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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇮🇪IrelandSA-IE

Saudi Arabia to Ireland visa requirements

Yes. A Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder must obtain an Irish short-stay "C" visit visa before traveling to Ireland for tourism. Saudi Arabia is a visa-required nationality for Ireland, and there is no visa-on-arrival, eVisa, or visa waiver. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and ETIAS does not apply, so a Schengen visa or a future ETIAS will not permit entry to Ireland. Saudi nationals require a visa to enter Ireland for any purpose, including tourism. The correct category is a Short-Stay (C) visit visa, allowing a maximum stay of up to 90 days. Applications are made online through the AVATS system, after which the applicant pays the fee and submits documents (including biometrics where required) at a VFS Global Joint Visa Application Centre in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar). Fees are EUR 60 for single entry and EUR 100 for multiple entry, collected locally in Saudi Riyals (approximately SAR 275 and SAR 460). Tourist visa processing typically takes about 3-4 weeks, and applicants are advised to apply at least three months before travel. Important: Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and the upcoming ETIAS scheme do not apply to Ireland; a Schengen visa alone does not allow entry. A valid UK visa or UK ETA does not entitle a Saudi national to enter Ireland visa-free, and Saudi Arabia is not on the UK/Ireland Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme list. Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their country of residence, sufficient funds, accommodation, travel insurance, and a return/onward ticket.
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 Visa (sticker visa, applied via AVATS)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days maximum
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 60 (single) / EUR 100 (multiple), paid locally approx. SAR 275 / SAR 460
consular fee only
Processing time
Approximately 3-4 weeks for tourist visas; apply at least 3 months ahead
standard track
Validity
Travel must occur within the dates granted; visa duration set per application
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Complete the online application on AVATS
Fill out the Irish visa application form on the official AVATS portal (visas.inis.gov.ie). Select 'Short-term stay (C)', single or multiple entry, and trip purpose 'Visit (Tourist)'. Print and sign the summary application form generated.
· AVATS online· Category: Short Stay C
/02
Gather supporting documents
Prepare passport, photos, signed application, proof of funds, accommodation, travel insurance, return flights and a cover/intention letter showing ties to Saudi Arabia and intent to return.
· Document checklist
/03
Pay the visa fee and book a VFS appointment
Pay the visa fee (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multiple, charged in SAR) plus the VFS service charge, and schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Joint Visa Application Centre.
· VFS Global· Fee + service charge
/04
Attend the VFS centre and submit biometrics
Submit your documents and provide biometric data within 30 days of the online submission at the VFS centre in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar.
· Biometrics within 30 days· Riyadh / Jeddah / Al Khobar
/05
Wait for processing
Allow approximately 3-4 weeks for a decision on a tourist visa. Apply at least three months before your intended travel date to be safe.
· 3-4 weeks· Apply 3 months early
/06
Collect passport and travel
Collect your passport with the visa from VFS or by courier. A visa does not guarantee entry; final admission is decided by an immigration officer at the Irish border.
· Entry at officer discretion
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Ireland · Short-Stay (C) Visit Visa (sticker visa, applied via AVATS)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSaudi ordinary passport valid for 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 application summary form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size colour photographs meeting Irish specifications
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredProof of visa fee payment (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multiple, paid in SAR)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredBiometric data submitted at VFS within 30 days of online application
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredConfirmed accommodation booking or invitation letter
Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance covering the stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of ties to Saudi Arabia (employment letter, property, family) showing intent to return
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
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 in Saudi Arabia - Visas for IrelandDepartment of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) - Visas for Ireland (Saudi Arabia)Irish Immigration Service Delivery - Coming to Visit Ireland
Application link included: Embassy of Ireland in Saudi Arabia - Visas for Ireland
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Short-Stay (C) single entry visaEUR 60Paid locally approx. SAR 275
Short-Stay (C) multiple entry visaEUR 100Paid locally approx. SAR 460
VFS Global service chargeApprox. SAR 100-160Per applicant, additional to the visa fee; varies by centre
Total estimateEUR 60 (approx. SAR 275) + VFS service charge — EUR 100 (approx. SAR 460) + VFS service chargeincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard tourist visa processing
Approximately 3-4 weeks
Typical processing time for a short-stay visit visa once a complete application and biometrics are submitted. Apply at least 3 months before travel.
Peak/complex application processing
Up to 8 weeks or more
Processing can take longer during busy periods or if additional documentation or checks are required. There is no official premium fast-track for Irish visit visas.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is a visa-required nationality for Ireland
Saudi ordinary passport holders are not on Ireland's visa-exempt list and must obtain a visa before travel for any purpose, including tourism.
High
/02
Ireland is outside Schengen and ETIAS
A Schengen visa does not permit entry to Ireland, and the upcoming ETIAS scheme does not cover Ireland; a separate Irish visa is always needed.
High
/03
No UK visa or UK ETA shortcut
A valid UK visa or UK ETA does not allow a Saudi national to enter Ireland; Saudi Arabia is not on the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Medium
/04
Insufficient proof of ties or funds
Applications can be refused if the applicant does not demonstrate adequate funds or strong ties to the country of residence assuring return.
Medium
/05
Late application
Processing of 3-4 weeks (or longer) means last-minute applications risk missing travel dates; the embassy advises applying about 3 months ahead.
Low
/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
Saudi Arabia to Ireland route verified
Confirmed via the Embassy of Ireland in Saudi Arabia and Department of Foreign Affairs that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Short-Stay (C) visit visa (EUR 60 single / EUR 100 multiple), applied via AVATS and VFS Global. Verified Ireland remains outside Schengen/ETIAS and that Saudi Arabia is not eligible for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or UK ETA.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Ireland?—
Yes. Saudi ordinary passport holders must obtain an Irish Short-Stay (C) visit visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival, eVisa, or visa waiver for Saudi nationals.
Can I use a Schengen visa or ETIAS to enter Ireland?+
Can I enter Ireland with a UK visa or UK ETA?+
How much does the Irish visit visa cost?+
How long does processing take and when should I apply?+
How long can I stay in Ireland on this visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

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