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Ireland Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need an Irish visa (Ireland is outside Schengen) — apply online via AVATS and submit through the Irish visa office; fee EUR 60-100, processing around 4-8 weeks.

Guide last updated September 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of the intended stay plus a buffer, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online AVATS (Automated Visa Application and Tracking System) application and printed summary sheet, signed
  • 2 recent passport photos, 35x45mm, white background
  • Proof of purpose of travel (invitation letter, tourist itinerary, or business letter)
  • Proof of accommodation for the full stay
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds
  • Evidence of ties to Kenya: employment letter, business registration, or property documents
  • Biometrics are not routinely collected for short-stay visas but supporting documents are submitted in person or via courier to the visa application center

Visa types

  • Short-stay 'C' Visit Visa (Tourist/Business): up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, fee EUR 60 (single) or EUR 100 (multiple)
  • Long-stay 'D' Visa (Study/Work/Join Family): for stays over 90 days, fee EUR 60-100 depending on category
  • Transit visa: for passengers transiting through Irish airports, fee EUR 25
  • Student visa: requires acceptance letter from a recognized Irish institution and proof of tuition payment

How to apply

  • Complete the application on the AVATS online portal (visas.inis.gov.ie), then print, sign, and date the summary sheet
  • Submit the application with supporting documents to the nearest Irish visa office or authorized courier/application center, as Kenya applications are typically processed via a regional Irish visa office or VFS-style partner
  • Pay the visa fee as instructed during submission
  • Track status online using the AVATS reference number
  • Passport is returned with the visa decision by courier or collection

Fees & processing time

  • Single-entry visa fee: EUR 60
  • Multiple-entry visa fee: EUR 100
  • Transit visa fee: EUR 25
  • Courier/handling fee at the application center: approximately EUR 20-30 in addition to the visa fee
  • Standard processing time: 4-8 weeks, though Irish authorities note it can take longer during peak seasons
  • No official express/priority service is guaranteed; apply as early as possible

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least 2-3 months ahead of travel given Ireland's longer average processing times
  • Common rejection reasons: incomplete AVATS summary sheet, insufficient proof of funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to Kenya
  • Ireland is not part of the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa does not cover entry into Ireland and vice versa
  • Keep the AVATS reference number handy to track the application and respond quickly to any requests for additional documents
  • Extensions of a short-stay visa are rarely granted; plan the visit dates carefully before applying

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.