Sierra Leone passport → Ireland

Ireland visa for citizens of Sierra Leone

Embassy / VFSIrish Employment / Business / Tourist Visa

Citizens of Sierra Leone 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 · Irish Employment / Business / Tourist Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–90 days
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

How to apply

1
Complete online AVATS application
Fill in the Irish visa application form on the official AVATS portal and note down the reference number.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay €80 (or equivalent) online; keep the receipt for submission.
3
Print and sign the application summary
Print the completed application form, sign it, and date it.
4
Gather required documents
Assemble all supporting documents as listed in your application.
5
Book biometrics appointment at VFS Global
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre in Sierra Leone for fingerprint and photograph capture.
6
Attend biometrics and submit documents
Visit the VFS centre on the appointment date, submit your physical documents, and provide biometrics.
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 to 90 days; you may track status online.
8
Collect passport / receive decision
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa vignette or via courier.
9
Check visa vignette upon receipt
Verify that all details (name, validity dates, entry type) are correct before travel.
10
Travel to Ireland
Present passport with visa at immigration on arrival; max stay is 90 days.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport
Must have two blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure.
Online visa application summary sheet (AVATS)
Printed and signed after completing the online form.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter from host.
Confirmed return flight booking
Must show entry and exit from Ireland.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Recent bank statements or sponsorship letter.
Visa application fee payment receipt
Pay online via the AVATS portal.

Employment

Proof of employment / leave approval
Employer's letter including salary and leave dates.

Supporting

Passport-sized photograph (35 x 45 mm)
White background, not older than 6 months.
Travel health insurance
Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Detailed travel itinerary and reason for visit.
Proof of ties to home country
Property deed, marriage certificate, or family details.
Biometrics appointment confirmation
Booked at VFS Global centre after online form submission.
Previous passports (if any)
Optional
To show travel history.
Police clearance certificate
Required for long-stay or work visas.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €3,000 (or equivalent) for duration of stay

Bank statements
Sponsorship letter
Pay slips

Funds must be readily available and verifiable.

Good to know

Application must be submitted at least 4 weeks before travel.
Biometrics must be done in person at a VFS Global centre.
Incomplete applications will be returned or rejected.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide bank statements with clear average balance and sponsorship if necessary.

Weak ties to home country

Include proof of employment, property, or family commitments in Sierra Leone.

Missing or incorrect documents

Double-check the document checklist and use the official application summary.

FAQ

Do citizens of Sierra Leone need a visa for Ireland?

Citizens of Sierra Leone need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Irish Employment / Business / Tourist Visa.

How long can citizens of Sierra Leone stay in Ireland?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Ireland visa cost for citizens of Sierra Leone?

Government fee: €80.

How long does Ireland visa processing take?

Typically 15–90 days.

What documents do citizens of Sierra Leone need for Ireland?

Valid passport; Online visa application summary sheet (AVATS); Passport-sized photograph (35 x 45 mm); Proof of accommodation; Confirmed return flight booking; Proof of sufficient funds; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Ireland?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/

Sources

visas.inis.gov.ie

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