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Ireland Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need an Irish short-stay 'C' visit visa, applied for online through AVATS and submitted via VFS Global in China; fee EUR 60 single entry or EUR 100 multiple entry, standard processing around 8 weeks.

Guide last updated October 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of the intended stay plus a reasonable margin, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online application via the AVATS system (avats.inis.gov.ie) with the printed summary sheet
  • One recent passport photo, 35x45mm, white background
  • Proof of accommodation and a day-by-day itinerary
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months and proof of employment or enrolment
  • Travel insurance covering the stay is strongly recommended
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collected in person at the VFS Global application centre

Visa types

  • Short-stay 'C' Tourist visa — single or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days, most common for leisure visits
  • Business visa — requires an invitation letter from the Irish host company, single or multiple entry
  • Visit family/friends visa — requires an invitation and proof of relationship from the Irish-based host
  • Note: Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so a separate Irish visa is required even if you already hold a Schengen visa (the UK-Ireland British-Irish Visa Scheme only applies to a limited set of nationalities, not China)

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form through AVATS and print the generated summary sheet
  • Book an appointment at VFS Global's Irish visa application centre in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou)
  • Submit the printed summary, passport, photo and supporting documents in person, and give biometrics
  • Pay the visa fee (EUR 60 single entry or EUR 100 multiple entry) plus the VFS service fee
  • Track the application online using the AVATS reference number
  • Collect the passport in person or by courier once a decision is issued

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: EUR 60 for single entry, EUR 100 for multiple entry (approx. RMB 460-770)
  • VFS service fee: approx. EUR 25-30
  • Total estimated cost: approx. RMB 650-1000 depending on entry type
  • Standard processing time: approximately 8 weeks, though straightforward tourist applications are sometimes decided sooner
  • No official express or priority processing option for Chinese applicants

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance — at least 2-3 months before travel — given the longer standard processing time compared to Schengen visas
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient evidence of ties to China, vague itinerary, inconsistent financial documentation
  • If also visiting the Schengen area on the same trip, apply for both visas in parallel but plan around Ireland's longer timeline
  • A clear, detailed itinerary (especially for first-time applicants) strengthens the application
  • Extensions inside Ireland are handled by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and are granted only in limited circumstances

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.