Visa Requirement: Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Ireland.
Visa Types:
Short Stay (<90 days): Tourism, Business, Transit, Short Study
Long Stay (>90 days): Study, Work, Family Reunification, Retirement
Application Process:
Determine visa type
Gather required documents (passport, photos, proof of finances, etc.)
Submit application online (for some types) or in-person at Irish Visa Application Centres (VACs) in India
Pay application fee (€60 for Short Stay, €100 for Long Stay)
Processing Time: Several weeks to 4-6 months (depending on visa type)
Key Reminders:
Apply early
Ensure document accuracy
Check for policy updates on official websites (INIS, VFS Global Ireland)
Table of Contents
Yes, Indian citizens do need a visa to visit Ireland. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a visa for Portugal or another Schengen country won't suffice for entering Ireland. The visa application process for Ireland is separate from Schengen visas.
Identifying the correct visa type ensures your application is processed correctly and reduces the risk of rejection due to incorrect application type.
Reflect on the Purpose of Your Visit:
Are you visiting for tourism, business, study, work, or family reunification?
Do you intend to stay for less than 90 days (Short Stay) or more than 90 days (Long Stay)?
Match Your Purpose with the Correct Visa Category:
Short Stay Visas (Less than 90 days):
Tourist Visa: Holidays, visiting family/friends.
Business Visa: Conferences, meetings, short-term business.
Transit Visa: Passing through Ireland to another country.
Short Stay Study Visa: Short-term study or research.
Long Stay Visas (More than 90 days):
Study Visa: Degree programs or longer study periods.
Work Visa: Employment in Ireland (requires a job offer and employment permit).
Family Reunification Visa: Joining family members living in Ireland.
Retiree/Passive Income Visa: For individuals with independent means.
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) Website: www.inis.gov.ie - Offers a visa type checker tool.
VFS Global Ireland Website: www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/India/ - Provides detailed visa categories and requirements.
Embassy of Ireland in India: www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/india/ - Contact them for personalized advice.
(Detailed in Section 5 of the Original Guide)
Please refer to the original guide's Section 5 for an exhaustive list of required documents, as the specifics can vary significantly based on the visa type and individual circumstances.
A. Online Application (For Eligible Visa Types)
Access the AVATS Online Application System: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineApplication.aspx
Create an Account or Log In: If you’ve previously applied, use your existing credentials.
Fill Out the Application Form:
Ensure all information is accurate and matches your documents.
Upload required documents in the specified format.
Submit Your Application:
Review your application carefully before submission.
Note the application reference number for future tracking.
B. In-Person Submission through VFS Global
Book an Appointment:
Visit the VFS Global Ireland Website.
Select your city and preferred date/time for the appointment.
Visit the VAC with All Required Documents:
Ensure you have all documents as per the checklist for your visa type.
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Submit Your Application:
VFS staff will guide you through the submission process.
Ensure to collect a receipt acknowledging your application submission.
Booking an Appointment with VFS Global:
Online: Through the VFS Global Ireland website.
Helpline: Contact VFS Global’s customer service for assistance with booking.
(Detailed in Section 6 of the Original Guide)
Please refer to the original guide's Section 6 for information on application fees, payment methods, and additional service fees for VAC services.
Where and When:
Location: At the designated VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
Time: During your scheduled appointment for in-person submission.
What to Expect:
Fingerprint Scanning: Part of the biometric data collection process.
Photograph: A digital photo will be taken.
Process Duration: Typically quick, around 10 minutes.
Tips:
Ensure Clean and Dry Fingers for clear fingerprint scans.
Remove Any Henna or Tattoo that might interfere with the fingerprint scan.
Be Prepared to follow the instructions of the VAC staff.
Entry | Purpose | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|
Single entry Normal | Transit | 1 month | 3 months | 3400.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | Business | 1 month | 3 months | 8500.0 |
Single entry Normal | Business | 1 month | 3 months | 5800.0 |
Single entry Normal | Tourist | 1 month | 3 months | 5800.0 |
Single entry Normal | Sports | 1 month | 3 months | 5800.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | Tourist | 1 month | 3 months | 8500.0 |
Need more clarity on the Ireland visa? Check out helpful resources below
Ireland Tourist Visa Requirement
Ireland Business Visa Requirement
Ireland Visit Visa Requirement
Yes, for some visa types through AVATS. Check the INIS website for eligibility.
Varies by visa type; check the current processing times on the INIS or VFS Global Ireland websites.
No, short-stay visas do not permit employment. You need a Work Visa for employment.
Details for appealing a decision are provided with the rejection notice. Typically involves submitting an appeal form and supporting documents within a specified timeframe.
No, Ireland currently doesn't offer an electronic visa application system.
Required documents depend on the visa type (generally include completed application form, valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, travel medical insurance, flight itinerary). Additional documents might be required for specific visas (cover letter, invitation letter, proof of employment etc.).
No, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Ireland.
It's not mandatory, but demonstrating onward travel plans might strengthen your application.
Short-stay visas: at least 25 working days, Long-stay visas: several months (depending on visa type and complexity).
Some embassies/consulates allow online application status tracking. Check their website for details.
You will receive a notification with the reason for rejection (if possible). You can re-apply, addressing the reasons for rejection.
No, visa on arrival is not available for Indian citizens.
Choose a single-entry visa for a one-time visit. Opt for a multiple-entry visa if you plan multiple trips within the validity period.
Work visas, study visas, family reunification visas etc. Each has specific requirements.
No, Short-stay visas are generally not extendable. Consider applying for a new visa if your stay needs to be extended.
Not usually required for short stays. Long-stay visas might require a medical exam depending on the category.
Visa fees are typically paid in Euros (EUR).
It depends on the application center's policy. Check their website for accepted payment methods.
While not mandatory, a visa consultant can assist with the application process for a fee.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website and the Irish Embassy/Consulate in India are reliable resources for the latest information.