Short Stay ‘C’ Visas

Do You Need A Visa To Visit Ireland?

Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Ireland, nor do they need to register when they arrive in the country. The European Single Market allows for free movement of people within designated areas including Ireland.

In addition, some other countries also do not require a visa to enter Ireland if the length of travel is less than 90 days, although they do require that you register for permission to enter the country. Several countries are visa-required; so, if you are a visa-required national, you must apply for an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.

Types of Short Stay ‘C’ Visas

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Conference/ Event Visa
• Employment Visa – Atypical Working Scheme
• Exam Visa
• Internship Visa
• Short Stay Family and Friends Visa
• Training Visa
• Performance/ Competition Visa
• Medical Treatment Visa
• Marriage Visa

Eligibility For Irish Short Stay ‘C’ Visas

There are several visa requirements you must meet to be eligible for a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your reason for travel. Generally, the eligibility requirements across all short-stay visa categories include:

• Applicant must intend to return to their home country or another country following the valid time of the short-stay visa, and be able to provide evidence of their return or departing trip
• Applicants must be able to financially support themselves during their time in Ireland and will not rely on public funds
• The applicant does not have the intent to enter the UK from Ireland without a UK visa
• The applicant possesses good moral standing and character
• The applicant does not have a history of violating past visa terms or immigration laws and is not banned from applying for an Irish visa
• The applicant does not intend to do paid or unpaid work while in Ireland on the short-stay visa

Required Documents For an Irish Short Stay ‘C’ Visa

When you apply for an Irish short stay ‘C’ visa you will be required to provide sufficient evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria as a part of your visa application package. Required supporting documents will vary depending on the category you’re applying under, but generally include the following:

• Visa application form confirmation page
• An explanation of your reason for travel
• An itinerary including the dates you plan to enter Ireland and leave Ireland
• A current and valid passport
• Copies of previous visas and passports if applicable
• Two standard passport-sized photos
• Documents to support your financial stability
• Evidence of your accommodation while in Ireland
• Documents relating to medical treatment if applicable

All the required documentation which is not originally in the English language must have certified translated copies made and submitted as part of your documentation package. Letters from companies, universities, colleges, or professional courses must be on an official headed paper.

How To Apply For A Short Stay ‘C’ Visa

First, you will need to determine which category of short-stay visa you will be applying under. Review the documentation as it may take you a while to gather all of the necessary items to submit. You can do the visa application online using the AVATS system.

The online application form will ask you to provide information on your background and reason for travel. It is important to fill this out thoroughly and accurately as false or misleading information can lead to your visa being denied. If you are found to have deliberately provided misleading information in your application, you may be banned from applying for an Irish visa for up to five years.

Once you complete your application you will need to pay the visa fee and submit your documentation package along with your passport within 30 days. A visa officer will review your documents and application and contact you should they need further information.

Once your application is approved, your Irish visa will be stamped in your passport or travel document, and you will be able to travel to Ireland. At border control, an Irish immigration officer will review your documents and if there is no contraindication they will approve you to enter the country and stamp your passport with a landing stamp.

It is recommended that you complete your visa application process about three months before your planned date of travel to allow for any delays in processing.

Costs and Fees

The visa application fee for the short stay ‘C’ visa depends on the entry type you apply for. The visa fees are as follows:

• €60 for a single entry visa
• €100 for a multiple entry visa

Note that you may incur additional costs in the application process such as obtaining documentation or certified translations.

Processing Times

While there is no exact processing time given for the short-stay visa, visa decisions are typically made within eight weeks of your application being received. Thoroughly completing your application and providing all necessary documents will ensure that your application is processed in the most efficient time possible.

Both the original documents and passport will be returned to you by mail following the processing of your application, or you can also arrange to pick them up at the Irish embassy, Dublin visa office, or another visa office, depending on your location.