Ireland Visit Visa — Overview for Pakistanis
Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone, so a separate Irish visa is always required — even if you hold a valid Schengen or UK visa. However, holding a valid UK or US visa can make you eligible to enter Ireland under the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme, which is worth checking before applying. For standard applicants, the Irish Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows tourism, family visits, and business travel for up to 90 days. Applications are made online via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Ireland applies careful scrutiny to Pakistani applications with strong focus on financial proof and genuine temporary visit intent.
The standard single-entry Irish Short-Stay Visa fee is EUR 60 (approximately PKR 19,500). A multi-entry short-stay visa costs EUR 100 (approximately PKR 32,400). Transit visas cost EUR 25. All fees are non-refundable once an application is submitted — even if your visa is refused. VFS communication, courier, and service charges are additional costs. Government fees and exchange rates may change — our team confirms the latest payable amount before submission.
Applications are made online through the AVATS (Advanced Visa Application Tracking System). After submitting online, you print your AVATS summary and submit your physical documents and original passport to the Irish Embassy in Islamabad or the designated VAC. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks, and INIS recommends applying at least 8 weeks before intended travel.
Required Documents
- Valid passport — valid for the full duration of your proposed stay
- Online application form — submitted via inis.gov.ie
- Two passport photographs — as per Irish visa specifications
- Bank statements (6 months) — showing consistent funds sufficient for your trip
- Employment letter — confirming position, salary, approved leave, and guaranteed return
- Salary slips — 3–6 months
- Business documents — NTN, registration, tax returns (self-employed)
- Property or home tie documents — ownership deeds, tenancy, or utility bills
- Travel itinerary — accommodation bookings, flight bookings
- Travel insurance — recommended, not strictly mandatory but strengthens application
- Cover letter — detailed explanation of your purpose, ties to Pakistan, and intent to return
- Invitation letter — if visiting family or friends in Ireland, plus proof of their Irish residence status
Common Refusal Reasons
- Inability to demonstrate strong ties to Pakistan — the primary reason for Irish visa refusals for Pakistani nationals
- Insufficient financial evidence — inadequate bank balance or inconsistent income history
- Vague travel purpose — unclear reason for visiting Ireland without a credible itinerary
- Incomplete application — missing documents or unsigned forms sent to INIS
- Previous visa refusals not disclosed — Irish immigration checks prior refusals; undisclosed refusals cause serious problems
Applicant-Specific Strategy
The Irish Embassy assesses each application based on your full individual profile. A generic file is easily identified and increases refusal risk:
- Employed applicants: Employment letter must confirm leave approval dates, position, salary, and expected return-to-work date. Salary credits in bank statements must match the stated salary figure.
- Business owners: Business registration, NTN/STRN where available, tax profile, business bank statement, personal bank statement, and a business cover letter demonstrating why you need to travel and why your business requires your return to Pakistan.
- Students: Enrollment letter, NOC from institution, full financial package from sponsoring parent or guardian, and documented family ties remaining in Pakistan.
- Housewife / dependents: Sponsor income and bank statements, maintenance letter, marriage certificate or NADRA FRC, and clear family tie explanation.
- Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme: If you hold a valid UK visa or US visa that has been used for entry, verify your eligibility for the Irish waiver at irishimmigration.ie before applying for a separate Irish visa — you may not need one.
- Previous refusal: Never conceal a prior refusal. Address the specific reason with corrected evidence and a calm cover-letter explanation of what has changed.
How Shaheen Visa Helps
- Initial eligibility check — including Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme assessment
- Personalized document checklist based on your profile
- Financial document review — bank statement consistency and income matching
- Cover letter drafting — profile-specific, not a generic template
- AVATS online form preparation guidance
- Travel itinerary and accommodation review
- Previous refusal analysis and reapplication file rebuild
No consultant can guarantee Irish visa approval. The final decision rests with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. Our role is to ensure your genuine case is presented as clearly and completely as possible.
Processing Times
Irish visa processing from Pakistan typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. INIS recommends applying at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date. During busy periods processing may take longer. Once a decision is made you will be notified to collect your passport from the Irish Embassy in Islamabad.
Processing times last verified: May 2026. Always confirm current timelines before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
📋 Start with a free profile review. Send us your passport details, any existing UK or US visas (to check waiver eligibility), previous travel history, employment or business profile, bank statement summary, and intended travel dates. We will assess your eligibility and explain what your specific profile needs — before you pay the Irish visa fee.
Official Resources
Official information: Irish Immigration Service (INIS)
