Do Albanian citizens need a visa to enter Ireland?

For a stay in Ireland of 90 days or less, Albanian citizens are required to apply for a short-stay C (tourist) visa from Albania. This type of visa is necessary for visits related to tourism, seeing family or friends, business meetings, short-term English courses, or medical treatments.

Requirements to travel to Ireland from Albania

Applicants for a short-term “C” visa, whether for single or multiple entry, must show strong connections—be they familial, social, or economic—to their country of residence to demonstrate that their stay in Ireland will be temporary.

Visa officers may verify any submitted evidence during the application process.

The short-term visa does not permit:

• Paid or unpaid employment in Ireland.
• Access to publicly funded services, such as public hospitals.

Albanian citizens may apply for a tourist visa up to three months in advance of their planned travel. The processing time for documents can range from 5 business days to six weeks.

Visa fees: A single-entry visa costs 60 euros, and a multiple-entry visa is 100 euros. Additional service fees may apply.

How can Albanian citizens apply for a visa to Ireland

Albanians must apply from Albania or their country of legal residence. The application process should be initiated at least three months before travel. Steps include:

1. Completing the online application form:

• Select the “Short-term stay (C)” visa type.
• Indicate whether you seek a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
• Specify the purpose of travel (e.g., 'Visit Tourist' for a leisure trip).
• Print the completed application summary and follow country-specific guidelines to submit it, along with any required documents.

2. Paying the visa fee. Payment options depend on the issuing authority, and some applicants may be fee-exempt. The fees are:

• 60 euros for a single-entry short-term “C” visa.
• 100 euros for a multiple-entry short-term “C” visa.
• Additional fees may apply in certain cases, like consular fees. Visa fees are non-refundable if the application is withdrawn or denied.

3. Submission of your passport and other necessary documents. Biometric data may be required and should be provided within 30 days after submitting the online application through AVATS.

Only original documents are accepted—no photocopies unless specifically allowed.

Documents required for Albanian citizens applying for an Irish visa

• Completed CV form (via AVATS);
• Valid passport or travel document;
• Two passport-sized photos;
• Proof of visa fee payment (or exemption documentation);
• All prior passports;
• Biometric data (if applicable).
• If residing outside the country of passport issuance, you must also provide a copy of your residence permit (showing both sides, if applicable).
• Residency must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Ireland.
• You may also be required to provide documentation of previous visa refusals, any immigration issues, or criminal convictions.
• Travel insurance

Additional documents include proof of accommodation, detailed travel plans, financial evidence (like a six-month bank statement), or details of a sponsor if applicable.

Visa requirements for Albanians under the age of 18

Visa applications for minors must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, with additional documentation as needed. If certain documents are unavailable, a written explanation is necessary. Originals are required, and official letters must be on proper letterhead and include authorized signatures.

All documents must be certified translations in English or Irish.

Letters from companies, universities, schools, colleges, etc. must be official and contain the following information:

• Full name of the organization;
• Postal address;
• Phone number;
• Website address;
• Email address (Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses are not accepted);
• Name and position of the contact person;
• Written signature of the authorized representative (electronic signature is not accepted);.

You must also have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or an insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Applying from Albania for an Irish visa

Prepare all required documents and send them securely in a padded envelope to the relevant office. For multiple applicants, each person’s documents should be individually packaged, labeled, and placed together in one package for submission.

Visa processing times can differ based on the embassy or visa center handling the application. Contact the respective office for details on processing timelines.

The initial visa issued typically allows single entry. Children under 16 needing to leave and return to Ireland for a short period may apply for a re-entry visa. Holders of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) are exempt from re-entry visa requirements.

For additional details on applications, please visit the Irish visa website.