Ireland Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)
The Ireland Visitor Visa for family and friends falls under the short-stay ‘C’ Visit visa category, allowing visa-required nationals to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days to see relatives or friends. This is a distinct pathway from the long-stay “Join Family” visa, which is for those wishing to reside in Ireland for more than 3 months with an Irish citizen or other lawfully resident family member — join family visa applications currently take considerably longer to process, in some cases over 2 years. For a short private visit, applicants apply through the same AVATS portal used for the tourist visa, but Immigration Service Delivery provides a dedicated document guide specifically for the “visit family/friend” visa category, since it requires evidence of the relationship with the host in Ireland in addition to the standard visit visa documents. Final approval rests solely with Irish consular authorities.
Eligibility
To apply for an Ireland Visitor Visa to see family or friends, applicants generally must:
- Have a genuine purpose of visiting a family member or friend residing in Ireland, for up to 90 days
- Provide evidence of the relationship with their host (family details, or evidence of an existing friendship)
- Show sufficient ties to their country of residence and motivation to return home after the visit
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the trip, either personally or through their host
- Provide confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Ireland
- Disclose any former visa refusals, deportations, or entry refusals
- Not intend to work, volunteer, or rely on Irish public services
Applications must be made from the applicant’s country of ordinary residence and can be submitted up to 90 days before travel.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
| Single-journey visa | €60 |
| Multiple-journey visa | €100 |
*This is the same fee schedule used for Ireland’s short-stay ‘C’ visit visas generally. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is declined. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances — always confirm exact Ireland Visa Fees on the official irishimmigration.ie website.
Ireland Visa Processing Time
Ireland Visa Processing Time for the family and friends visit category can take longer than a standard tourist application, according to Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, since categories such as Study or Visit visas can take additional time depending on the time of year and the depth of relationship verification required. Some Irish consulates estimate around 20 working days after receipt of complete documentation for standard applications, though this can vary. Applicants seeking a longer-term Join Family visa (for stays over 3 months) should be aware this is a substantially different, longer process and should apply as early as possible. For short visits, applicants are advised not to book non-refundable travel until their visa is approved.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for an Ireland Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) requires accurate documentation, proof of your relationship with the host, and compliance with the immigration requirements prescribed by the Irish authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with visa application forms, invitation letters, relationship documents, travel itineraries, financial evidence, accommodation details, and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Ireland Visitor Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Irish immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Ireland Visitor Visa application with confidence.