Do Nigerians need a visa to visit Ireland?

No, Nigeria is a visa-required country for Ireland. You must obtain a visa before you travel, and the UK Standard Visitor Visa does not grant entry to Ireland.

How long can I stay in Ireland on a standard visitor visa?

The short-stay 'C' visa allows you to stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days. It is strictly for tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings.

Can I work in Ireland with a visitor visa?

A 'C' visa is strictly for short-term stays. You cannot work, study long-term, or apply to change your immigration status while in Ireland on this visa.

Is a bank statement mandatory for the application?

Yes, you must provide original bank statements for the six months prior to your application. Ireland requires proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself.

Does my UK visa allow me to visit Ireland?

The Common Travel Area (CTA) allows free movement between the UK and Ireland for British and Irish citizens only. Nigerian citizens still require separate visas for both territories unless using specific waiver schemes.

Can I use the Irish Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme?

No. The Short Stay Visa Waiver Scheme allows certain nationalities with a UK visa to enter Ireland, but Nigeria is currently not on the list of eligible countries for this scheme.

Are the visa fees refundable if I am denied?

Fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.

Do I need to apply online?

Yes, Ireland requires an 'Application Summary Sheet' which is generated after you finish the online AVATS application process.

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Visa Requirements for Nigerians Travelling to Ireland

Nigerian citizens planning to visit Ireland for tourism, business, or to visit family must obtain a Short Stay ‘C’ Visa before travelling. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, meaning a Schengen visa will not grant entry; you must apply for a specific Irish visa through the Department of Justice. The process begins with an online application but requires the submission of physical documents and biometric data at a designated Visa Application Centre in Nigeria. The Irish immigration authorities place a high emphasis on the applicant's financial stability and their ties to Nigeria. Due to the high volume of applications from Nigeria, it is essential to provide comprehensive documentation that proves you have a clear reason to visit and every intention of returning home. Please note that visa policies are subject to change, and you should always confirm current requirements with the Irish Embassy in Abuja or the official Irish Immigration Service before proceeding.

Key highlights

Mandatory visa required for all Nigerian passport holders seeking entry to Ireland.
Online application via the AVATS system is the first compulsory step.
Short-stay 'C' visas permit a maximum stay of up to 90 days.
Biometric data collection is required at a VFS Global centre in Lagos or Abuja.
Strong evidence of 'intent to return' to Nigeria is critical for approval.
Processing times can be lengthy, often exceeding 8 weeks during peak periods.
No visa-free transit or waiver schemes currently apply to Nigerian citizens.

Processing time

8 - 12 weeks

Processing times can fluctuate significantly based on the season and the complexity of your case. Always apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date.

Estimated cost

~$100 - $150 (excluding biometrics)

Single Entry Visa Fee€60 (~$65)
Multi-Entry Visa Fee (if applicable)€100 (~$108)
VFS Global Service ChargeVaries by location

Requirements

Proof of sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of the stay without working.
A valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages.
A detailed letter of application explaining the purpose of the visit.
Confirmed accommodation details or a letter of invitation from a host in Ireland.
Full travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Evidence of employment or business ownership in Nigeria.
Proof of family ties in Nigeria (e.g., marriage certificate, children's birth certificates).
Detailed breakdown of any previous visa refusals from any country.
The applicant must not have any criminal convictions.
Payment of the correct visa fee and VFS service charge.

Documents you'll need

Current Nigerian Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
Two colour passport-sized photographs (signed on the back)
Original Bank Statements for the last 6 months
Signed Application Summary Sheet from AVATS (online application)
Letter of invitation or detailed travel itinerary
Evidence of Ties to Nigeria (employment letter, property deeds, or family records)
Private medical insurance cover for the duration of the stay
Previous passports showing travel history (if available)

How to apply, step by step

1
Complete the AVATS Online Form
Fill out the official Irish Online Visa Application (AVATS). Save your transaction number for tracking.
2
Pay Application Fees
Pay the visa application fee as instructed during the online process or at the application centre.
3
Print Summary Sheet
Print and sign the Application Summary Sheet generated by the online system.
4
Schedule VFS Appointment
Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in Abuja or Lagos to submit your documents and provide biometrics.
5
Prepare Document Folder
Gather all original documents, including bank statements, employment letters, and your passport.
6
Attend Submission Centre
Attend your appointment to submit your physical application and have your fingerprints and photo taken.
7
Wait for Processing
Your application is forwarded to the Irish Embassy in Abuja or the Dublin visa office for assessment.
8
Passport Collection
Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport and documents from the VFS centre.

Tips to avoid refusal

Provide 6 months of bank statements instead of the minimum 3 to show financial consistency.
Ensure every document in a local language is accompanied by a certified English translation.
Be honest about previous visa denials; the Irish embassy shares data with the UK and other nations.
Write a personalized cover letter that clearly outlines your itinerary and reasons for returning to Nigeria.
If staying with a host, ensure they provide a 'Letter of Undertaking' and proof of their own residency/funds.
Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa has been approved and issued.

Frequently asked questions

Related visa guides

Ireland Visa Guide — Every Visa Type Explained Ireland Tourist Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time Ireland Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time Ireland Digital Nomad Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time Ireland Embassy & Consulate Guide Ireland Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time Ireland Student Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

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PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.

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