Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a short stay visa to visit Ireland. One critical point: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so your Schengen visa does not cover Ireland. You need a separate Irish visa unless you qualify under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (if you hold a valid UK visa).
Entering Ireland with a UK Visa (British-Irish Visa Scheme)
Indian passport holders who hold a valid UK visa may be able to visit Ireland without a separate Irish visa under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS).
Who qualifies:
- You hold a valid UK Standard Visitor visa, or a UK long-stay visa (such as a Tier 4/Student visa or Skilled Worker visa)
- The UK visa is still within its validity period when you enter Ireland
- You have already used the visa to enter the UK or Ireland at least once
Which UK visa types are eligible:
Most UK short-stay and long-stay visa categories qualify, including Standard Visitor and the main work and study categories. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) does not count as a qualifying visa for BIVS purposes.
How to check your specific UK visa:
Visit irishimmigration.ie and check the current list of eligible visa categories. The list is updated periodically so always confirm before booking travel.
Common mistake to avoid:
A Schengen visa does not cover Ireland under any circumstances. Many Indian travellers assume that because Ireland is in Europe, a Schengen visa applies. It does not. Ireland opted out of the Schengen Area and maintains its own border controls and visa system.
If you are not sure whether your UK visa qualifies for BIVS, apply for the Irish short stay visa separately to avoid being refused entry at the airport.
How to Apply
- Apply online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at inis.gov.ie.
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the €60 fee online.
- Print your application summary and gather all required documents.
- Submit documents by post or in person at the Irish Embassy in New Delhi or the relevant visa office.
- Processing takes approximately 15 to 20 working days.
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed online visa application form and summary
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Full accommodation bookings for entire stay
- Travel insurance with minimum €25,000 coverage
- Last 6 months bank statements (sufficient funds to cover your stay)
- Proof of employment, salary slips, employer letter, or business registration
- Last 2 years ITR
- Cover letter explaining your itinerary and purpose of visit
Costs & Fees
Ireland short stay visa: €60 (approximately ₹5,400). Non-refundable.
Tips
- Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and the Ring of Kerry are the highlights.
- Ireland and the UK are commonly combined, check if a UK visa qualifies you for Ireland entry under the British-Irish Visa Scheme to save on fees.
- Ireland drives on the left, renting a car is the best way to explore the countryside.
- Irish weather is unpredictable year-round, pack layers regardless of season.
- The best time to visit is May to September for the mildest weather and longest daylight hours.