How Indian passport holders get a visa for Ireland: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Short-Stay (C) visa — apply via VFS / AVATS before travel
- Government fee: €60 single-entry / €100 multi-entry (approx ₹5,400 / ₹9,000); VFS service charge ~₹2,000 extra
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks typical; up to 10+ weeks in peak season (May–Jul, Dec)
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 40/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- AVATS application summary (signed)
- 2 recent passport photos (35×45 mm)
- Bank statements (last 6 months) and ITR (2 years)
- Confirmed flight booking and accommodation in Ireland
- Proof of employment / occupation
- Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
- Travel medical insurance
How & where to apply
Ireland is NOT in Schengen and runs its own visa system. Apply online on the AVATS portal, then submit documents and biometrics in person at VFS Global in India. Ireland Visa Application Centre — India (VFS)
Transit & connections
Most Indians need a separate Irish Transit Visa for landside transit; airside transit through Dublin is generally not possible. Schengen visas do NOT cover Ireland.
How Ireland compares in non-Schengen Europe
With an ease score of 40/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. Ireland requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Short-Stay (C) visa — apply via VFS / AVATS before travel | €60 single-entry / €100 multi-entry (approx ₹5,400 / ₹9,000); VFS service charge ~₹2,000 extra | 4–8 weeks typical; up to 10+ weeks in peak season (May–Jul, Dec) |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Standard Visitor visa — apply online + VFS biometrics | £135 for a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months). Long-term options: 2-year £506, 5-year £903, 10-year £1,128. Optional VFS services (priority, courier, etc.) cost extra. | Usually a decision within 3 weeks of your biometrics appointment. Priority services available for an extra fee |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | Sticker visa — or visa-free if you hold Schengen/US/UK visa | Approx €60 (₹5,400) consular fee for short-stay (C) visa | Around 15 working days from a complete submission |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey (Türkiye) | eVisa (conditional) — or sticker visa via embassy | eVisa approx US$43 (₹3,650) single-entry, 1-month validity. Sticker visa via embassy approx US$50 government fee plus VFS service charge (total ~₹17,000) | eVisa: within minutes online. Sticker visa: 7–15 working days |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | National (Cypriot) visa — sticker via VFS Global; Schengen visa override applies | €90 (adults). VFS service charge separately. Total ~₹8,500–9,000 per adult. Free if entering under the Schengen visa override. | 10–15 working days standard. Apply at least 20 days before travel. |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | eVisa — or visa-free for holders of used US/UK/Schengen visa | €60 (~₹5,400) for the e-Visa. Free if eligible for visa-free entry on the basis of a used US/UK/Schengen visa. | E-Visa: 7–15 working days. Visa-free entry: instant on arrival. |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | Sticker visa via VFS Global — or visa-free with qualifying strong visa | €60–80 (~₹5,400–7,200) sticker fee. Free if entering under the strong-visa concession. VFS service charge separately. | 10 working days standard; up to 30 days for review, up to 60 days if additional docs needed. Visa-free entry: instant on arrival. |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
Ireland left the British–Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) for Indian visitors in early 2024 — a UK visa no longer automatically allows visa-free entry to Ireland. A separate Irish visa is required. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.ireland.ie/en/india/newdelhi/services/visas/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Ireland?
Short-Stay (C) visa — apply via VFS / AVATS before travel. Ireland left the British–Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) for Indian visitors in early 2024 — a UK visa no longer automatically allows visa-free entry to Ireland. A separate Irish visa is required.
What documents do Indians need for a Ireland visa?
Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages; AVATS application summary (signed); 2 recent passport photos (35×45 mm); Bank statements (last 6 months) and ITR (2 years); Confirmed flight booking and accommodation in Ireland; Proof of employment / occupation; Cover letter explaining purpose of visit; Travel medical insurance
How long does a Ireland visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: 4–8 weeks typical; up to 10+ weeks in peak season (May–Jul, Dec). Government fee: €60 single-entry / €100 multi-entry (approx ₹5,400 / ₹9,000); VFS service charge ~₹2,000 extra. Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per stay.
How do Indians apply for a Ireland visa?
Ireland is NOT in Schengen and runs its own visa system. Apply online on the AVATS portal, then submit documents and biometrics in person at VFS Global in India. Official source: https://www.ireland.ie/en/india/newdelhi/services/visas/
Is a Ireland visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 40/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Ireland visa online or on arrival?
Ireland requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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