Ireland Visit Visa from India: Processing Time, Fees & Checklist

With so many nurses and healthcare workers from Kerala now settled in Ireland, we get asked about Ireland visit visas almost as often as UK ones. Here’s what to expect.

Processing time

Ireland’s visa office typically advises 4 to 8 weeks for a decision, but this can extend, especially during summer and around Christmas when application volumes rise. Our standard advice: apply at least 8 weeks before your planned travel date, and earlier if you’re traveling during a peak period.

Fees

A short-stay “C” visit visa costs roughly €60 for a single-entry application, though rates and multi-entry options vary — we confirm the current fee with you before you apply, since exchange rates and Irish visa fees are both reviewed periodically.

Document checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Two recent passport photos
Printed AVATS online application confirmation
Invitation letter from your Ireland-based sponsor
Copy of the sponsor’s Irish immigration permission (or Irish/EU passport)
Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate)
Your bank statements for the last 6 months
Travel insurance covering your full stay in Ireland
Proof of your ties to India

A common point of confusion: Ireland is not Schengen

If your trip includes both Ireland and a mainland Europe destination like France or Germany, you’ll need two separate visas — an Ireland visa and a Schengen visa — because Ireland sits outside the Schengen Area. Plan for both applications and both sets of documents if that’s your itinerary.

Where the application is processed

Kerala applicants apply online through Ireland’s AVATS system, then submit supporting documents and biometrics at the VFS Global centre in Kochi. The decision itself is made by the Irish Visa Office, and your passport is returned via VFS once a decision is issued.

Planning a visit to family in Ireland? WhatsApp us or see our full Ireland Visit Visa guide for the complete process.