Are you planning to apply for an Ireland visa in the Philippines?
Then you're in the right place. Ireland is a favorite for Filipino travelers who want rolling green countryside, dramatic coastal cliffs, lively pubs, and a warm welcome. This guide walks you through the standard tourist visa process for a Philippine passport holder: where to apply, the documents you need, the fees, and the Ireland-specific details that applicants often miss.
The biggest one: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa will not get you in.
GET TO KNOW IRELAND
Ireland packs a lot into a small island. Dublin, the capital, mixes Georgian streets, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, and a busy riverside food and music scene. On the west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way winds past the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Ring of Kerry. Galway is known for its street musicians and festivals, while Killarney National Park and the Burren offer lakes, mountains, and rocky limestone landscapes.
One thing to get right before you plan: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are different countries for visa purposes. Northern Ireland (Belfast, the Giant's Causeway) is part of the United Kingdom and needs a UK visa.
This guide covers the Republic of Ireland only. If your trip crosses the border, check both sets of rules.
THE VISA APPLICATION PROCESSQuick Facts About The Ireland Visa
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Short Stay 'C' Visa (tourist / visit visa)
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Up to 90 days per stay. A visa only allows you to travel to Ireland. An immigration officer at the border decides whether you can enter, and can refuse entry even if you hold a visa
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Single entry is the standard. Multiple-entry visas are approved only in limited circumstances, usually for applicants with a compliant history of earlier Irish visas or a clear business need
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In general about 8 weeks after your documents are received.
Missing documents, verification checks, or peak seasons can make it longer
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The Irish Immigration Service advises preparing your application about 3 months before you travel
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Ireland is outside Schengen. A Schengen visa does not cover Ireland, and an Irish visa does not cover Schengen countries
Where to Apply for the Ireland Visa?
If you are applying from the Philippines, all Irish visa applications and queries go through VFS Global Philippines, which receives applications on behalf of the Embassy of Ireland in Manila. The Embassy itself does not handle visa applications or give status updates and will refer you back to VFS.
You apply from your home country or from a country where you are a legal resident. For example, an OFW living abroad may be able to apply in the country where they legally reside.
Note: VFS Global collects your documents. Decisions are made by the Irish immigration authorities. VFS cannot tell you whether you will be approved.
Where to Submit Your Application?
Step 1 — Create your application online. Ireland uses the AVATS online visa application system: https://www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx
Select: Visa type Short Stay (C), the reason for travel that matches your trip (for example, tourism or visiting family or friends), and journey type Single (or Multiple only if you qualify).
Step 2 — Print, sign, and date your Application Summary Sheets and keep your Visa Application Transaction Number. You will need it for your photos and to track your application.
Step 3 — Book your appointment and submit through VFS Global (Ireland): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/irl/
Contact details:
- VFS Global Ireland call centre (Philippines): +63 2 8528 2535 (the Embassy's contact page also lists +63 2 8540 0808, so check the VFS page for the current number)
- Email: info_ireland_phl@vfshelpline.com
- Application centre locations, opening hours, and the VFS service charge: please confirm on the VFS Global Ireland page before you book
Be careful with unofficial websites and anyone who contacts you about your application. Only share your application details with VFS Global or the official Irish authorities.
What Are the Requirements for Filipinos to Get an Ireland Visa?
The list below follows the Irish Immigration Service's published tourist and visit visa guidance. The exact checklist can vary slightly by your purpose of travel, so check the official page for your category. Your application may be refused if documents are missing.
Important document rules: Submit original documents in hard copy (no USB drives or file-sharing links). Letters from companies and schools must be on official headed paper with a written signature, and Yahoo or Hotmail email addresses are not accepted. Send your documents within 30 days of creating your AVATS application.
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Printed from AVATS, signed and dated.
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Valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland. Include photocopies of every page of all your previous passports, if you have them. Missing previous passports can delay your application.
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Two recent colour passport-size photos that meet the Irish visa photo rules. On the back of each, sign your name and write your Visa Application Transaction Number.
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EUR 60 for a single-entry visa and EUR 100 for a multiple-entry visa. Ask VFS how to pay and what proof of payment to include.
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A signed, dated letter explaining why you want to visit Ireland. Include your full name and address, your planned arrival and departure dates, where you will stay, and who is paying for the trip.
Add a commitment that you will follow your visa conditions, will not rely on public services, and will leave Ireland before your permission expires.
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Printed hotel, hostel, B&B, or Airbnb confirmations that show your dates and the provider's full contact details.
If you are staying with family or friends, include their full name, address, and proof they live there, such as a recent utility bill on headed paper.
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There is no fixed minimum amount for Ireland. The visa officer decides based on your circumstances. Include an original bank statement on bank letterhead (or an internet statement officially certified by your bank) that shows your name, address, account number, and the money going in and out over the last 6 months.
If you submit a savings account statement, include a bank letter confirming you can withdraw from it. Explain any large deposits or withdrawals in writing.
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If EMPLOYED:
- Your 3 most recent payslips
- Employer letter stating how long you have worked there, the dates you will be away, and the date you return to work
If SELF-EMPLOYED:
- A letter describing your business and proof it is trading (recent financial statements, tax return, or recent customer payments)
- The date you will return to your business
If a STUDENT:
- School letter stating your course, how long you have studied, and that you will return after your trip
Other ties:
- PSA-issued birth certificates of children who stay at home
- Title deed or tenancy agreement for property you own or rent
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PSA birth and marriage certificates issued outside the EEA must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Documents not in English or Irish need a certified translation, and translations done outside the EEA also need to be authenticated.
PSA documents are already in English, so usually only the apostille is needed. Birth, marriage, and death certificates are returned after processing.
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If you will travel to Ireland from another country, or continue from Ireland to another country, include a letter describing your plans and whether you need visas for those countries. If you need other visas, get them before applying for the Irish visa where possible.
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You must disclose any past refusal, deportation, refused entry, or overstay for any country, and include the original refusal letter. Failing to disclose a past refusal will lead to a refusal of your Irish application.
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They must write a signed, dated invitation letter that states why they are inviting you, the dates, and how they know you, with a clear colour copy of their passport or national ID. If they are not an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, include a copy of their Irish Residence Permit and immigration stamp.
If they will help pay for your trip, they must show they can afford it with bank statements and proof of employment or business. Your own letter must also list your family members living in Ireland and in other EU/EEA countries, with evidence of your relationship.
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Not required with your application, but the visa officer may ask for it. If your visa is approved, you must be able to show insurance at the airport or seaport when you arrive.
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A parent or legal guardian applies for the child, with extra requirements to protect the child. Check the official page on additional visa requirements for children.
Important tip: Do not buy non-refundable flights before you receive your visa decision. Every detail in your application must be consistent with your documents, and you must answer every AVATS question fully and honestly. False or misleading information can lead to a refusal and a possible 5-year ban from getting an Irish visa.
CONSULAR FEES SUMMARY
Single-Entry Visa Fee: EUR 60
Multiple-Entry Visa Fee: EUR 100 (if you apply for multiple entry but are granted single entry, the difference is not refunded)
VFS Global Service Charge: Charged separately by VFS Global (check the VFS Ireland Philippines page for the current amount)
Optional VFS Services: Extra fee, paid at your discretion
Other Costs: DFA apostille fees, document printing, PSA copies, passport photos, and insurance
The visa fee is not refunded if you withdraw your application or if it is refused. Some applicants are exempt from the visa fee.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Apply For an Iceland Schengen Visa
STEP 1: Check That You Need a Visa and Plan Your Trip
Filipinos need a visa to travel to Ireland. Decide your travel dates and plan to start about 3 months before departure.
STEP 2: Create Your Application in AVATS
Answer every question in full and honestly. Choose Short Stay (C), your reason for travel, and Single or Multiple entry.
STEP 3: Print and Sign Your Summary Sheets
Keep your Visa Application Transaction Number safe.
STEP 4: Gather Your Documents
Prepare originals: passport and old passports, 2 photos, application letter, accommodation plan, 6 months of bank statements, payslips and employer letter (or business documents), PSA documents with DFA apostille, and any invitation letters.
STEP 5: Book Your VFS Global Appointment
Use the VFS Ireland page for the Philippines and follow its instructions on where, when, and how to submit and pay.
STEP 6: Submit Within 30 Days
Submit your documents and passport within 30 days of creating your AVATS application. Biometrics are only needed in some cases, and VFS will tell you if yours are required.
STEP 7: Wait for the Decision
Expect about 8 weeks from when your documents are received. Ireland does not publish a guaranteed fast-track, so avoid booking non-refundable travel in the meantime. The authorities may contact you for more information.
STEP 8: Collect Your Passport and Check Your Visa
If approved, the visa is placed in your passport. Check your name, validity dates, number of entries, and passport number. If there is an error, tell VFS right away.
STEP 9: Prepare for the Airport in Ireland
Carry your passport, visa, and copies of key documents (itinerary, accommodation, funds, return ticket, insurance, proof of ties). The immigration officer decides whether to let you in and for how long, up to 90 days.
If you need help with your Ireland visa application, schedule a consultation: Visa Consultation Call - Book a Consultation Call (https://schedule.filipinopassport.com/consultation)
FAQs
Do Filipinos need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. All Philippine passport holders need a visa to travel to Ireland.
Does a Schengen visa work for Ireland?
No. Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. You need a separate Irish visa, and your Irish visa does not cover Schengen countries.
Does a UK visa let me enter Ireland?
Not automatically. A UK visa only helps if you qualify under the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British Irish Visa Scheme. Check the Irish Immigration Service's eligibility rules before assuming it applies to you.
Where is the Irish embassy, and can I apply there?
The Embassy of Ireland in Manila does not take visa applications. All applications and visa queries go through VFS Global Philippines.
How long does an Ireland visa take?
Generally about 8 weeks after your documents are received, sometimes longer. There is no priority service, so apply early.
How much money do I need to show for Ireland?
There is no fixed minimum. You must show you can pay for your trip using 6 months of original bank statements and supporting documents. Keep your finances consistent and explain any large movements of money.
Can I get a multiple-entry visa?
Multiple-entry visas are only approved in limited cases, such as a compliant record with earlier Irish visas or documented regular business travel. First-time tourists should usually expect a single-entry visa.
Do I need travel insurance?
You do not need to submit it with your application unless asked, but you must show it when you arrive in Ireland.
Can I buy my flight before the visa is approved?
We do not recommend it. The Irish Immigration Service advises you not to buy travel tickets before you receive a decision.
Can I work in Ireland on a tourist visa?
No. A short stay visa does not allow paid or unpaid work, or use of public services such as a public hospital.
Can I appeal if my visa is refused?
There is no appeal for short-stay tourist visa refusals. Read your refusal letter carefully and, if you still plan to travel, submit a new application that addresses the reasons given.
Can I visit Northern Ireland with an Irish visa?
No. Northern Ireland is part of the UK and has its own visa rules.
Is visa approval guaranteed?
No. Approval is at the discretion of the Irish authorities. A complete, consistent, honest, and well-organized application is the best way to maximize your chances.
