Top 10 Ireland Short Stay Visas To Consider
If you are looking forward to explore the countryside or want to experience the country’s diverse cultures, Ireland short stay visas can make your trip possible. There are different types of visas for foreigners who intend visiting Ireland for a short period of time.
With many people visiting Ireland on a yearly basis, it is without doubt that the country is widely known across the world. The Republic of Ireland has a total area of 70,273 km2, with a population of 5,123,536 as of 2023.
No matter your purpose of travel to Ireland for a short stay, you’ll definitely find a visa option suited for you. Irish short stay visas are available for a wide range of purposes, which include for tourism, business, training, marriage, medical treatment, stage performance or athletic tournament, and more.
There are certain categories of people who have visa-free entry to Ireland for any purpose whatsoever. Among which are citizens of EU/EEA member countries, travel document holders of an EEA member state, among others.
Continue reading to learn more about short stay visas to Ireland, including their fees, requirements, validity period, etc.
What is an Irish short stay visa?
An Irish short stay ‘C’ visa is a type of visa that permits foreigners to stay in Ireland for a short period of time. The period doesn’t exceed three (3) months.
Besides, there are various types of Ireland short stay visas, which are available to people from different countries for a wide range of purposes.
To be eligible for this visa, you need to prove your purpose of travel to an Irish embassy or consulate. Your purpose must be solid enough for the official to approve your application.
Types of Ireland short stay visas
Below are the top ten (10) types of short stay visas to Ireland,
#1. Tourist visa
This type of short stay visa creates possibilities for foreigners to tour Ireland for a maximum of three months.
#2. Business visa
With this type of short stay visa, you’ll be able to visit Ireland for any activity that relates with business. Bear in mind that you cannot work in Ireland with an Irish business visa.
#3. Training visa
If you want to participate in a short-term training in Ireland, you have to apply for a training visa, which authorizes you to enter the country for such purpose.
#4. Marriage visa
This type of short stay visa allows foreigners to enter Ireland in order to get married there.
#5. Exam visa
By getting an Irish exam visa, you’ll be able to travel to Ireland mainly to take an examination. You cannot extend your purpose of travel beyond this.
#6. Short-Term Internship visa
This type of short stay visa allows foreigners to travel to Ireland as a paid intern. Take note that your internship period must not exceed three months.
#7. Medical treatment visa
If you are a foreigner in need of medical attention from a health facility in Ireland, the medical treatment visa is a great option for you.
#8. Stage performance or athletic tournament visa
As a foreign musician or athlete, you can perform your music or partake in an athletic event in Ireland by applying for an Irish stage performance or tournament visa.
#9. Join a ship visa
If you wish to enter Ireland in order to join a ship on transit, this type of short stay suits your purpose. You’ll have to board the ship within 24 hours of arriving to Ireland.
#10. Employment visa under the Atypical Working Scheme
This type of short stay visa is ideal for foreigners who intending working for an Irish employer or company for a period not more than three months.
Cost of getting an Irish short stay visa
In order to process your application for an Irish short stay visa, you need to pay a fee of €60 when submitting the required supporting documents.
If you apply for a short stay visa to Ireland without paying the fee, the embassy or consulate will probably refuse your application. This is because the fee helps to facilitate visa application processing. As such, applicants who do not pay the fee will have their application unprocessed.
Ireland short stay visa requirements
To obtain any of Ireland short stay visas, you’ll need to submit a number of supporting documents to the Irish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Below are list of the supporting documents required for a short stay visa to Ireland.
- printed summary of visa application form
- a valid passport or travel document
- proof of funds for all expenses during your trip, and upon your arrival to Ireland
- proof of accommodation in case the embassy approves your application
- proof that you are not guilty of any unlawful act with the police
- round-trip flight tickets to show that you’ll depart Ireland prior to your visa expiry date, and will not pass the country to another country illegally
- clear travel history with other countries
Processing time of Ireland short stay visas
The processing time for an Irish short stay visa is around two months, i.e., eight weeks. Hence, you need to allow for plenty of time prior to your trip in order to process and receive your visa.
How to apply for Ireland short stay visas
Here are ‘5’ simple steps to guide you in applying for a short stay visa to Ireland.
- Compile all required supporting documents
- Determine the type of Irish short stay visa to apply for
- Apply online for your choice of short stay visa
- Submit supporting documents and pay fee
- Wait for embassy or consulate to complete application processing
STEP 1: Compile all required supporting documents
The first step in applying for any kind of Irish short stay visa requires you to pile up all documentation required for your application.
Examples of the supporting documents required for short stay visa applications to Ireland includes a valid passport, printed summary of visa application form, proof of funds, and others as has been noted.
STEP 2: Determine the type of Irish short stay visa to apply for
As #2 out of the five steps to apply for an Irish short stay visa, you’ll need to decide on the type of visa that best suits your purpose of travel.
Upon this, you can proceed to Step 3.
STEP 3: Apply online for your choice of short stay visa
The third step involved in getting an Irish short stay visa requires you to apply through AVATS Online Application Facility.
Be sure to complete your visa application on time in order to get your visa as at when you need it.
STEP 4: Submit supporting documents and pay fee
#4 out of the five steps in applying for an Irish short stay visa requires you to visit an embassy or consulate of Ireland in your country, so that you’ll be able to submit all necessary documents.
Moreover, you have to pay a visa fee of €60 at this time.
STEP 5: Wait for embassy or consulate to complete application processing
Finally, you’ll need to let the embassy or consulate to assess your application, and eligibility for the visa. This will take no more than 8 weeks.
Duration of Ireland short stay visa
In general, Irish short stay visas are valid for not more than 90 days. However, if you want to stay in Ireland for a longer period of time, you’ll have to apply for a long stay visa. The process of applying of Ireland long stay visas are easy as well.
READ ALSO: Ten Reasons To Consider Visiting Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to get an Irish short stay visa?
If you’re a citizen of a country not among the European Union or the European Economic Area, you need a valid Irish visa to the country even for a short period of time.
How do I visit Ireland for more than 90 days?
To visit Ireland for a period longer than 90 days, you need to get a long stay visa. There are many different types of Irish long stay visas, which serves various purposes.
How long can I stay in Ireland on a tourist visa?
With an Irish tourist visa, you can stay in the country for a period not above 3 months.
Is it easy to get an Irish short stay visa?
Yes, it is easy to get a short stay visa to Ireland. The visa will enable you to visit anywhere in the country for up to 90 days. You can definitely submit application for a short stay visa online or at a Irish embassy or consulate.
What are Ireland visa requirements for Indian students?
Indians who want to travel to Ireland for education purpose need to possess a valid Indian passport, an acceptance letter from a renowned educational institution, proof of funds, etc.
Is Ireland accepting short stay visa applications?
Yes, Ireland is currently accepting short stay visa applications. Obtaining the visa is quite straightforward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, short stay visas to Ireland offers authorization to foreigners in exploring different parts of the beautiful country. The visa allows for short visits capped at 90 days. Therefore, if you are thinking of which European country to spend your vacation, Ireland should be on your bucket list.
Thanks for reading!
