Ireland Visitor Visa
Ireland Short-Stay 'C' Visa — tourism, family visit, business & conference.
About the Ireland Visitor Visa
Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area. Indian nationals require an Irish Short-Stay (C) Visa from the Department of Justice (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service — INIS).
Applications are filed via the AVATS online portal, then physical documents are submitted at VFS Ireland centres in India. Decisions are issued by the Visa Office at the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi.
Short-Stay visas allow stays of up to 90 days — single or multi-entry — for tourism, family visit, business or short courses.
Visa Types
Tourist 'C' Visa
Holiday, sightseeing, attending events. Up to 90 days, single/multi-entry.
Visit (Family/Friend) 'C' Visa
Backed by an invitation letter from an Irish-resident host.
Business 'C' Visa
Conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations — invitation from Irish company required.
Conference / Event 'C' Visa
Specific stream for invited delegates with formal event registration.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizenship & valid passport (≥ 6 months beyond stay)
Funds proportionate to stay — typically €100/day equivalent
Strong ties to India
Clear travel purpose — itinerary or invitation letter
No adverse Irish/UK/Schengen immigration history
Travel medical insurance ≥ €25,000 covering hospitalisation
Required Documents
- Valid passport with previous travel history
- AVATS summary application form (signed)
- 2 passport photos (white background, INIS specifications)
- Cover letter detailing purpose, dates, funding, ties
- Last 6 months' bank statements + 3 years' ITRs
- Employment / business proof
- Detailed itinerary, hotel bookings & return flight reservation
- Travel insurance ≥ €25,000
- Sponsor/host invitation letter + IRP card / passport + bank statements (for visit cases)
- Marriage / birth certificates for family applications
Financial Requirements
Plan for ~€100/day, typically €1,500–3,000+ per adult for a 1–3 week trip, supported by 6 months bank statements and 3 years' ITRs.
Processing, Biometrics & Validity
Typically 4–8 weeks from submission. Peak months (Jun–Sep, Dec) can extend timelines.
Not currently mandatory for Indian Short-Stay visa applicants. Photographs collected at VFS submission.
Rare — Visa Office may request additional documents instead of an in-person interview.
Up to 90 days per visit. Most first-time applicants get single or short-validity multi-entry. Repeat visitors may receive longer multi-entry visas.
Invitation & Insurance Requirements
Invitation Letter Rules
For visit cases, the Irish-resident host (citizen, IRP holder, EU national) provides a signed invitation letter with full address, status proof, your relationship, dates, accommodation arrangement and confirmation of financial support.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory — minimum €25,000 medical insurance covering accidents, hospitalisation and repatriation, valid for the entire stay.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Profile Evaluation
Free assessment of finances, ties and travel pattern.
- 2
AVATS Online Application
Filing on the INIS AVATS portal — accurate and detailed.
- 3
Document Drafting
Cover letter, sponsor invitation, financial story.
- 4
VFS Submission
Submit application + documents at VFS Ireland; pay visa fee €60 (single) / €100 (multi).
- 5
Embassy Decision
Visa Office reviews; may request more documents.
- 6
Passport Stamping
Stamped passport returned via VFS courier.
Common Refusal Reasons
Insufficient funds for proposed stay
Inadequate ties to India
Inconsistent application or vague itinerary
Past Schengen / UK refusals or overstays
Sponsor's documents inadequate or doubts about host's status
Insurance below €25,000 or invalid
Travel intent not credible to the visa officer
Frequently Asked Questions
No — Ireland operates the Common Travel Area with the UK and is outside the Schengen Area. A separate Irish visa is required.
Why Choose Future Link Consultants
Senior visa counsellors with 25+ years of expertise
End-to-end documentation & cover-letter drafting
1-on-1 mock interview prep (US/UK)
Refusal case turnaround specialists
Direct VFS / VAC appointment support
96%+ approval rate across visitor categories
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Senior visa counsellors. End-to-end documentation. 96%+ approval rate.