Ireland tourist visa
Here is the detail that catches most travellers off guard: your Schengen visa does nothing at Dublin. Ireland sits outside the Schengen area and runs its own system, so an Indian passport holder needs a separate Irish Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa before flying — there is no visa-on-arrival and no e-visa for tourism. Once granted, it allows a stay of up to 90 days.
The process runs in two parts. You lodge the application online through AVATS, then carry the signed application summary and your supporting documents in person to VFS Global, Ireland's official visa partner in India, where all ten fingerprints and a digital photograph are captured. We assess your profile honestly, prepare your documentation and present your case to the Embassy in the strongest form it can take.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling to Ireland for tourism, sightseeing or a holiday
- ✓Those visiting family or friends resident in Ireland for a short period
- ✓Travellers making a short visit of up to 90 days who will leave within the permitted stay
- ✓Applicants who can show funds to cover the trip and strong ties to India to demonstrate they will return
Visa options for Ireland
Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa
For holidays and sightseeing in Ireland, for a stay of up to 90 days; applied for as single or multiple journey in AVATS.
Short Stay 'C' visit family/friend visa
For visiting family or friends resident in Ireland for a short period, under the same Short Stay C category.
Multiple-entry short stay visa
Granted only in limited cases, usually where you have a compliant Irish travel history from previous visas observed in full.
Documents typically required
- ✓Current passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Ireland
- ✓Photocopies of all previous passports, where available
- ✓2 recent passport-size colour photographs
- ✓Signed AVATS application summary sheet
- ✓Cover letter stating your purpose, travel dates, where you will stay and how you will fund the trip
- ✓Bank statements for the 6 months immediately before applying, showing salary or regular income
- ✓Evidence of employment, business or studies in India
- ✓Proof of accommodation in Ireland (hotel booking or host's invitation)
- ✓Confirmed travel itinerary or flight tickets
- ✓Evidence of family, social or economic ties to India to show you will return
- ✓Travel and medical insurance, to be in place before you travel if the visa is approved
- ✓Certified English translation of any document not in English
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
You apply online through AVATS, then book an appointment and submit your documents in person at a VFS Global centre in India, where all ten fingerprints and a digital photograph are taken — biometrics are mandatory for applicants resident in India (children under 5 are exempt). The Embassy's fee is EUR 60 for a single-entry and EUR 100 for a multiple-entry Short Stay C visa, plus a separate VFS service charge; fees are non-refundable. Processing time is counted from when your documents reach the Embassy, not from your VFS appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Schengen visa let me enter Ireland?
No. Ireland sits outside the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa carries no weight here. As an Indian passport holder you need a separate Irish Short Stay 'C' visit visa, applied for through AVATS and submitted at VFS Global.
How far in advance should I apply?
Give yourself room. You can apply up to 3 months (90 days) before you travel, and 6 to 8 weeks ahead is a sensible minimum. Remember the clock starts when your documents reach the Embassy, not at your VFS appointment — and peak season stretches everything.
Do I have to give fingerprints?
Yes. If you live in India, you must appear at a VFS Global centre in person to give all ten fingerprints and a digital photograph. Biometrics are compulsory — only children under 5 are exempt — which means the application is made from within India.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No — the decision always rests with the Irish Embassy. What we can do is assess you frankly and make your application as strong as it can be. Our historical success rate is 97% over the last 2–3 years.