Ireland Visit Visa for Canadian Residents

Ireland draws many international tourists with its scenic views, lively culture, and historical sites. If you're planning a trip for vacation, family visits, work, or medical reasons, knowing Ireland's visa rules will help you avoid problems.

• In 2024, more than 11.3 million international tourists came to Ireland. Tourism should increase by 7% each year until 2026 (according to the Tourism Ireland Report).
• Canadians do not need a visa for tourism or work trips lasting up to 90 days.
• Foreign citizens who live in Canada might need a visa to enter Ireland.
• Ireland is among the top 5 safest European countries for tourists (Global Peace Index 2024).
• Dublin Airport had a record of 31 million passengers in 2024, making it a main entry point for travellers.

*Want assistance to apply for an Ireland Visit Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
 

What Is an Ireland Visit Visa?

An Ireland Visit Visa, or ‘C’ visa, lets people from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who need a visa enter Ireland for up to 90 days. People usually use it for tourism, seeing family or friends, business meetings or short courses, or getting medical care. People with this visa cannot work, study for long periods, or use public services in Ireland. They have to leave before the visa runs out.

To get an Ireland Visit Visa, people must show they plan to return home after their visit. They also need to have enough money for their stay and a place to stay in Ireland. Depending on why they are coming, they might get a visa for one entry or, sometimes, for many entries. People from some countries, such as the US, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for short visits, but still have to meet the standard requirements when they enter Ireland.
 

Why Visit Ireland from Canada?

For Canadians, Ireland mixes current urban living with old historical places well.

• Visit famous places such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Dublin Castle.
• Find your Irish roots or see family and friends in Ireland.
• Go to global business events and school meetings in Dublin and Cork.
• Enjoy active cultural festivals like St. Patrick’s Day and the Galway Arts Festival.
• Direct flights from Toronto and Vancouver offer easy air travel.

Benefits of the Ireland Visit Visa

The benefits offered by an Ireland Visit Visa are given below.

• The short-stay visa lets people from non-EU/EEA countries who need a visa enter Ireland for a maximum of 90 days.
• With this visa, visitors can see Ireland's scenery, historical places, and cultural spots.
• It also lets people attend seminars, workshops, and cultural or business events.
• International individuals can also receive health services for short-term medical needs.
• It allows attendance at meetings, negotiations, and contract signings with Irish businesses.
• Depending on your travel requirements, you can apply for a visa that allows a single entry or, in some instances, multiple entries.

Types of Ireland Visit Visas for Canadians

Ireland offers various types of visit visas, depending on the applicant’s purpose of visiting Ireland. Some of the popular types of Irish visit visas are:

• Tourist Visa
• Family or Friend Visit Visa
• Business Visa
• Conference or Event Visa
• Medical Treatment Visa
• Transit Visa

Tourist Visa

The Ireland Tourist Visa, a short-term visa (Category ‘C’), permits people from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who require a visa to enter Ireland for tourism for a maximum of 90 days. This visa is for tourism, vacations, or seeing family and friends. Visa holders can't work, study, or use state services in Ireland. Applicants must show proof of enough money, where they will stay, and that they plan to go back home before the visa runs out.
 

Family or Friend Visit Visa

The Ireland Family or Friend Visit Visa, a short-stay visa (Category ‘C’), enables people from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who need a visa to visit Ireland for up to 90 days to see family or friends. This visa is for social visits only. People with this visa cannot work, study, or use public services in Ireland. Those applying must give proof of their relationship to the person they plan to visit, give details about where they will stay, show they have enough money for the trip, and prove they plan to go home before the visa expires.
 

Business Visa

An Ireland Business Visa, a short-stay visa (Category ‘C’), allows people from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, who need a visa, to visit Ireland for business reasons for up to 90 days. Business activities can include meetings, conferences, negotiations, or contract signings. Note that this visa does not allow holders to work, get paid employment, or use public services in Ireland. People applying need to show proof of their business reason for travel, like an invitation from an Irish company, lodging details, proof of enough money, and confirmation that they plan to leave Ireland before the validity of the visa expires.
 

Conference or Event Visa

An Ireland Conference or Event Visa, a short-term visa (Category ‘C’), permits non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens from countries that need a visa to enter Ireland for up to 90 days. It is intended for attending conferences, seminars, workshops, cultural events, or similar gatherings. This visa is specifically for event participation; it does not allow holders to work, do paid activities, or use public services in Ireland. Applicants must show proof of event registration or invitation, lodging details, evidence of enough funds for the stay, and a pledge to leave Ireland before the visa ends.
 

Medical Treatment Visa

An Ireland Medical Treatment Visa, a short-stay visa (Category ‘C’), allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens from countries that need a visa to come to Ireland for medical care for up to 90 days. This visa is for people who can show they need treatment, have made plans with a recognized Irish medical center, and have enough money for treatment and living costs while in Ireland. Visa holders can't work, study, or use public services other than their approved medical care. They must also prove they plan to leave Ireland after treatment or when their visa expires.
 

Transit Visa

An Ireland Transit Visa is for people from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries who need to go through an Irish airport to get to somewhere else. It's for those who don't plan to enter Ireland itself. With this visa, you can only stay in the airport's international transit area. You can’t leave the airport or go through Irish border control. When you apply, you will need to show your travel plans, including a visa for your final destination, if needed, and proof that you are going there.
 

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To visit Ireland, you must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

• If you are a foreign resident of Canada and your country needs a visa for Ireland.
• Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned return.
• Proof of funds, lodging, and confirmed return travel is needed.
• Canadians do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days, but must meet entry rules upon arrival.

Ireland Visit Visa Requirements from Canada

To apply for Ireland Visit Visa, you must submit the following documents.

• A valid passport (must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six more months).
• A filled-out AVATS online visa application form.
• Two current passport-size photographs.
• Proof of your trip and where you will stay.
• Proof that you can pay for your stay.
• A letter of invitation (if applicable for family visits or business trips).
• Medical travel insurance that covers the full time you are in the country.
• Proof of Canadian residency (PR card, visa, or permit).

How to Apply for an Ireland Visit Visa from Canada?

The step-wise procedure to apply for an Ireland Visit Visa is given below.

Step 1: Fill out the AVATS online form and print the summary.

Step 2: Collect all needed documents and supporting Information.

Step 3: Submit your application and documents to the Irish Visa Office or consulate.

Step 4: Pay the fee for the visa, and if needed, go to an interview.

Step 5: Receive your passport with the Ireland visit visa.

Ireland Visit Visa Fees in Canada

Detailed information about the visit visa fees of Ireland is given below.

Visa Type	Fee
Short‑stay ‘C’ Single‑Entry	€ 60
Short‑stay ‘C’ Multiple‑Entry	€ 100
Transit Visa (airport transit only)	€ 25

 

Processing Time for Ireland Visit Visa

Detailed information about the processing time for Ireland Visit Visas is given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Short-stay ‘C’ Single-Entry Visa	8 weeks
Short-stay ‘C’ Multiple-Entry Visa	8 weeks
Transit Visa	8 weeks

 

Validity and Duration of Stay

The validity and duration of stay offered by Ireland Visit visas are given below.

Visa Type	Validity Period	Maximum Duration of Stay
Short-stay ‘C’ Single-Entry Visa	Valid for travel within 90 days	Up to 90 days in Ireland
Short-stay ‘C’ Multiple-Entry Visa	Valid for travel within 90 days	Up to 90 days per visit
Transit Visa	Valid for travel on transit date(s) only	Stay in airport transit area only

 

Tips to Avoid Visa Rejection

• Make sure your documents are easy to understand, correct, and have all the info the embassy asks for.
• Show that you have good reasons to come back to Canada, like a job, family, or property.
• Plan your trip with real details and show where you're staying.
• Prove you have enough money for your trip.
• Send in your application early to avoid problems or delays.
   

Can You Extend Your Ireland Visit Visa?

Yes, Ireland Visit Visa can be extended. Visa extensions for Ireland are typically granted only in unusual situations, like medical emergencies or humanitarian crises. You must submit your application to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) before your current visa runs out, and you'll need to include supporting documents. It's worth noting that requests for extensions due to tourism or business trips usually are not approved.
 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a well-known immigration and visa consultancy that helps people with their travel, education, job, and relocation needs. With years of practical experience, they give skilled advice on visa procedures, paperwork, and application tactics for many countries, such as Ireland.

Our services include:

• Personalized eligibility checks for an Ireland Visit Visa.
• Help with preparing and arranging all the needed papers for a solid application.
• Advice on how to fill out visa forms and avoid typical mistakes that cause rejections.
• Updates on Ireland visa rules, processing times, and interview preparation, if necessary.
• Complete support until your visa is processed and issued.