If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, one of the first things you’ll want to sort out is whether you need a visa. The good news is that for most visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, the answer is simple: no, you don’t.

Ireland has its own immigration system, separate from the EU’s Schengen Area. That means the rules are straightforward, but they’re also different from what you might read about European travel elsewhere. Here’s what you actually need to know.

Do Americans Need a Visa for Ireland?

No. US citizens can enter Ireland without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. You just need a valid passport.

The same applies to citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and all EU/EEA countries. If you hold a passport from any of these countries, you can fly into Ireland and pass through immigration without a pre-arranged visa.

There is one thing worth knowing, though. The US State Department has noted that an increasing number of American visitors have been refused entry or given a shorter stay than expected because they couldn’t demonstrate their travel plans to immigration officers. This is uncommon, but it does happen. Having a return flight booked, a rough itinerary, and proof that you can cover your expenses makes the process smoother.

Passport Requirement

Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland. Unlike some countries, Ireland doesn’t have a “six months remaining” rule. If your passport is valid on the day you arrive and stays valid until you leave, you’re fine.

You’ll also need at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

If you’re travelling on from Ireland to mainland Europe, check those countries’ passport requirements too. Many Schengen Area countries do require six months of passport validity, even if Ireland doesn’t.

How Long Can You Stay?

Visitors from visa-exempt countries (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, EU) can stay for up to 90 days. The immigration officer at the airport stamps your passport with the permitted duration when you arrive.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to register with Irish immigration and apply for an Irish Residence Permit. That’s a separate process and beyond the scope of a holiday visit.

What About the Schengen Area and ETIAS?

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. This catches a lot of people out because Ireland is in the EU.

In practical terms, this means:

  • Time spent in Ireland does not count towards your 90-day Schengen limit. If you spend two weeks in Ireland and then travel to France, your Schengen clock starts fresh in France.
  • ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) does not apply to Ireland. When ETIAS launches later in 2026, US and Canadian visitors will need it for Schengen countries like France, Spain, and Italy, but not for Ireland.
  • A Schengen visa does not give you entry to Ireland, and an Irish visa doesn’t grant Schengen access. They’re completely separate systems.

This is actually good news if you’re planning a longer European trip. Your Ireland time is separate, giving you more flexibility.

Entering the North of Ireland (UK ETA Required)

This is where things get a little more complicated, and it’s the one area where the rules have recently changed.

The north of Ireland is part of the UK, currently, which means it has its own entry requirements, separate from the Republic. Since January 8, 2025, citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and most other non-British/Irish nationalities need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the north. This includes crossing the land border from the Republic.

Here’s what you need to know about the UK ETA:

  • Cost: £16 (approximately $20) per person, including children
  • Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
  • Multiple entries: You can enter the UK as many times as you like during the validity period
  • Application: Through the UK ETA app or online at gov.uk
  • Processing time: Usually within 24 hours, though it can take up to 3 working days

There are no visible immigration checkpoints on the border between the Republic and the north. You won’t be stopped or asked for documents when you cross. But the ETA is still legally required, and if you’re found in the north without one, there can be consequences.

If your itinerary includes Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, the Causeway Coastal Route, or Derry, get your ETA before you travel. It takes minutes to apply and lasts two years. I’ve written a detailed guide to the UK ETA for Northern Ireland that covers the full application process.

Patrick’s Tip: British and Irish passport holders are exempt from the UK ETA. If you hold dual citizenship with either country, you can cross freely without one.

Who Does Need a Visa for Ireland?

While citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and EU countries don’t need a visa, many other nationalities do. Citizens of most countries in Asia, Africa, South America, and parts of Eastern Europe need to apply for an Irish visa before travelling.

If you’re not sure whether you need a visa, the quickest way to check is the Irish Immigration Service Travel Path tool. It takes 30 seconds and tells you exactly what applies to your nationality.

For those who do need a visa, it’s a short-stay “C” visa for tourism, and you should apply well in advance of your trip. Processing times vary by country but typically take a few weeks.

What to Have Ready at Immigration

When you land in Ireland, you’ll pass through immigration control. For most visitors it’s quick and painless, but having a few things ready can help:

  • A valid passport (with at least one blank page)
  • Your return or onward flight details
  • The name and address of where you’re staying (your first hotel is fine)
  • Evidence you can support yourself financially (a credit card statement or bank app on your phone works)

Immigration officers rarely ask for all of this, but it’s better to have it than to scramble at the desk. The US State Department notes that being prepared makes a real difference.

Quick Reference: Ireland Entry Requirements by Nationality

FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Ireland from the US?

No. US citizens can visit Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You just need a valid passport. There’s no need to apply for anything in advance for the Republic of Ireland. If your trip includes the north, you’ll need a separate UK ETA (£16).

What are the passport requirements for Ireland?

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ireland does not have a “six months validity” rule like some other countries, so as long as your passport covers your trip dates, you’re fine.

Does Ireland require ETIAS?

No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS does not apply. When ETIAS launches for Schengen countries in 2026, Ireland will continue to have its own separate entry system. This also means that time spent in Ireland doesn’t count against your 90-day Schengen limit.

Do I need a UK ETA to visit Northern Ireland?

Yes, since January 8, 2025, US, Canadian, Australian, and most other non-British/Irish citizens need a UK ETA to enter the north. It costs £16, takes minutes to apply for, and lasts two years. This applies even if you’re crossing the land border from the Republic.

Can I use a UK visa to enter Ireland?

No. A UK visa does not grant entry to Ireland, and an Irish visa doesn’t work for the UK. They have completely separate immigration systems. The only exception is a limited British-Irish Visa Scheme that applies to certain nationalities.

How long can I stay in Ireland as a tourist?

Most visa-exempt visitors (US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand citizens) can stay for up to 90 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport by the immigration officer when you arrive. If you need to stay longer, you must register with Irish immigration.

Is Ireland part of the Schengen Area?

No. Ireland opted out of the Schengen Agreement and maintains its own border controls. This means your time in Ireland is separate from any Schengen Area visit, and you don’t need a Schengen visa or ETIAS for Ireland.

Do I need to show proof of funds to enter Ireland?

It’s not always asked for, but immigration officers can request evidence that you have enough money to cover your stay. The US State Department notes that some visitors have been refused entry for not demonstrating their travel plans. Having a credit card, bank statement, or accommodation booking available is sensible.