Ireland tourist visa from Portugal: AVATS, fees and documents (2026)
Ireland is in the EU but not in Schengen, so many residents of Portugal need an Irish short stay visa. Here is how the AVATS application works, the €60 and €100 fees and the documents to send.
In this article
Short answer: Ireland is an EU country but not part of Schengen, so your Portuguese TRC and any Schengen visa do not let you enter. If your passport needs an Irish visa (for example India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan), you apply online through AVATS for a short stay "C" visa. The fee is €60 single entry or €100 multiple entry. Allow around eight weeks for a decision.
Fees and rules as of October 2026. Confirm on irishimmigration.ie before paying.
Who needs an Irish visa
- Citizens of the EU and EEA do not need a visa. Neither do Brazilian, American and many other citizens.
- Citizens of countries on Ireland’s visa-required list need a visa, wherever they live.
A residence permit from Portugal or another Schengen country does not exempt you.
Visa types for a short trip
| Type | Use | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Short stay C visa, single entry | One visit up to 90 days | €60 |
| Short stay C visa, multiple entry | Several visits (usually for frequent travellers) | €100 |
| Transit visa | Changing planes in Ireland, for some nationalities | €25 |
Choose the category that fits your trip: tourism, visiting family or friends, or business.
Step by step
- Complete the AVATS online form on the Irish Immigration Service website. Answer fully and honestly.
- Print the summary sheet, sign and date it.
- Pay the fee as instructed for your location.
- Send your passport, the summary sheet and documents to the office the AVATS instructions name (an embassy, visa office or visa application centre). Follow the deadline shown; summary sheets are usually valid for 30 days.
- Wait for the decision. Processing often takes about eight weeks and can take longer in busy months.
Documents
- signed AVATS summary sheet and two recent photos
- passport, valid at least six months beyond your departure from Ireland, and old passports
- Portuguese TRC, valid for at least three months after your planned return
- a signed application letter explaining why you are going, who pays and that you will return
- bank statements for the last six months
- employment letter with approved leave, or business documents
- accommodation: hotel booking or your host’s invitation with their address and status in Ireland
- travel insurance and a flight reservation
Documents not in English or Irish need a full translation.
Tips
- Apply at least three months before travel.
- Make sure your TRC stays valid well beyond the trip.
- Write the application letter yourself, clearly and briefly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go to Ireland with a Portuguese residence card?
Not without a visa if your passport needs one. Ireland is outside Schengen.
Can I use my Schengen visa for Ireland?
No. Ireland does not accept Schengen visas.
How long does an Irish visa take?
Often around eight weeks, sometimes longer. Apply early.
Does a UK visa let me enter Ireland?
Only for certain nationalities under Ireland’s waiver arrangements. Check the Irish Immigration Service for the current rules.
Sources
This article is general information. Rules change: before you apply, our team confirms what applies to you.
