Ireland entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Ireland in 2026. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for an Irish visa before travel | Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Ireland. Apply online at the Irish Immigration Service website, then attend a biometric appointment at the nearest Irish embassy or visa application centre. Processing takes 2–8 weeks — apply at least a month before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Ireland. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Irish law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ireland | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Ireland before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least €50–€100 per day in accessible funds is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Irish visa processing can take 4–8 weeks or longer. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA for Colombian passport holders. You must have a visa before you travel. Airlines will check this before boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa online
Go to the Irish visa application website (AVATS) and fill out the online form. You'll need to upload supporting documents and pay the fee. After submission, you'll get a reference number and instructions to book an appointment at the nearest Irish embassy or visa application centre (e.g., in Bogotá).
2
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the visa application centre in person to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Bring your printed application form, passport, and supporting documents. The appointment usually takes 15–20 minutes.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4–8 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can track your application online using your reference number. Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker.
4
Arrive in Ireland
At Dublin Airport (or other ports of entry), join the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance ready. The immigration officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and honestly.
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For single visit; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; subject to conditions.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Critical Skills Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (~$1,090 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals in shortage occupations. Requires a job offer from an Irish employer and minimum salary threshold. Leads to long-term residency.
Apply student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable based on course
€300 (~$327 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled in recognized courses. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays. Must maintain attendance.
Apply investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years, renewable, leads to permanent residence
€1,000,000 (~$1,090,000 USD) investment minimum
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Requires proof of funds and clean criminal record. Provides family reunification.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €100 (~$109 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €60 (~$65 USD) per day, max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Ireland
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Ireland unless they have a valid UK visa or certain other exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK visa may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)
Health & vaccines for Ireland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use tick precautions.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dublin
Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and registration; book appointment online.
Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 V5W7
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local registration and extensions; limited walk-in slots.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalDublin
LanguageIrish, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 4–8 weeks. During peak seasons (summer, Christmas) it can take longer. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
No, the visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa from outside Ireland.
Yes, if you are a Colombian passport holder, you generally need a visa even for transit through Ireland (unless you qualify for the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme, which is rare). Check with the Irish embassy for your specific situation.
Renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Ireland, not from your departure. If your passport doesn't meet this requirement, your visa application will be refused.
The standard single-entry visa fee is around €80 (approx. 350,000 COP). There may be additional service charges at the visa application centre. Fees are non-refundable if your application is refused.
You apply online via AVATS, then attend an appointment at the Irish visa application centre in Bogotá (usually operated by VFS Global). There are no other locations in Colombia.
No, a UK visa does not allow you to enter Ireland. Ireland is not part of the UK or the Schengen Area. You need a separate Irish visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.