São Tomé and Príncipe passport → Ireland

Ireland visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe

Q: Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Ireland?

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visit Friend or Family Visa (short stay < 3 months).

Q: What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for Ireland?

Original passport valid at least 6 months after departure from Ireland, with at least two empty pages; All previous passports; Fully completed and signed online application form; Two recent colour photographs (35x45mm, white background, biometric type); Signed letter of application outlining purpose, duration, funding, obligations to return; Letter of invitation from host in Ireland; and 15 more.

Q: Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/qatar/pdf/Visit-Friend-or-Family-Visa-Checklist.pdf

Embassy / VFSVisit Friend or Family Visa (short stay < 3 months)

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

Official application site

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 · Visit Friend or Family Visa (short stay < 3 months)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Single entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements covering 6 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Complete online visa application form
Fill out the Irish visa application form on the AVATS portal and print the signed summary.
2
Gather required documents
Collect all documents as per the checklist, including originals and photocopies. Ensure translations if not in English.
3
Pay visa and service fees
Pay the visa application fee and VFS service fee at the visa application centre or online as instructed.
4
Book an appointment at VFS Global
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Ireland Visa Application Centre for document submission and biometrics.
5
Attend appointment at VFS centre
Submit all documents in the order of the checklist, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and hand over passport.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing time varies; do not book flights until visa is granted. You may be contacted for additional documents.
7
Collect passport and decision
Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS centre or receive it by courier (if opted). Check visa vignette for validity.

Documents checklist

Identity

Original passport valid at least 6 months after departure from Ireland, with at least two empty pages
Copy of all stamped/visa pages required.
All previous passports
Copy of all stamped/visa pages required.
Evidence of permission to be in country of application (if not a national)
Optional
Must have at least 3 months permission after intended departure from Ireland.
Fully completed and signed online application form
If minor, signature of legal guardian required.
Two recent colour photographs (35x45mm, white background, biometric type)
Write full name on back.
Detailed family registration certificate
SGK (social security) detailed registration document with barcode
For minors: birth certificate, consent letters from parents/guardians, copies of their passports/ID
Optional
If travelling alone or with one parent.

Travel

Hotel reservation (if not staying with host)
Optional
Must cover entire stay and correspond to flight reservation.
Flight reservation (outbound and return)
Booking only; do not purchase ticket before visa decision.
Valid travel health insurance covering repatriation, emergency medical care, and hospital care
Must be valid for entire stay in Ireland.

Financial

Detailed bank statements covering 6 months (applicant or sponsor)
Must show sufficient funds; fixed-term savings not accepted unless withdrawal allowed.
Three most recent original payslips (applicant or sponsor)
Authenticated by employer.
Visa fee and service fee payment receipt
Pay at VFS centre.

Employment

Company documents (if self-employed or farmer)
Optional
Includes registration, tax certificate, etc.
Evidence of obligations to return (employer letter, student letter, pension proof)
For employed: letter stating leave dates. For student: college letter.

Supporting

Visa refusal letters from other countries (if applicable)
Optional
Concealment will result in refusal.
Signed letter of application outlining purpose, duration, funding, obligations to return
Include contact details of host in Ireland.
Letter of invitation from host in Ireland
Confirm accommodation, relationship, and that host will ensure compliance.
Current utility bill in host's name at accommodation address
If applicable.
Copy of host's passport biometric page or GNIB card
If host is non-EU, evidence of permission to remain.

Proof of funds

Bank statements covering 6 months
Payslips (3 most recent)
Sponsor's bank statements and payslips if applicable

Funds must be immediately accessible; fixed-term savings not accepted unless withdrawal allowed during travel. Unexplained deposits shortly before statement date not accepted.

Good to know

Concealment of previous visa refusals will result in automatic refusal.
Submitting a damaged passport may lead to forced withdrawal without refund.
Documents submitted after application will not be accepted unless explicitly requested by visa officer.
Flight bookings are at applicant's own risk; do not purchase tickets before visa is granted.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide detailed 6-month bank statements showing sufficient balance and regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits.

Lack of strong ties to home country

Submit employer letter, property documents, family registration, or other evidence of obligations to return.

Incomplete or missing documents

Use the checklist and submit all required documents in the specified order. Include translations for non-English documents.

Previous visa refusal concealed

Disclose all previous visa refusals with original refusal letters.

FAQ

Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Ireland?

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visit Friend or Family Visa (short stay < 3 months).

How long can citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe stay in Ireland?

Up to 90 days.

What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for Ireland?