Somalia passport → Ireland

Ireland visa for citizens of Somalia

Embassy / VFSShort Stay (C) Visit Visa

Citizens of Somalia 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 · Short Stay (C) Visit Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–30 days
Government fee	€80 + €20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds to cover stay, typically shown via bank statements

How to apply

1
Complete AVATS online application
Fill in the electronic visa application form on the official AVATS portal and print the summary sheet
2
Gather required documents
Collect all supporting documents as per checklist, including passport, photos, financial proof, and travel itinerary
3
Schedule appointment at Visa Application Centre
Book an appointment via VFS Global or designated embassy for biometrics and document submission
4
Pay visa fees
Pay the government visa fee and service fee (if applicable) online or at the centre
5
Attend appointment and submit biometrics
Visit the centre on scheduled date to submit application, provide fingerprints, and have photo taken
6
Application processing
Your application is processed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS); you may receive additional queries
7
Collect passport and visa decision
Once processed, collect your passport from the centre or receive it by courier with visa outcome
8
Verify visa details
Check visa validity dates, entry type, and any conditions on the vignette before travel

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least two blank pages
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form (AVATS)
Submit online and print summary sheet
Passport-sized photograph (recent, 35x45mm)
Must meet Irish visa photo specifications

Travel

Travel itinerary and flight bookings
Round-trip or onward travel bookings
Accommodation proof (hotel reservations or invitation letter)
For entire stay duration

Financial

Bank statements for last 6 months
Show sufficient funds to cover stay and return
Non-refundable visa fee payment receipt
Pay online or at VAC depending on procedure

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
Includes salary, leave approval, and position details

Supporting

Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage)
Valid for entire Schengen/Ireland stay
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Helps establish travel history
Invitation letter from sponsor (if applicable)
Optional
From host in Ireland, including host's passport/IRP copy
Proof of ties to home country (e.g., property deeds, family certificates)
Optional
To demonstrate intention to return
Marriage certificate (if spouse is included)
Optional
For accompanying family members
Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
Optional
For minor applicants

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €3,000 equivalent

Bank statements
Savings account statements
Sponsor's financial documents

Funds must be accessible and clearly sourced; recently large deposits should be explained

Good to know

Visa fees are non-refundable even if application is rejected.
All documents not in English or Irish must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Applying too early (more than 6 months before travel) may cause delay or rejection.
Photographs must meet exact Irish visa photo guidelines; non-compliance leads to rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear source of funds

Provide detailed bank statements showing regular income and large savings; explain any large deposits

Weak ties to home country

Include employment letter, property documents, family commitments, or return ticket

Invalid passport or insufficient validity

Ensure passport has at least 6 months remaining validity and two blank pages

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Follow the checklist strictly and provide certified translations where needed

Previous visa violations or overstay

Disclose any past refusals honestly and provide explanation letters

FAQ

Do citizens of Somalia need a visa for Ireland?

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

How long can citizens of Somalia stay in Ireland?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €80 + €20 service fee.

How long does Ireland visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

What documents do citizens of Somalia need for Ireland?

Valid passport with at least two blank pages; Completed visa application form (AVATS); Passport-sized photograph (recent, 35x45mm); Travel itinerary and flight bookings; Accommodation proof (hotel reservations or invitation letter); Bank statements for last 6 months; 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

Plan your trip to Ireland

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Ireland.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides