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Ireland Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a short stay visa (C) or long stay visa (D) to visit Ireland — apply online via https://www.irishimmigration.ie/; typical visa fees are €60 for short stay and €100 for long stay, with processing times around 8–12 weeks.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Ireland, and have at least two blank pages for stamps and notes.
  • Specific forms: complete the online visa application through the Irish Immigration Portal on https://www.irishimmigration.ie/; there is no DS-160 form for Ireland. For long-stay (D) visas, you may be prompted to provide additional form(s) such as the Long Stay Visa (VAF1A) as part of the online process.
  • Financial proof: provide evidence of funds to cover the duration of your stay (examples include bank statements for the last 6 months, payslips, and an employment letter). If you have a sponsor, include a sponsor letter plus the sponsor’s bank statements and contact details.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: provide proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host) and evidence of onward or return travel, or funds to purchase a return ticket.
  • Photo spec: one recent color passport photo (dimensions 35 mm x 45 mm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months, showing the full face without headwear (unless for religious reasons) and no glare on glasses if worn.
  • Biometrics: biometrics are required and will be collected at the designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) or the location specified by the VAC; book a biometric appointment as part of the application process.
  • Travel health insurance: not strictly required for visa approval, but travel medical insurance is strongly recommended for the duration of your stay in Ireland.

Visa types

  • Short stay visa (C visa) – Official name: Short stay visa; Validity: up to 90 days; Max stay: 90 days; Entries: single or multiple; Approximate fee: €60.
  • Long stay visa (D visa) – Official name: Long stay visa; Validity: duration of stay as per purpose (e.g., study, work, join family); Entries: multiple typically; Approximate fee: €100.
  • Student visa (Long stay) – Official name: Long stay visa for study; Validity: duration of course plus any permitted extensions; Entries: multiple; Approximate fee: €100.
  • Work visa (Long stay) – Official name: Long stay visa for employment; Validity: tied to contract duration; Entries: multiple; Approximate fee: €100.
  • Medical treatment / Family reunification (Long stay) – Official name: Long stay visa for medical treatment or join family; Validity: as required for purpose; Entries: multiple; Approximate fee: €100.

Application process

  • How to apply: There is no online e-Visa for Ireland; you apply online via the Irish Immigration Portal at https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ and lodge supporting documents at the designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your region (the VAC may be operated by partners such as VFS Global or TLScontact depending on your location).
  • Steps: create an online account on the Irish Immigration Portal, choose your visa type (C or D), fill in the application, upload documents, pay the visa fee, and book a biometrics appointment at the VAC; submit biometrics as required.
  • Visa appointment and document submission: bring all required documents to the VAC on the day of your appointment or upload per VAC instructions; ensure documents are clear and translated if required.
  • Processing and decision: processing is usually 8–12 weeks from the date of submission; you will be notified by email or via the portal when a decision is made; in some cases an interview may be requested.
  • Arrival of approval: if approved, your passport with the visa stamp or vignette will be returned to you by the VAC or courier; you may also receive an electronic approval if applicable.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (EUR): Short stay C visa €60; Long stay D visa €100; USD equivalents are approximate (EUR 1 ≈ USD 1.08–1.12 depending on rate).
  • VAC service fee: The service charge by the Visa Application Centre varies by center; typical range is €15–€40. Check the VAC website in your country for the exact amount.
  • Total cost estimate: Example for a single short stay visa: around €60 (visa) + €20–€30 (VAC service) ≈ €80–€90; Example for a long stay visa: around €100 (visa) + €20–€30 (VAC service) ≈ €120–€130.
  • Standard processing time: typically 8–12 weeks from submission; express/priority processing is not routinely offered for Ireland visas; consult the VAC or the Irish DFA portal for any exceptions.
  • Additional notes: Fees and processing times are set by the Irish authorities and can change; always verify current amounts on https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ before applying.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start the visa process at least 12 weeks before travel, and ideally 3–4 months ahead to account for potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants: insufficient funds or lack of clear evidence of funds; weak ties to home country (to demonstrate intent to return); incomplete or inconsistent supporting documents (e.g., mismatched dates, missing sponsor details); inadequate accommodation proof; failure to show travel history or purpose for visit.
  • VACs vs direct embassy application: Afghanistan may not have a direct Irish embassy; many applicants lodge through a nearby VAC country (e.g., Pakistan or UAE) or use the VAC network; always verify the correct VAC for your region via the Irish DFA site and the official Irish Immigration Portal.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland travel advice pages (dfa.ie) for current travel advisories and any country-specific notes.
  • Extension options inside Ireland: short stay (C visa) extensions beyond 90 days are generally not permitted; long stay (D visa) holders may apply for permission to remain or for an extension through INIS while in Ireland, before visa expiry, if eligible; contact INIS for guidance.
  • Documentation tips: ensure all documents are clear, scanned copies are legible, translations are provided where required, and your name matches exactly across all documents.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.