🇷🇺Russian Federation

🇮🇪IrelandRU-IE

Russian Federation to Ireland visa requirements

Q: Does a Schengen visa or ETIAS let me enter Ireland?

No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and is not covered by ETIAS. You must apply for a separate Irish visa even if you hold a valid Schengen visa.

Q: How much does the Ireland tourist visa cost?

The visa fee is EUR 60 for single entry or EUR 100 for multiple entry, plus a non-refundable VFS Global service charge. All fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.

Q: How long does processing take?

A decision is usually given within about 8 weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least 2-3 months before your planned travel.

Q: Where do I apply if I live in Russia?

Start the application online through the AVATS portal, then submit your documents, passport and biometrics at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Moscow, which forwards your file to the Embassy of Ireland.

Q: How long can I stay on the short stay visa?

The Short Stay 'C' visit visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. It does not permit work, and you cannot extend it into long-term residence.

Russian ordinary passport holders need a visa to visit Ireland for tourism. There is no visa-free, eVisa or visa-on-arrival option. You must apply for a Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa before travelling. Ireland requires Russian citizens to obtain a Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa for any short visit. Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area and is not in the Common Travel Area for visa purposes for non-British nationals, so it runs its own national visa system - the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to Ireland. The application is started online through the AVATS portal, after which supporting documents, passport, photos and biometrics are submitted to a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Russia (Moscow), which forwards the file to the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow for a decision. The standard short stay visa fee is EUR 60 for single entry or EUR 100 for multiple entry (multiple-entry is granted only in limited cases), plus a non-refundable VFS service charge. A decision typically takes up to about 8 weeks, so travellers should apply well in advance. The 'C' visa permits a stay of up to 90 days; the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and applicants must show proof of onward/return travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. All fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa - national Irish visa (Ireland is not in Schengen / no ETIAS)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days per visit

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple entry only in limited cases)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry, plus VFS service charge

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically up to 8 weeks

standard track

Validity

Visa valid for the dates issued; stay up to 90 days. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond stay

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm the correct visa type

For tourism or visiting friends/family, choose the Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa, which allows a stay of up to 90 days. Ireland is not in Schengen, so no ETIAS or Schengen visa applies.

· Short Stay C· Tourism

/02

Complete the online AVATS application

Fill in the Irish visa application form on the official AVATS online portal, then print and sign the summary application form. Supporting documents must be submitted within 30 days of creating the application.

· AVATS online· 30-day window

/03

Gather supporting documents

Prepare passport (valid 6+ months beyond stay), photos, signed application, cover letter, proof of funds, accommodation booking, travel/onward ticket, travel insurance and employment/financial evidence.

· Documents· Proof of funds

/04

Book and attend VFS Global appointment

Submit your passport, documents and biometrics at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Moscow, which forwards your application to the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow.

· VFS Moscow· Biometrics

/05

Pay the visa fee and VFS service charge

Pay EUR 60 (single) or EUR 100 (multiple) plus the VFS service charge by card or cash at the centre. Fees are non-refundable.

· EUR 60 / EUR 100· Non-refundable

/06

Wait for the decision and collect passport

Allow up to about 8 weeks for processing. Once decided, collect your passport from VFS or by chosen return method, then travel within the visa validity dates.

· Up to 8 weeks· Collect passport

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

Russian Federation -> Ireland · Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa - national Irish visa (Ireland is not in Schengen / no ETIAS)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredRussian passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with blank pages

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted and signed AVATS online application summary form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredRecent passport-sized colour photographs to Irish specification

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredSigned cover letter explaining purpose, itinerary and dates of travel

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements for recent months)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RequiredConfirmed accommodation booking for the whole stay

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredReturn or onward travel ticket / proof of onward travel

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RecommendedTravel/medical insurance covering the trip

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedEvidence of ties to Russia (employment letter, property, family)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredVisa fee plus VFS service charge ready (card or cash)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesEmbassy of Ireland, Moscow - Visas for Ireland Irish Immigration Service - Preclearance and entry visa fees Irish Immigration Service - How to apply for a short stay C visit (tourist) visa

Application link included: Embassy of Ireland, Moscow - Visas for Ireland

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Short stay single-entry visaEUR 60Standard 'C' visit visa fee; non-refundable

Short stay multiple-entry visaEUR 100Granted only in limited / exceptional cases

VFS Global service chargeapprox. EUR 20-30 equivalentPer applicant, charged by the Visa Application Centre; varies

Optional VFS extra servicesVariablePremium lounge, courier return, SMS, photocopying etc.

Total estimateEUR 60 — EUR 130+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing via VFS / Embassy of Ireland Moscow

Up to ~8 weeks

Application forwarded by VFS Moscow to the Embassy of Ireland for decision. Apply well in advance of travel.

Early application (recommended buffer)

Apply 2-3 months before travel

Because there is no priority/fast-track guarantee, submit early to absorb possible delays and document requests.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Russia is a visa-required nationality for Ireland

Russian ordinary passport holders are not on Ireland's visa-exempt list and have no visa-waiver agreement, so a visa is mandatory for any visit.

High

/02

Ireland is outside the Schengen Area

A Schengen visa or ETIAS does not permit entry to Ireland; Ireland issues its own national visas, so travellers must apply separately even if they hold a Schengen visa.

High

/03

Application must be lodged through VFS in Russia

Applicants start on AVATS but must submit documents and biometrics at a VFS Global centre, which forwards the file to the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow.

Medium

/04

Multiple-entry visas are rarely granted to first-time tourists

Most tourist applicants receive a single-entry 'C' visa; multiple-entry is reserved for limited circumstances.

Medium

/05

Strong proof of funds and ties is needed

Refusals are common where applicants cannot show sufficient funds, accommodation, onward travel or clear intent to return.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Russia to Ireland route verified

Confirmed via the Embassy of Ireland in Moscow and Irish Immigration Service that Russian ordinary passport holders require a Short Stay 'C' visit visa (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multiple, applied via AVATS and VFS Moscow). Ireland remains outside Schengen, so ETIAS does not apply.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Russian citizens visit Ireland without a visa?—

No. Russian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Short Stay 'C' visit (tourist) visa before travelling. There is no visa-free entry, eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Ireland.

Does a Schengen visa or ETIAS let me enter Ireland?+

How much does the Ireland tourist visa cost?+

How long does processing take?+

Where do I apply if I live in Russia?+

How long can I stay on the short stay visa?+

/11 — Passport tools