Ireland entry requirements for Russia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Ireland in 2026. You must apply before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for an Irish visa
You need a visa before traveling to Ireland. Apply online at the Irish Immigration Service website and submit your documents to the nearest Irish embassy or visa application center. Processing takes 2-8 weeks depending on your location and application type.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Russian passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Ireland. Ireland does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but your passport must not expire before you leave.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Dublin Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Ireland ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you don't have a return ticket.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 expect to show at least €50-100 per day of your trip if asked.Recommended
Visa required — no exceptions
Russian passport holders cannot enter Ireland without a visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA. Plan ahead and apply well in advance.
Processing times can be long
Irish visa processing can take 4–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.

What happens at the border

1
Apply online
Go to the Irish visa website and complete the online application form. You'll need to upload supporting documents and pay the visa fee (€80 for a single-entry visa, €100 for multiple-entry).
2
Book an appointment
After submitting the online form, book an appointment at the Irish visa application centre in Moscow or St Petersburg. You must attend in person to submit your passport and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4–8 weeks. Check the visa application centre's website for current processing times. You can track your application online.
4
Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport from the visa application centre. If approved, the visa sticker will be inside.
5
Arrive in Ireland
At Dublin Airport, go to the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The immigration officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and honestly.
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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 (approx. $87 USD)

Must apply at Irish embassy or visa application center.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Requires justification for frequent travel.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Critical Skills Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (approx. $1,090 USD) application fee
For skilled professionals in shortage occupations. Requires a job offer from an Irish employer. Leads to long-term residency.
Apply
student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD) registration fee
For full-time students enrolled in recognized courses. Allows part-time work. Must renew annually.
Apply
investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years, renewable, leads to permanent residence
€1,000,000 (approx. $1,090,000 USD) investment minimum
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Requires minimum investment of €1 million. Provides residency pathway.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center.€30 (approx. $33 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Russian passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Ireland, even if staying airside, unless they hold 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 repellent and check for ticks.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; early treatment is effective.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Dublin
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS)
13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions and immigration queries.

Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 YN44
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Handles registration and extensions for residents in Cork.

Practical information for RU 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
updated May 22
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
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing is 4–8 weeks. It can take longer during peak seasons (summer, Christmas). Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel.
A single-entry visa costs €80. A multiple-entry visa costs €100. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
No, Irish visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa from outside Ireland.
It's not a mandatory requirement for the visa application, but immigration officers may ask to see evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. Having a bank statement or credit card is wise.
No. Ireland is not part of the UK. You need a separate Irish visa, even if you have a valid UK visa.
You can appeal the decision within 2 months. The appeal fee is €80. You'll need to provide additional evidence addressing the reasons for refusal.
If you stay longer than 90 days, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in Dublin. For shorter stays, no registration is needed.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.