Visit World - Polish Citizens Traveling to Ireland: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Do Poles need a visa to travel to Ireland?

Polish citizens are not required to have a visa for entry into Ireland, provided that their total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule applies to those traveling for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, cultural or sporting events.

Additionally, you do not need a visa to enter Ireland if you meet the following criteria:

You possess a travel document issued by an EEA member state in accordance with Article 28 of the 1951 Geneva Convention (for refugees) or the 1951 New York Convention (for stateless persons);
You hold a residence card from an EEA country due to your status as a family member of an EEA citizen.

What documents are required to enter Ireland for Poles?

Although Polish citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland, there are certain documents you must bring with you:

An original passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Ireland;
Travel medical insurance valid for the duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros;
Accommodation booking confirmation: A document proving your hotel reservation in Ireland, regardless of whether it is paid or not;
Confirmed airline tickets: Proof of your stay duration in Ireland, including confirmed tickets for arrival and departure;
Tourist activity bookings for events or activities you plan to attend in Ireland;
Proof of financial security: Bank statements covering the past six months. There is no fixed amount required, as officers reviewing your documents will assess whether you have sufficient funds based on your individual case.

Top 5 tourist attractions in Ireland worth visiting for Poles

Below is a list of must-see attractions in Ireland that will leave tourists from Poland with unforgettable memories:

The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

These dramatic cliffs provide stunning views of Ireland’s coast and are one of the country's top attractions, formed around 320 million years ago and featured in numerous films.

Temple Bar, Dublin

This lively Dublin neighborhood is known for its vibrant pubs, live music, and lively atmosphere. It features The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub, and many historic theaters.

Howth, County Dublin

A scenic coastal village boasting beautiful cliffs and a famous red door lighthouse. Visitors can stroll along the coast, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch seals in the harbor.

Trinity College Dublin

Established in 1592, this is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university, home to the renowned Book of Kells and the breathtaking Long Hall of the Old Library.

Kinsale, County Cork

A charming town known for its colorful buildings, rich history, and excellent culinary scene. Highlights include Desmond Castle and a vibrant food culture, making it Ireland’s gastronomic capital.

When is the best time for tourists from Poland to visit Ireland?

Ireland is a destination that Poles can enjoy year-round, but the best time to visit depends on personal preferences. The summer months (June to August) offer pleasant weather suitable for outdoor adventures and sightseeing, while spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes.

All passengers wishing to transit through Ireland are advised to check the link, whether they need a transit visa to Ireland.

A transit visa is used to allow citizens to travel through an Irish airport or seaport to get to another country, such as during a connecting flight.

Who should apply?

- Passengers transferring at Dublin Airport should be aware of the following: if your arrival flight and the next connecting flight are in Terminal 2 from 04:00 to 16:00 on the same day, you can use a transit visa. In all other situations, you will need an entry permit (you need to have a corresponding Irish entry visa);

- You should check if you need a short-term visa or a transit visa before traveling and apply if necessary.

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Travel from Ethiopia to the US or Canada, or travel to Ethiopia from the US or Canada via Ireland

You do not need an Irish transit visa if you are an Ethiopian citizen and travel with a national passport directly from Ethiopia via Ireland to the United States or Canada. You must have permission to travel to the United States or Canada.

You do not need a transit visa to travel directly from the United States or Canada back to Ethiopia via Ireland. You must be in the United States or Canada at the time of departure on legal grounds.

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Where to apply for a transit visa?

You can apply for a transit visa on a website.

For a transit visa, select the following options in AVATS:

The reason for the trip: "Transit";
Type of trip: "single" or "multiple".

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What is the cost of a transit visa?

The current fee is 25 euros. Some applications may incur additional charges, such as consular fees. The visa fee covers the administrative costs of processing your application. Funds will not be returned if your application is withdrawn or rejected.

You can read more about obtaining a transit visa on the website.

Your pet must arrive in Ireland with you within five days before or after your arrival in the country if accompanied by a person authorized by you. You must also have the original documents of your pet.

The entry requirements for pets in Ireland depend on where your pet is traveling from.

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If you come from an EU country

You need a European-style animal passport.

This document should contain:

- A note on the complex vaccination against viral diseases. The last vaccination must be carried out no later than 30 days and no earlier than 12 months before the date of departure;

- A photograph of the pet before it reaches the age of 12 months;

- A mark about chipping with an indication of the date of chipping and localization of microchip;

- A mark of rabies vaccination (vaccine name, signature, seal, date). The animal can be vaccinated against rabies after the age of 12 weeks;

- Information on treatments against ecto- and endoparasites (against fleas and worms).

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Travel from the UK

You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Give yourself enough time to agree on appropriate vaccinations and requirements with your veterinarian before the trip and don't forget that your pet will need a new AHC for each trip.

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Travel from outside the EU and the UK

Admission requirements depend on your country of origin.

At a minimum, your pet should:

Have a microchip (this must be done before anything else);
Have a rabies vaccination;
Have an EU medical certificate;
Dogs need to be treated for chickenpox.

You can only enter the Republic of Ireland via Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, Cork Harbour at Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare Europort and you must pass a compliance check upon arrival.

Pets from certain countries may also need a blood test after rabies vaccination at least three months before entry.

You can find detailed information about the requirements for each country and all animals on the Irish Government's Pet Travel Portal.

Dial 999 or 112 for emergency services: emergency medical care in case of serious illnesses, injuries, a threat to life, fire service, police.

For information and advice on Irish customs regulations, visit the official website of the Irish Customs Information Office.

If you have a driver's license issued by an EU or EEA member state, you can drive in Ireland as long as your license is valid. If you wish to exchange your driver’s license for an equivalent Irish one after their expiry date, you must do so within 10 years of the expiration of your driver’s license.
If your driver's license was issued by one of the recognized countries, you can travel in Ireland for up to 1 year while in that country, if your license is valid.
If you normally live in Ireland, you should exchange your driver’s license or start the process of applying for an Irish driver’s license.
If you have a UK driver's license, you can drive in Ireland under the condition that you live in the UK and are just visiting Ireland. If you live in Ireland, you cannot drive under your British license.

The fee for the exchange of your driver’s license for an Irish one is 55 Euros.

The minimal age for renting a vehicle is 21 years old (for some vehicles – 25 years).

You can find additional information and useful contacts concerning vehicle ownership on the website.

Irish Embassies in different countries can be found here: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/

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Do Poles need a visa to travel to Ireland?

What documents are required to enter Ireland for Poles?

Top 5 tourist attractions in Ireland worth visiting for Poles

When is the best time for tourists from Poland to visit Ireland?