Botswana passport → Ireland

Ireland visa for citizens of Botswana

Embassy / VFSIreland Visit Visa (C)

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Ireland Visit Visa (C)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	€80
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 6 months showing minimum balance of ~€3,000 or sponsorship letter

How to apply

1
Complete the online AVATS application
Fill out the Irish visa application form online, print the summary sheet, and sign it.
2
Gather all required documents
Collect passport, photo, financial proof, travel itinerary, accommodation, and insurance as listed.
3
Pay the visa application fee online
Fee is €80 for single-entry, €100 for multiple-entry (if multi-entry selected, enter €80 as base; but here set as €80 standard for visit visa).
4
Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
Schedule biometrics and document submission appointment.
5
Attend biometrics appointment in person
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the VAC; original documents are reviewed.
6
Submit application and wait for processing
Processing can take 4–8 weeks; check online status using your reference number.
7
Collect passport (if approved) via courier or in person
You will receive a decision letter; if approved, the visa vignette will be affixed to your passport.

Documents checklist

Travel

Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
Must have at least 2 blank visa pages
Travel itinerary including flight bookings and accommodation reservations
Round-trip booking showing return before visa expiry
Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid throughout the Schengen area (Ireland requires this for all visitors)
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter from host)
If staying with friends/family, include their address and signed invitation

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for last 6 months, pay slips, or sponsor's documents)
Minimum balance around €3,000 or equivalent

Employment

Employment letter or proof of student status
Include start date, position, salary, and approved leave

Supporting

Completed and signed visa application form (AVATS)
Submit online and print the summary sheet
Recent passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm, white background)
Must meet Irish visa photo specifications
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary
Optional
Optional but recommended to strengthen application
Copy of previous visas and travel history (if any)
Optional
Especially helpful for first-time travellers

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €3,000 (or equivalent in BWP) or proof of sponsorship

Personal bank statements for last 6 months
Pay slips for last 3 months
Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statements

Funds must cover cost of stay (accommodation, living expenses, and return travel). If sponsored, sponsor must provide evidence of sufficient funds and relationship.

Good to know

Start the process at least 3 months before your planned departure; appointments can be limited.
All documents not in English or Irish must be translated by a certified translator.
Overstaying a visa can lead to future bans.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear source of income

Provide clear bank statements showing regular income and a balance sufficient to cover the trip. If sponsored, include a signed sponsorship letter and the sponsor's financial documents.

Weak ties to home country (Botswana) – risk of overstay

Submit strong evidence of employment, property, family, or studies in Botswana to demonstrate intention to return.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields on AVATS form; ensure signatures and dates match passport.

FAQ

Do citizens of Botswana need a visa for Ireland?

Citizens of Botswana need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Ireland Visit Visa (C).

How long can citizens of Botswana stay in Ireland?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Ireland visa cost for citizens of Botswana?

Government fee: €80.

What documents do citizens of Botswana need for Ireland?

Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay); Completed and signed visa application form (AVATS); Recent passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm, white background); Travel itinerary including flight bookings and accommodation reservations; Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for last 6 months, pay slips, or sponsor's documents); Employment letter or proof of student status; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Ireland?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Ireland

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