The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your stay in Ireland.
Short stay visas
If you want to come to Ireland for less than 3 months, you should apply for a short stay ‘C’ visa. You should apply for this type of visa if you want to come to Ireland as a tourist or to visit someone, for a business meeting, or to attend a short course.
You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a ‘C’ visa. You must leave Ireland and apply for another visa if you want to return.
Long stay visas
If you want to come to Ireland for more than 3 months, for example to study, for work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who live in Ireland, then you can apply for a long stay ‘D’ visa.
If you are granted a long stay ‘D’ visa and wish to remain in the State for longer than 3 months you must register and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
You can read more information about different types of visa available on the ISD website.
Re-entry visas
The first visa issued to you is valid for a single entry to the State. If you wish to leave the State for a short period of time you may need to apply for a re-entry visa – including travel to Northern Ireland.
If you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) you do not need a re-entry visa when traveling to and from Ireland.
Non-EEA nationals aged under 16 do not have to register for an IRP and still have to apply for a re-entry or multiple-entry visa. This is free of charge.
Transit visas
If you are travelling through Ireland on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa when arriving in Ireland on their way to another country. A transit visa does not permit you to leave the port or airport. If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need a valid Irish transit visa when landing in the State: