Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

Planning a trip to Ireland? Here’s how to check if you need a visa before setting off on your adventure. 

This article covers visa requirements for the Republic of Ireland. The entry requirements for Northern Ireland fall under the UK guidelines.

What you need to know about visas in Ireland

If you’re a UK national or a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you don't need a visa to visit (or work in) the Republic of Ireland. UK visitors can travel with their photo identification and EU citizens can use their national identity card. However, your airline may require you to show a passport – check before you travel.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the US, among others, can visit the Republic for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you require a visa, you can apply for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. You will need to apply online while still in your home country and it is advised to apply three months before you are due to depart. The visa will cost you €60 for a single-entry or €100 for multiple-entries and they are valid for 90 days.

Whether or not you need a visa, tourists from outside the UK or EEA are only allowed to stay 90 days. As a rule, extensions are only granted in very exceptional circumstances, not to continue tourist activities. Should you need it, contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Visitors from outside the UK and EEA are not allowed to work while visiting Ireland. A working holiday visa – where you live and work in the country for up to one year - can be applied for by citizens of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, United States of America.

Can I travel to Northern Ireland with an Irish visa?

You will not pass a border or passport control if traveling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. However, you should be aware that the entry requirements for Northern Ireland fall under the UK visa rules. 

Can I go to Ireland with a UK visa?

In many cases, you cannot visit the Republic of Ireland on a UK visa, you will need to apply for a separate Irish one, if required. However, some nationalities are entitled to travel to Ireland on a UK visa under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.

Citizens of China and India can travel freely between the UK and Ireland under a visa issued by either country under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.