Do Nigerian citizens need a visa to enter Ireland?

Yes, for stays in Ireland of up to 90 days, Nigerian citizens must obtain a short-stay C tourist visa. This visa covers purposes like tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, short-term English courses, or medical treatment.

Irish visa requirements for Nigerian citizens

When applying for a short-term “C” visa (single or multiple entry), Nigerians must demonstrate sufficient ties, whether family, social, or economic, to their country of residence, which assures immigration officers that their stay in Ireland will be temporary. Visa officers may review and verify any supporting documentation.

The short-stay C visa does not permit:

• Engaging in any paid or unpaid work.
• Accessing publicly funded services, such as public hospitals.

Nigerian citizens may start their tourist visa application up to three months before their intended travel date. Document processing times range from 5 working days to six weeks. Visa fees are 60 euros for a single-entry and 100 euros for multiple entries, with additional service fees where applicable.

How Nigerian citizens can apply for an Irish visa

Applicants must apply from Nigeria or the country where they legally reside, ideally three months prior to travel. Key steps include:

1. Completing an online visa application form:

• Select “Short-term stay (C)” as the visa type.
• Indicate the entry type (Single/Multiple entry).
• Choose the travel reason (e.g., 'Visit Tourist' for tourism).
• Print, sign, and follow country-specific instructions for submission, including necessary documents.

2. Paying the visa fee: Fees vary by issuing authority, with some applicants eligible for fee exemptions. Standard fees are:

• 60 euros for a single-entry short-stay C visa.
• 100 euros for a multiple-entry short-stay C visa.
• Additional consular fees may apply.

3. Submitting your passport and required documents: Biometric data may be necessary, to be provided within 30 days of completing the online application via AVATS. Submit original documents only, as photocopies are not accepted unless specified. Prepare all required documents and send them in a secure envelope to the designated office. For group applications, organize each individual’s documents in separate, clearly labeled envelopes.

Documents required for Nigerian citizens applying for an Irish visa

Applicants should provide:

• Completed AVATS CV form.
• Valid passport or travel document.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of visa fee payment or evidence of exemption.
• Previous passports, if available.
• Biometric information, if applicable.
• Health insurance

If residing outside your passport-issuing country, include:

• A copy of your residence permit (both sides, if applicable).
• Residency should be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Ireland.

Additional required documents may include records of previous visa refusals, immigration issues, and criminal history. Other required documents include proof of accommodation, travel plans, six months of financial records (e.g., bank statements), or sponsorship details if travel costs are covered by another person.

Visa conditions for Nigerians under 18

Parents or legal guardians must apply for minors, following the general process but with additional documentation as required. If any documents are unavailable, provide a written explanation. Originals are required, and letters must be signed and stamped by the issuing organization.

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.

All documents must be translated into English or Irish and officially certified.

How long does it take to process a visa?

Visa processing times vary depending on the embassy or visa center. For current waiting times, contact the processing office directly.

Initial visas are usually issued for single entry. Minors under 16 who leave Ireland temporarily can apply for a re-entry visa. Holders of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) do not need re-entry visas.

For more details, visit the official Irish visa application website.