Ireland Visa Fees & Processing Time from Dubai
How much does an Ireland visa cost from Dubai?
The Ireland Short Stay C visa costs EUR 60 for single entry (approximately AED 240) and EUR 100 for multiple entry (approximately AED 400). The fee is paid online through the AVATS portal and is non-refundable. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from Dubai. There is no express processing option. Total cost including documents is typically AED 350 to AED 600 for a self-managed application.
Key Takeaway
- The Ireland Short Stay C visa costs EUR 60 for single entry (approximately AED 240) and EUR 100 for multiple entry (appr...
- Single Entry Fee: EUR 60 (~AED 240)
- Multiple Entry Fee: EUR 100 (~AED 400)
- Processing Time: 6–8 weeks
- Express Option: Not available
Ireland visa fees are refreshingly straightforward compared to many other destinations. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service charges EUR 60 for a Single Entry Short Stay C visa and EUR 100 for a Multiple Entry C visa. There are no embassy appointment fees, no mandatory biometrics charges, and no VFS service fees layered on top — at least not as a universal requirement. You pay the government fee online through the AVATS portal when you submit your application.
What catches many Dubai applicants off guard is not the fee itself, but the processing time. With an average of 6 to 8 weeks from the date the Embassy receives your passport and complete documents, Ireland is one of the slower visa processing destinations in Europe. There is no express or priority service available for overseas applicants. Planning ahead is essential.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of every Ireland visa cost you will encounter as a Dubai resident: the government fee, ancillary document costs, and a realistic total budget for your application.
Ireland Visa Fee Schedule: All Categories
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) publishes a fee schedule that covers all visa categories. For Dubai residents, the relevant categories are the Short Stay C visa (single or multiple entry) and the Transit visa. Long-stay D visas for study or employment also carry a fee, shown below for completeness.
Ireland Visa Fees for Dubai Applicants (2026)
| Visa Category | Entry Type | Fee (EUR) | Fee (AED approx.) | Valid For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay C | Single Entry | EUR 60 | ~AED 240 | Tourism, family visit, short business |
| Short Stay C | Multiple Entry | EUR 100 | ~AED 400 | Multiple trips within validity period |
| Transit | Single | EUR 25 | ~AED 100 | Airport transit only |
| Transit | Double | EUR 25 | ~AED 100 | Two airport transits |
| Long Stay D | Single Entry | EUR 60 | ~AED 240 | Study, employment, join family |
| Re-entry Visa | Single | EUR 60 | ~AED 240 | For existing Ireland residents re-entering |
Short Stay C
- Entry Type
- Single Entry
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 60
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 240
- Valid For
- Tourism, family visit, short business
Short Stay C
- Entry Type
- Multiple Entry
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 100
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 400
- Valid For
- Multiple trips within validity period
Transit
- Entry Type
- Single
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 25
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 100
- Valid For
- Airport transit only
Transit
- Entry Type
- Double
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 25
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 100
- Valid For
- Two airport transits
Long Stay D
- Entry Type
- Single Entry
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 60
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 240
- Valid For
- Study, employment, join family
Re-entry Visa
- Entry Type
- Single
- Fee (EUR)
- EUR 60
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 240
- Valid For
- For existing Ireland residents re-entering
All fees are payable in EUR online via the AVATS portal using a credit or debit card. AED amounts are approximate conversions and fluctuate with the exchange rate. Fees are set by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and are subject to change. Certain nationalities are exempt from the fee — check the current exemption list at irishimmigration.ie.
Fee Payment Rules
- Fees are paid in EUR online through the AVATS portal — no cash payment at the Embassy
- The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application
- Fee-exempt nationalities do not pay the government charge — check irishimmigration.ie for the current list
- Children under 3 years of age are exempt from the visa fee in most categories
- A failed or declined card payment during AVATS submission can be retried without restarting your application
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry: Which Should You Choose?
The EUR 40 difference between a single entry (EUR 60) and multiple entry (EUR 100) Ireland visa is worth thinking through before you apply. Multiple-entry Ireland C visas are typically valid for 1 to 5 years (at the officer's discretion), allowing repeated stays of up to 90 days per visit during that period.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry Ireland Visa Comparison
| Feature | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Government Fee | EUR 60 (~AED 240) | EUR 100 (~AED 400) |
| Number of Trips | 1 trip only | Unlimited within validity |
| Max Stay per Visit | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Validity Period | Valid for one specific trip | Typically 1–5 years (officer's discretion) |
| Best For | First-time visitors to Ireland | Repeat visitors, business travellers, those with Irish family |
| Travel History Needed? | Not necessarily | Stronger applications help — prior Ireland visit or strong travel record |
Government Fee
- Single Entry
- EUR 60 (~AED 240)
- Multiple Entry
- EUR 100 (~AED 400)
Number of Trips
- Single Entry
- 1 trip only
- Multiple Entry
- Unlimited within validity
Max Stay per Visit
- Single Entry
- Up to 90 days
- Multiple Entry
- Up to 90 days
Validity Period
- Single Entry
- Valid for one specific trip
- Multiple Entry
- Typically 1–5 years (officer's discretion)
Best For
- Single Entry
- First-time visitors to Ireland
- Multiple Entry
- Repeat visitors, business travellers, those with Irish family
Travel History Needed?
- Single Entry
- Not necessarily
- Multiple Entry
- Stronger applications help — prior Ireland visit or strong travel record
Multiple-entry visa validity and the number of entries permitted are at the discretion of the visa officer. Applicants with a strong travel history and clear reason for repeat visits to Ireland are more likely to be granted a multi-year multiple-entry visa.
For most Dubai residents making their first trip to Ireland, the single-entry visa is the sensible starting point. If you are visiting Ireland regularly — for business meetings, to see family, or because you have an ongoing connection to the country — the multiple-entry visa saves you from reapplying for every trip and is better value over time.
Ireland Visa Processing Time from Dubai: Full Timeline
Ireland is not the fastest visa issuer for Dubai residents. Standard processing runs at 6 to 8 weeks from the date the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi receives your original passport and complete document set. This timeline excludes weekends, public holidays, and any period during which the Embassy requests additional information from you.
Ireland Visa Processing Timeline from Dubai (2026)
| Stage | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation and AVATS submission | 1–7 days | Gather documents, scan, complete AVATS form, pay fee online |
| Post or courier passport to Embassy | 1–3 days (Abu Dhabi) | Use tracked courier service; retain proof of dispatch |
| Embassy receives and logs your file | 3–5 business days | Processing clock starts after receipt, not dispatch |
| Standard processing by INIS | 6–8 weeks | From receipt of complete application; incomplete applications restart |
| Passport return by courier/post | 2–5 days | Embassy returns passport by courier once a decision is made |
| Recommended total lead time | 10–12 weeks before travel | Includes buffer for requests for additional information |
Document preparation and AVATS submission
- Estimated Time
- 1–7 days
- Notes
- Gather documents, scan, complete AVATS form, pay fee online
Post or courier passport to Embassy
- Estimated Time
- 1–3 days (Abu Dhabi)
- Notes
- Use tracked courier service; retain proof of dispatch
Embassy receives and logs your file
- Estimated Time
- 3–5 business days
- Notes
- Processing clock starts after receipt, not dispatch
Standard processing by INIS
- Estimated Time
- 6–8 weeks
- Notes
- From receipt of complete application; incomplete applications restart
Passport return by courier/post
- Estimated Time
- 2–5 days
- Notes
- Embassy returns passport by courier once a decision is made
Recommended total lead time
- Estimated Time
- 10–12 weeks before travel
- Notes
- Includes buffer for requests for additional information
Processing times are estimated based on standard Ireland Embassy Abu Dhabi timelines. During peak periods (June to August, Christmas) processing may take longer. The Embassy does not offer express processing or guaranteed timelines.
Processing Time: What Can Extend It
- Incomplete document set: the Embassy will request the missing items, pausing the processing clock
- Bank statements with irregularities that require explanation
- Previous visa refusals not disclosed on the application form
- Applications submitted during Embassy public holidays (Irish national holidays + UAE public holidays)
- Peak periods: the Embassy receives higher volumes June–August and November–December
- Applications with complex travel histories or multiple passports take longer to assess
Total Ireland Visa Cost from Dubai: Complete Budget
The EUR 60 government fee is not the only cost associated with an Ireland visa application from Dubai. Document preparation, bank statement fees, courier costs, and travel insurance all add to your total spend. Below is a realistic budget breakdown for a single-adult application.
Total Ireland Visa Cost — Dubai Applicant (Single Entry, Self-Managed)
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| INIS Visa Fee — Single Entry | ~AED 240 (EUR 60) | Paid online via AVATS; non-refundable |
| Passport photographs (4 copies) | ~AED 25–35 | Studio photos recommended; white background, Irish spec |
| UAE bank statement fee | ~AED 25–50 | Most UAE banks charge for official stamped statements |
| Travel insurance (1–2 weeks cover) | ~AED 50–100 | Must specifically cover Ireland; EUR 30,000 medical minimum |
| Passport courier to Abu Dhabi | ~AED 50–80 | Tracked courier (Aramex, DHL); retain proof of dispatch |
| Hotel / accommodation bookings (printing) | ~AED 5–15 | Print confirmation emails or upload to AVATS |
| Total (self-managed, single entry) | ~AED 395–520 | Estimate; actual costs vary |
INIS Visa Fee — Single Entry
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 240 (EUR 60)
- Notes
- Paid online via AVATS; non-refundable
Passport photographs (4 copies)
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 25–35
- Notes
- Studio photos recommended; white background, Irish spec
UAE bank statement fee
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 25–50
- Notes
- Most UAE banks charge for official stamped statements
Travel insurance (1–2 weeks cover)
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 50–100
- Notes
- Must specifically cover Ireland; EUR 30,000 medical minimum
Passport courier to Abu Dhabi
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 50–80
- Notes
- Tracked courier (Aramex, DHL); retain proof of dispatch
Hotel / accommodation bookings (printing)
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 5–15
- Notes
- Print confirmation emails or upload to AVATS
Total (self-managed, single entry)
- Estimated Cost (AED)
- ~AED 395–520
- Notes
- Estimate; actual costs vary
With OraVisa managing your application (AVATS completion, document review, courier to Embassy, tracking, passport return), contact OraVisa for a full cost estimate including our service fee.
One cost that many applicants overlook is the bank statement fee. Major UAE banks — Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq — charge AED 25 to AED 50 per official stamped statement. The Irish Embassy requires 6 months of statements, which is typically one document but must be an original stamped copy, not a digital print. Budget for this separately.
Get an Accurate Ireland Visa Cost Quote for Your Situation
Ireland visa total costs depend on your document situation, whether you need multiple entry, and how far in advance you apply. OraVisa provides a free, no-obligation quote with a complete cost breakdown before you commit to anything.
Get a Free QuoteWho Is Exempt from the Ireland Visa Fee?
A limited number of applicant categories are exempt from paying the Ireland visa application fee. Even if you qualify for a fee exemption, you must still submit a complete application through AVATS and await a decision — the exemption covers the government charge only, not the processing requirement.
- Certain nationalities are on the Irish Immigration Service fee-exemption list — check irishimmigration.ie for the current list as it is updated periodically
- Children under 3 years of age are generally exempt from the C visa fee
- Applicants travelling for humanitarian reasons or at the invitation of the Irish government may be exempt
- Re-entry visas for existing Ireland residents may be treated differently — confirm with the Embassy
- Diplomats and official government travellers using diplomatic/official passports are typically exempt
UAE nationals (Emirati passport holders) do not require a visa to visit Ireland and therefore pay no fee at all. The visa-free arrangement for UAE nationals covers short stays for tourism, business, or family visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Ireland tourist visa from Dubai in 2026?
The Ireland Short Stay Tourist (C) visa costs EUR 60 for single entry (approximately AED 240) and EUR 100 for multiple entry (approximately AED 400). The fee is paid online through the AVATS portal by credit or debit card at the time of application submission. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
Is there an express Ireland visa from Dubai?
No. Ireland does not offer express, priority, or fast-track visa processing for applicants applying from the UAE. The standard processing time is 6 to 8 weeks from the date the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi receives your original passport and complete document set. OraVisa strongly recommends applying at least 10 to 12 weeks before your intended travel date to allow a buffer for any requests for additional information.
Can I get a refund if my Ireland visa is refused?
No. The Ireland visa application fee is non-refundable in all circumstances, including in cases where your application is refused. This is standard policy for most national visa systems worldwide. If you are refused, you can appeal the decision (within the timeframe stated in your refusal letter) or submit a fresh application with strengthened documentation. OraVisa advises on the best course of action after a refusal.
How do I pay the Ireland visa fee from Dubai?
The Ireland visa fee is paid online through the AVATS portal using a credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard are typically accepted). There is no cash payment option and no payment at the Embassy. The payment is made at the end of your online application process, before you submit. Keep the payment confirmation email as proof of fee payment.
Is a multiple-entry Ireland visa worth it for Dubai residents?
If you plan to visit Ireland more than once in the next 1 to 3 years, the multiple-entry visa at EUR 100 is better value than applying for two separate single-entry visas at EUR 60 each (total EUR 120). Multiple-entry Ireland visas are typically valid for 1 to 5 years, allowing unlimited 90-day stays per visit within the validity period. The eligibility for a longer validity period depends on the visa officer's assessment of your application and travel history.
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Written by
Sarah Khan
Content Manager & Visa Research Specialist
Content Manager creating accurate visa guides based on daily research across 100+ country policies. Former travel editor with a journalism background.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
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