Why apply for a Ireland Tourist Visa

• Tourism Excellence: Visit landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and Trinity College Dublin.
• Cultural Heritage: Experience authentic Irish music, history, and festivals.
• Economic Stability: One of Europe’s safest and most prosperous countries.
• Education & Innovation: Global hub for technology, healthcare, and learning.
• Ease of Travel: Well-connected to the UK, Europe, and North America.

Ireland is known for its castles, churches, and museums. The country has the largest green space in Europe and the longest coastal touring route in the world. Apart from this, you can explore the mountains and lush valleys or indulge in water-based sports when you visit the country.

Ireland is not part of the Schengen agreement. So, you cannot travel to Ireland on a Schengen visa but will have to apply for a separate tourist visa.

Ireland Visit Visa – Benefits

• Tourism & Family Access: Ideal for travellers visiting family, attending events, or exploring Ireland’s scenic and cultural attractions.
• English-Speaking Country: Easy communication for Indian travellers with no language barrier.
• Business & Cultural Engagement: Suitable for attending conferences, exhibitions, or short-term business meetings.
• Safe & Welcoming Environment: Ireland ranks among Europe’s safest and most tourist-friendly nations.
• Strong Indian Diaspora: A large Indian community offers familiarity and comfort to visiting families.
• Professional Visa Guidance: Y-Axis ensures error-free applications, saving time and minimizing rejection risk.

Market Background & Trends

• Tourism Growth: Ireland remains one of Europe’s top travel destinations, attracting over 10.5 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 7% year-on-year increase driven by tourism, family visits, and business events.
• India as a Key Source Market: Indian visitor numbers have grown by 15% annually, making India one of the fastest-growing non-EU markets for Irish short-stay travel. The main reasons include tourism, academic visits, and family reunions.
• Post-Recovery Momentum: Ireland’s tourism has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, supported by new flight connections from Delhi, Mumbai, and Dubai to Dublin and increased visa processing efficiency by INIS.
• Business & Cultural Travel: The country hosts several international summits, academic conferences, and cultural festivals, making short-term travel for business and education highly popular.
• Visa Modernization: INIS continues to simplify its online visa application portal and aims to integrate biometric and digital tracking systems by 2026 for faster and more transparent processing.
• Summary: Ireland’s growing connectivity, cultural appeal, and strong Indian diaspora make it an attractive and reliable short-stay destination for tourists, families, and professionals.

Eligibility Criteria – Ireland Visit Visa (Type C)

To qualify for an Ireland, Visit Visa, applicants must meet the following mandatory eligibility requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Ireland, with two blank pages and copies of all previous visas (if applicable).
• Genuine Temporary Intent: Must clearly demonstrate intent to visit Ireland temporarily and return to the home country after the visit.
• Financial Stability: Must show proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the trip (bank statements for at least 6 months, income proof, or sponsorship documents).
• Travel & Medical Insurance: Must have valid travel insurance covering the full duration of stay in Ireland for medical emergencies and repatriation.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide confirmed hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host residing in Ireland.
• Ties to Home Country: Must provide proof of strong economic or social ties such as employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, or property ownership.
• Clean Immigration Record: Must not have previous visa overstays, deportations, or violations in Ireland or any other country.
• Purpose of Visit: Must submit documents supporting the declared purpose (tourism, business, family visit, or event attendance).
• Health & Character: Must be in good health and possess a clear criminal record. Police clearance may be required for certain applicants.

Documents Required for the Visa Application:

• Visa Application Form (AVATS): Complete the online application form via the AVATS portal, print the summary sheet, and sign it before submission.
• Cover Letter: A signed personal letter explaining the purpose of visit, duration, travel dates, and proof of intent to return to your home country.
• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, and include two blank pages.

Attach copies of previous visas, if any.

• Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent colour photographs meeting INIS photo standards (light background, clear facial visibility).
• Travel Itinerary: Provide a tentative flight plan with entry and exit dates and details of cities to be visited.
• Confirmed tickets are not mandatory.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in Ireland with their address, ID proof, and contact information.

Proof of Financial Means:

• 6 months of recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for travel and stay.
• Salary slips or ITRs (if employed).
• Sponsorship letter and sponsor’s financial documents (if applicable).
• Employment or Study Proof:
• Employees: Employment letter, leave approval, and salary slips.
• Self-Employed: Business registration, tax documents, and business bank statements.
• Students: Enrollment certificate and a No Objection Letter from the institution.
• Travel & Medical Insurance: Valid for the entire duration of stay in Ireland, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Documents showing you will return after the visit — such as employment confirmation, family proof, or property documents.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable): For family or friend visits, provide an invitation letter with details of relationship, purpose, and host’s Irish residence permit.
• Visa Fee Payment Proof: Receipt of payment for visa and VFS Global service fees (attach printed confirmation).
• Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable):
• Previous travel history (old passports, visas, entry/exit stamps).
• Proof of civil status (marriage or birth certificate).
• Parental consent for minors.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Ireland Visitor Visa

Check Visa Requirement: Confirm that you need an Ireland Short-Stay (Type C) Visa based on your nationality and purpose (tourism, family, or business).

 Complete Online Application: Fill out the visa form, print and sign the summary sheet after submission.

 Prepare Documents: Gather required documents — passport, photos, cover letter, travel plan, financial proof, insurance, and employment or student evidence.

 Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable fee (€60 single-entry / €100 multiple-entry) and attach the payment receipt to your file.

 Submit Application: Submit the signed summary Sheet and supporting documents to the Irish Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global centre as instructed.

 Application Processing: The visa office reviews your file. Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on your location and travel purpose.

 Receive Decision: Approved visas are stamped on your passport; refusals include a written explanation.

 Travel to Ireland: On arrival, the Immigration Officer at the border grants entry permission (usually up to 90 days). Carry your documents and return ticket.

Official Costs & Processing Time – Ireland Visit Visa (Type C)

Visa Fees

• Single-Entry Visa: €60 (approx. INR 5,400)
• Multiple-Entry Visa: €100 (approx. INR 9,000)
• VFS Global Service Fee: Approx. INR 1,800–2,000 (varies by location)
• Payment Mode: Online via AVATS or at VFS Global (credit/debit card or bank draft only).

Processing Time

• Standard Processing: Typically, 4 to 8 weeks from the date of document submission.
• Peak Season (April–September): May take up to 10 weeks, depending on application volume and case complexity.
• Application Window: You can apply up to 3 months before your travel date; early applications are encouraged for timely processing.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

• Advise you on the required documentation
• Advise you on the funds that need to be shown
• Fill out the application forms
• Review your documents for the visa application