--- title: Ireland visa for citizens of Somalia description: "Citizens of Somalia need a visa for Ireland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €80 + €20 service fee. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/ireland/somalia lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Ireland visa for citizens of Somalia 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.* Official application site: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/ ## 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 - **Valid passport with at least two blank pages** (Identity): Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **Completed visa application form (AVATS)** (Identity): Submit online and print summary sheet - **Passport-sized photograph (recent, 35x45mm)** (Identity): Must meet Irish visa photo specifications - **Travel itinerary and flight bookings** (Travel): Round-trip or onward travel bookings - **Accommodation proof (hotel reservations or invitation letter)** (Travel): For entire stay duration - **Bank statements for last 6 months** (Financial): Show sufficient funds to cover stay and return - **Employment letter or proof of occupation** (Employment): Includes salary, leave approval, and position details - **Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage)** (Supporting): Valid for entire Schengen/Ireland stay - **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Helps establish travel history - **Invitation letter from sponsor (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Ireland, including host's passport/IRP copy - **Proof of ties to home country (e.g., property deeds, family certificates)** (Supporting, optional): To demonstrate intention to return - **Non-refundable visa fee payment receipt** (Financial): Pay online or at VAC depending on procedure - **Marriage certificate (if spouse is included)** (Supporting, optional): For accompanying family members - **Birth certificates of children (if applicable)** (Supporting, 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 ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/) ## More - [Ireland visa for every passport](/visa/ireland) - [Every destination for Somalia passport holders](/visa/passport/somalia)