Nigeria passport → Ireland

Ireland visa for citizens of Nigeria

Embassy / VFSIreland Short Stay Visa (Tourist)

Citizens of Nigeria 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 Short Stay Visa (Tourist)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient balance to cover stay

How to apply

1
Complete Online Application Form (AVATS)
Fill in the Irish visa application form on the official AVATS website and print the signed summary
2
Pay Visa Application Fee
Pay the visa fee online via the application portal and keep the receipt
3
Schedule Biometrics Appointment at VFS Global
Book an appointment online through the VFS Global website for submission of biometrics and documents
4
Attend Appointment at VFS Centre
Visit the VFS Global centre in person on the scheduled date; submit biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and your application package
5
Wait for Visa Processing
The Irish embassy will process your application; processing time varies
6
Collect Passport and Decision
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker; collect in person or via courier as arranged

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Ireland
Completed and signed visa application form (AVATS)
Print and sign the online application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm)
Must meet Irish visa photo specifications (white background)
Biometrics appointment confirmation
Print the appointment letter from VFS Global

Travel

Flight itinerary (round trip booking or reservation)
Should show entry and exit dates from Ireland
Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter from host)
Provide booking confirmation for entire stay or sponsor's accommodation details

Financial

Bank statements for the last 6 months
Must show regular income and sufficient funds
Recent payslips (last 3 months)
Optional
Support employment and income proof

Employment

Employment letter or proof of business
Letter from employer confirming leave, or business registration for self-employed
Leave approval letter from employer (if employed)
Optional
Confirms that you are granted leave for the travel period

Supporting

Visa fee payment receipt
Proof of payment of the visa application fee
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Explain travel itinerary and reason for visiting Ireland
Travel insurance covering medical and repatriation
Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies
Proof of ties to Nigeria (e.g., property documents, family records)
Optional
Strength of application by showing intention to return

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Payslips
Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay, typically at least €50-€100 per day of stay

Good to know

Apply well in advance; processing can take 8 weeks or more
Ensure all documents are translated into English if originally in another language
Biometrics enrollment is mandatory for all applicants aged 6 and above

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide detailed bank statements for the last 6 months and include a sponsor letter if necessary

Incomplete application form or missing documents

Double-check the document checklist and ensure all sections of the form are filled

Weak ties to home country

Submit evidence of employment, property ownership, or family commitments in Nigeria

Previous immigration violations or overstay

Be honest about your travel history and provide explanations if required

FAQ

Do citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Ireland?

Citizens of Nigeria need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Ireland Short Stay Visa (Tourist).

What documents do citizens of Nigeria need for Ireland?

Valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages; Completed and signed visa application form (AVATS); Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm); Visa fee payment receipt; Cover letter explaining purpose of visit; Flight itinerary (round trip booking or reservation); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Ireland?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Ireland

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