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Visa Officer, who will decide whether to grant the visa. If approved, you can travel to Ireland. However, the visa does not guarantee entry—permission to enter is decided by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

A tourist visa is a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, which allows you to:

• Stay in Ireland for up to 90 days

• Visit for tourism purposes

• Undertake a short-term course (lasting fewer than 90 days)

A tourist visa does not permit you to:

• Work, whether paid or unpaid

• Access publicly funded services, such as public healthcare

If your tourist visa application is refused, you have two options:
Lodge an appeal within two months of receiving the refusal letter, or
Submit a new application at any time.
The refusal notice will include the reasons for the decision, which should be carefully addressed in your appeal or reapplication.

If you are planning to visit Ireland for tourism or to complete a short-term course, RNL Solicitors LLP can assist you. We specialise in Irish immigration law and can manage the entire visa application process on your behalf.
Tourist visa applications require extensive documentation and supporting evidence. Mistakes or omissions can lead to refusal. By instructing our experienced immigration solicitors, you minimise the risk of rejection and ensure your application is properly prepared and submitted.
Let us handle the legal process, so you can focus on planning your visit to Ireland with confidence