U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Ireland and are granted permission to stay on arrival, usually up to 90 days. Irish visa work in the United States therefore concerns third-country nationals resident here and people going to study, work or join family.
Quick facts
That last point catches people out constantly: a Schengen visa does not admit you to Ireland, and an Irish visa does not admit you to the Schengen area. They are separate systems, and a trip covering both needs both.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short stay, single entry | Published tariff | Up to 90 days |
| Short stay, multiple entry | Higher tariff | By nationality and history |
| Long stay, study or work | Published tariff | Registration follows on arrival |
| Registration in Ireland | Charged there | Immigration registration office |
| British-Irish visa scheme | Where applicable | Covers both countries for some nationalities |
Some nationalities can use a scheme that allows travel to both Ireland and the United Kingdom on a single visa, which is worth checking before applying twice.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa for Ireland specifically.
- Complete the online application and pay the fee.
- Print the summary and gather the supporting documents.
- Submit them as instructed for applicants resident in the United States.
- Allow the published processing time, which lengthens for long-stay categories.
- Register with immigration after arrival where the permission requires it.
Required documents
- Passport valid well beyond the intended stay.
- Printed and signed online application summary.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States.
- Evidence of funds and accommodation.
- Letter explaining the purpose of the trip.
- Employment, study or family documents by category.
Where to apply
Online, with documents submitted as directed for U.S. residents. The embassy and consulates provide guidance on requirements.
Consulate General of Ireland
View details →AustinConsulate General of Ireland - Austin
View details →BostonConsulate General of Ireland
View details →ChicagoConsulate General of Ireland
View details →DenverIrish Consulate
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of Ireland
View details →New YorkPermanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations
View details →New YorkIrish Consulate
View details →New YorkConsulate General of Ireland
View details →San FranciscoConsulate General of Ireland
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Ireland
View details →Additional notes
Irish citizens need nothing
An Irish passport also carries the right to live and work across the European Union and, under the common travel area, in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most useful documents anyone can hold.
The common travel area
Irish and British citizens move freely between the two countries. That arrangement does not extend to other nationalities.
Northern Ireland
Crossing between Ireland and Northern Ireland means crossing into the United Kingdom, with its own entry requirements, even though there are no routine border checks.
Plan for both systems
A European trip taking in Dublin and the continent needs Irish permission and Schengen permission, obtained separately.