--- title: Ireland visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe description: Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Documents checklist and application steps. canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/ireland/sao-tome-and-principe lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Ireland visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe 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.* Official application site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/qatar/pdf/Visit-Friend-or-Family-Visa-Checklist.pdf ## 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 - **Original passport valid at least 6 months after departure from Ireland, with at least two empty pages** (Identity): Copy of all stamped/visa pages required. - **All previous passports** (Identity): Copy of all stamped/visa pages required. - **Visa refusal letters from other countries (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Concealment will result in refusal. - **Evidence of permission to be in country of application (if not a national)** (Identity, optional): Must have at least 3 months permission after intended departure from Ireland. - **Fully completed and signed online application form** (Identity): If minor, signature of legal guardian required. - **Two recent colour photographs (35x45mm, white background, biometric type)** (Identity): Write full name on back. - **Signed letter of application outlining purpose, duration, funding, obligations to return** (Supporting): Include contact details of host in Ireland. - **Company documents (if self-employed or farmer)** (Employment, optional): Includes registration, tax certificate, etc. - **Letter of invitation from host in Ireland** (Supporting): Confirm accommodation, relationship, and that host will ensure compliance. - **Evidence of obligations to return (employer letter, student letter, pension proof)** (Employment): For employed: letter stating leave dates. For student: college letter. - **Current utility bill in host's name at accommodation address** (Supporting): If applicable. - **Copy of host's passport biometric page or GNIB card** (Supporting): If host is non-EU, evidence of permission to remain. - **Detailed bank statements covering 6 months (applicant or sponsor)** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds; fixed-term savings not accepted unless withdrawal allowed. - **Three most recent original payslips (applicant or sponsor)** (Financial): Authenticated by employer. - **Detailed family registration certificate** (Identity) - **SGK (social security) detailed registration document with barcode** (Identity) - **For minors: birth certificate, consent letters from parents/guardians, copies of their passports/ID** (Identity, optional): If travelling alone or with one parent. - **Hotel reservation (if not staying with host)** (Travel, optional): Must cover entire stay and correspond to flight reservation. - **Flight reservation (outbound and return)** (Travel): Booking only; do not purchase ticket before visa decision. - **Valid travel health insurance covering repatriation, emergency medical care, and hospital care** (Travel): Must be valid for entire stay in Ireland. - **Visa fee and service fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay at VFS centre. ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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? 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. ### How long must my passport be valid for Ireland? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/qatar/pdf/Visit-Friend-or-Family-Visa-Checklist.pdf ## Sources - [[PDF] CHECKLIST FOR VISIT FRIEND OR FAMILY VISA - VFS Global](https://www.vfsglobal.com/Ireland/qatar/pdf/Visit-Friend-or-Family-Visa-Checklist.pdf) - [Visa Types and Documentation | Embassy of Ireland, India](https://www.ireland.ie/en/india/newdelhi/services/visas/visa-documentation/) - [Visit family/friend visa - Immigration Service Delivery](https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/how-to-apply-for-a-short-stay-c-visit-tourist-visa/visit-family-friend-visa/) ## More - [Ireland visa for every passport](/visa/ireland) - [Every destination for São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders](/visa/passport/sao-tome-and-principe)