Ireland Tourist Visa Guide for Indian Citizens (2025)

 Thinking of wandering through Ireland’s green hills, lively cities, and ancient sites? If you’re from India, you must secure an Ireland tourist visa first. This handy guide explains every detail you’ll need-theme of visa types, eligibility, required papers, bank balance rules, and how to apply step-by-step. 

Whether you’re looking for a full list of documents, the exact process to apply from India, or simply the bank balance demanded for the visa, you’ll find clear answers here. 

Overview of Ireland Tourist Visa

The Ireland tourist visa, officially called the Short Stay ‘C’ Visa, lets visitors from outside the EU stay in the country for up to 90 days. It covers pleasure trips, family visits, and even short courses or events.  

Who Needs an Ireland Tourist Visa? 

People from several nations, India included, must have a visa before crossing Ireland’s border. This guide zeroes in on the tourist visa path for Indian travelers.

Types of Ireland Short-Stay Visas

Before you send in an application, take a moment to pick the visa that matches your travel plans:

– Tourist Visa- for sightseeing and leisure travel

– Visit Visa – for visiting friends or family

– Conference/Event Visa- for attending seminars or workshops

– Short Course Visa- for study programs under 90 days

If you are an Indian tourist planning some time off in Ireland, the Short Stay ‘C’ Tourist Visa is the right option.

Ireland Tourist Visa from India – Step-by-Step Process

Getting an Ireland tourist visa from India is a simple journey made up of clear steps. Though each step is easy, being accurate keeps your application moving forward instead of getting stuck for missing details.

Step 1: Online Visa Application

Start by filling out the visa form on Irelands official AVATS portal. Double-check that every bit of information matches the documents you will later send.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Next, collect the papers that prove why you are traveling, that you have enough money, a place to stay, and strong ties back home.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Then, pay the fee, which is about €60 (roughly ₹5,400) for a single-entry tourist visa. If you hope to travel multiple times later, remember that those visas cost more and are usually not offered to first-time visitors.

Step 4: Submit Application & Biometrics

Once you have printed the completed form and made the payment, take the whole package to the nearest VFS Global center. There, staff will collect your fingerprints and a photo-marks the biometrics step-along with the application.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

Generally, you can expect a decision in about 15 to 30 working days, although busy periods or special circumstances may stretch that timeline.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements

To avoid delays, make sure every requested document is in order; Irish officials review applications carefully, and missing papers can lead to refusal.

Mandatory Documents:

– Completed AVATS Visa Application Form

– Signed Summary Sheet

– Valid Passport 

– Should remain valid at least 6 months past your planned departure. 

– Attach clear copies of all used pages.

– Passport-sized Photographs 

– Fresh, recent, and matching Irish photo rules.

– Cover Letter 

– Briefly state the reason for your trip, outline your travel schedule, and indicate who will pay the costs.

– Travel Itinerary 

– Include return flight bookings or a detailed day-by-day plan.

– Proof of Accommodation 

– Either confirmed hotel reservations or a signed invitation letter from a host.

– Travel Insurance 

– Must cover at least €30,000.

– Proof of Financial Means 

– Recent bank statements, income-tax returns, and payslips will show you can support yourself.

– Proof of Ties to India 

  – An employment letter, family information, and lease agreements help prove you will return.

✅ Pro Tip: Always send both the original documents and clear photocopies. Fake or altered papers will get your visa denied on the spot and could even ban you from future applications.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for Ireland Tourist Visa?

A question many Indian travelers ask is, How much money do I really need in the bank for an Ireland tourist visa?

Irish officials have never listed a fixed figure, but they do expect you to show enough cash to pay for:

Return airfare

All hotel stays

Daily spending (roughly €50 to €70 each day)

Money for emergencies

Recommended Minimum Bank Balance:

Solo traveler: Pure savings of ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,50,000 for a stay of 10 to 15 days

Couple: ₹5,00,000 to ₹6,00,000

Family: ₹7,00,000 and up

Documents to Prove Financial Strength:

Latest six-month bank statement

Income Tax Returns, or ITR, for the last 2 to 3 years

Salary slips, if you work for a company

Business registration plus income proof, if you run your own firm

✅ Make sure the bank statement is stamped, signed, and shows a steady balance over time-don’t rely on a big deposit made just before you apply.

Common Reasons for Ireland Tourist Visa Rejection

Even if your paperwork looks perfect, some applicants still get a no. Learning where things usually go wrong can save you the trouble:

– Incomplete or inconsistent documents.

– Suspicious travel history.

– Insufficient financial proof.

– Inadequate explanation of the purpose of the visit.

– Lack of ties to the home country (job, family, property).

🔴 Always be honest, clear, and convincing in your documents so officials can easily see you plan to return to India.

How Long Can You Stay in Ireland with a Tourist Visa?

An Irish tourist visa lets you stay for up to 90 days inside any 180-day window. Most of the time it is a single-entry permit unless the letter says differently.

🔄 Plan to leave Ireland before that deadline. Staying longer can lead to bans on future travel.

Visa Processing Time for Ireland Tourist Visa from India

As noted earlier, processing usually takes between 15 and 30 working days. During busy seasons, such as summer or the year-end holidays, delays are common. For peace of mind, apply at least six weeks before your planned flight.

Visa Tracking

To see where your application sits, use the VFS Global tracker or the INIS visa decisions page, depending on where you lodged the file.

Tips for a Successful Ireland Tourist Visa Application

– Be Transparent: Always give honest details; hiding facts will backfire later.

– Plan Ahead: Begin gathering papers at least 1.5 to 2 months before your flight.

– Proofread Documents: Typos or wrong names can hold up your file for weeks.

– Maintain Consistent Funds: Unexpected large transfers will raise red flags with officers.

– Provide a Detailed Cover Letter: A clear, personal letter can tip the scales in your favour.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a tourist visa to Ireland may seem rigid, yet each step is there to protect both you and the country. When you submit a complete set of forms, show strong ties at home, and list healthy, steady savings, you pave the way for approval.

The clearer your financial picture and the better you follow other criteria, the stronger your chance of landing that stamp in your passport.