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Ireland visa for South African citizens
South Africa 
Ireland South Africa passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to Ireland.
Yes, a visa is required
- Entry requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Set by the visa
- Apply before travel
- Yes
- Last updated
- February 2026
How to apply
Checked November 2026Irish short stay 'C' visit/tourist visa (applied for online via AVATS, documents sent to the visa office/embassy)
- Fee
- EUR 60 single entry; EUR 100 multiple entry; EUR 25 transit. Several nationalities and family members of Irish citizens are fee-exempt; local office or consular charges can apply.
- Processing
- Decision usually within about 8 weeks of the visa office receiving the application; Ireland recommends applying about 3 months before travel and not buying tickets before a decision.
At the border
- Visits are for less than 90 days; nationals of visa-required countries need a 'C' visa before travel.
- Visa applicants' passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date they plan to leave Ireland.
- A visa only lets you travel to Ireland; the immigration officer at the border decides whether to admit you and for how long.
- Visa holders must have travel/medical insurance before travelling and can be refused entry without it.
- Ireland is not in Schengen and does not use EES or ETIAS; a Schengen visa or ETIAS does not cover Ireland.
- Chinese and Indian passport holders may be able to use one Irish or UK visa for both countries under the British-Irish Visa Scheme.
Official source: Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice) - irishimmigration.ie · Not yet confirmed officially: Ireland issues no e-visa (stated on the official site); no 2025-2026 visitor-rule change found in the official news list, but older notices were not reviewed, Passport-validity rule for visa-exempt visitors (the 6-month rule above is from the visa document list), Any Irish electronic travel authorisation plans - not found on an official page, Official Irish warning about look-alike visa sites
What South Africa passport holders need to do
- Find the embassy, consulate or visa application centre that covers where you live.
- Complete the application form and gather your documents: passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds and accommodation.
- Book an appointment, pay the fee and give biometrics if they are required.
- Wait for the decision before you book non-refundable travel.
South Africa is one of 116 passports in the “visa required” group for Ireland. See the full Ireland visa requirements for every passport.
Easier alternatives in Europe for South Africa passport holders
Ireland is one of 71 destinations in the “visa required” group for the South Africa passport, which ranks #43 worldwide with a mobility score of 98. Of 46 destinations in Europe, 1 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Russia | Visa-free | 90 days |
| Ireland | Visa required | – |
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Ireland?
South Africa passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to Ireland.
Can South African citizens get a visa on arrival in Ireland?
No. South Africa passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland.
Do Ireland citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Ireland passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Ireland visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of Ireland before you book.