
Ireland tourist visa is required for South African citizens. The stay is usually short with a period of 90 days and visa expires in 90 days. Applicant is required to be present when applying for Ireland tourist visa. A total of 12 documents are required for applying Ireland tourist visa.
Can South African passport holders travel to Ireland?
From 28 January 2021 South African passport holders will not be permitted to enter Ireland unless they are in possession of a visa/transit visa (as appropriate), regardless of where they reside or the purpose of their travel to Ireland.
Do you need a visa to work in South Africa?
Unfortunately, South Africans aren’t as lucky. South African passport holders must apply for a visa if they wish to be in the country for longer than 90 days. In addition to that, they need to get an employment or work permit. This means that you will need to secure a job before you arrive in the country.
How can I work in Ireland from South Africa?
Visa application. South Africans wishing to live and work in Ireland must apply for a “Long Stay D” visa. You can make the application online here. Employment permit application. You must apply for an employment permit with the Department of Business, Enterprise, and Innovation. You can do this here.
Do you need a visa to travel to Ireland?
This is thanks to its cheerful people, the spectacular beauty of the Irish countryside, the famous Guinness Beer and also because no visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months. However, the Irish government has initiated several changes regarding travel from South Africa to Ireland.

Is Ireland visa free for South African citizens?
Ireland tourist visa is free for South African citizens. The maximum duration of stay is 3 months. You can also find useful tips from fellow travellers.
How long can a South African stay in Ireland without a visa?
Any foreign national who is subject to Ireland visas and wishes to travel and stay in the country for longer than 90 days will have to apply for an Ireland Long Stay Visa.
Can I enter Ireland with a South African passport?
From 28 January 2021 South African passport holders will not be permitted to enter Ireland unless they are in possession of a visa/transit visa (as appropriate), regardless of where they reside or the purpose of their travel to Ireland.
What documents do I need to travel from South Africa to Ireland?
South African Passport Holders Travelling to IrelandReturn airline ticket.Proof of accommodation. ... Bank statements showing you have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.Full valid passport must be valid for 6 months after the planned date of return. ... Medical/Travel insurance.
Which countries are visa free for South African passport?
Where Can South Africans Travel Without a Visa?CountryAllowed stayBotswana90 daysBrazil90 daysChile90 daysCosta Rica90 days58 more rows
Where can I go without a visa as a South African?
More Visa-Free Countries for South African Passport HoldersAngola.Antigua & Barbuda.Bahamas.Barbados.Belize.Benin.Botswana.British Virgin Islands.More items...
Can I enter Ireland without a visa?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. There is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland.
How many hours is it from South Africa to Ireland?
Flying time from South Africa to Dublin, Ireland The total flight duration from South Africa to Dublin, Ireland is 12 hours, 24 minutes.
How much is Ireland visa fee?
The fees for visas are: Single entry visa fee: $81. Multiple entry visa fee: $136. Transit visa fee: $34.
Which countries do not need visa for Ireland?
Countries who are exempt from an Ireland visaAndorraAntigua and BarbudaAustraliaChileCosta RicaEl SalvadorFijiGuyanaHong Kong (Special Administrative Region)IsraelJapanLesothoMacau (Special Administrative Region)MalaysiaMexico9 more rows
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How much is an Irish visa?
The fees for visas are: Single entry visa fee: $81. Multiple entry visa fee: $136. Transit visa fee: $34.
Can I go to Ireland without a visa?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. There is no minimum passport validity requirement for U.S. citizens entering Ireland.
Which countries do not need visa for Ireland?
Countries who are exempt from an Ireland visaAndorraAntigua and BarbudaAustraliaChileCosta RicaEl SalvadorFijiGuyanaHong Kong (Special Administrative Region)IsraelJapanLesothoMacau (Special Administrative Region)MalaysiaMexico9 more rows
How do you get a work permit in Ireland?
Ireland work visa requirementsIreland work visa application form.Your valid passport.Photos in accordance with the Ireland photo requirements.Proof of paid work visa fees.Proof of legal residence in the country from which you are applying.A letter that explains that your purpose of travel is gaining employment.More items...
Do south african citizens need a visa to go to Ireland?
No, visa is not required for South African citizens.
Is Ireland visa required for South Africa citizen? keyboard_arrow_down
South African citizens don't need a visa for travelling to Ireland.
How long can i stay in Ireland on a tourist visa? keyboard_arrow_down
The stay is usually short with a period of 3 months
How to check Irish visa decision?
If you applied directly to an Irish Immigration Service Visa Office or if your application was referred to the Irish Immigration Service for a decision, you can check the Irish Immigration Service Visa Decision Weekly Listing using your reference number.
Does Ireland accept Euro bank drafts?
In recognition of the new South African financial regulations, the Embassy of Ireland does not accept payments by bank draft drawn on banks outside South Africa. Due to the difficulty encountered in clearing the Euro Bank drafts, the Embassy will, with immediate effect , no longer accept Euro bank drafts drawn outside South Africa.
Is Ireland visa free in 2021?
As part of a wide range of travel measures announced on 26 January 2021, and in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, visa-free travel to Ireland for nationals of South Africa and certain countries in South America was temporarily suspended.
Key Things to Know
Citizens of South Africa do not need a visa to visit Ireland as tourist.
Do South African passport holders need a visa to visit Ireland?
Citizens of South Africa do not need a visa to visit Ireland as tourist.
Do I need a visa to visit Ireland?
As the holder of a permanent South African Passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland – that’s the part independent of the United Kingdom sometimes called “Ireland Proper” or “Southern Ireland”. You will just need:
What about Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom, meaning you need a UK Visa to enter that part of the island of Ireland. So be careful about flying into airports like Londonderry-Eglinton (Derry) or Belfast as these are in the United Kingdom.
Flying via the United Kingdom
If you’re flying to Ireland and are transiting through the United Kingdom, as in flying via London, Manchester, Edinburgh etc to Dublin or any other airport in Ireland, you will need a transit visa for the UK. The UK only allows visa-free transit if you’re travelling to and are holding a visa for the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia.
Flying via other cities to Ireland
If you’re flying on a South African passport via any Schengen country , are not leaving the airport transit area there (also not changing airports) and are not staying longer than 24 hours in the airport, you’ll be fine to fly on that route, visa-free.
Cheap flights to Ireland
Travelstart allows you to compare all airlines on a single page to book the cheapest tickets to Ireland. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, compare and book the most affordable Irish hotels on our site, we feature multiple establishments in many locations.
When is the Irish visa free?
The Irish government has implemented the following regulations: Restriction until 5 March of visa-free short-term visits from South Africa, Brazil and other South American countries; The various categories of “essential travel” have been limited;
Is a visa required for Ireland?
This is thanks to its cheerful people, the spectacular beauty of the Irish countryside, the famous Guinness Beer and also because no visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months. However, the Irish government has initiated several changes regarding travel from South Africa to Ireland. The Irish Embassy in Pretoria announced ...
Is Ireland allowing South Africans to travel to Ireland?
There are only a few exceptions, which effectively means South Africans will not be able to travel to Ireland without legitimate reasons while the suspension is in place.
Why is the South African Embassy in Ireland?
The South African Embassy is striving to promote South Africa’s interests in Ireland and further grow and strengthen our already strong relations. The current cordial relationship with Ireland is largely based on Ireland’s strong support for South Africa in the pre-democracy struggle against the apartheid system.
Is the South African Embassy in Dublin going to scale down?
Therefore, a decision was taken to scale down consular services for the next two weeks.
How long do you have to be in South Africa to get a visa?
South African passport holders must apply for a visa if they wish to be in the country for longer than 90 days. In addition to that, they need to get an employment or work permit. This means that you will need to secure a job before you arrive in the country.
What do immigration officers want to know about you when you move to Ireland?
When moving to Ireland, the government immigration officers will want to know more about you, as a person and of course your current situation in life. This is what you can expect them to request:
How hard is it to get into Ireland?
Getting into Ireland is not excessively hard, but it’s going to take some forethought. You are going to need to do a lot of planning and ensure that you have your ducks in a row. You can’t grab your passport, pack a bag and head out the door. As a South African passport holder, you can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days, but then you have to bid the country a fond farewell and head home. After 90 days, it’s one of those “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here” situations.
How long do you have to live in Ireland to get a permanent residence?
Once you have been living and working in Ireland for 5 years legally, you can apply for permanent residency. However, if you work in the field of technology or hold a critical skills employment permit, you can apply for permanent residency after 2 years. There’s one catch though.
Can South Africans work in Ireland?
South Africans wishing to live and work in Ireland must apply for a “Long Stay D” visa. You can make the application online here.
Is Ireland colder than South Africa?
Ireland is far colder than South Africa, but is just as beautiful. The Irish people are similarly friendly and approachable – just like South Africans. Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and isn’t just a magical tourist destination – it’s also a fantastic place for South Africans to consider living and working…and of course, they do.
Do expats have to have accommodation before arriving in Ireland?
Where will you live and can you afford it? All expats must have confirmed accommodation before arrival in Ireland.
What is an Irish visa?
An Irish visa is a certificate placed on your passport or travel document that allows you to travel to Ireland. You still have to present your passport and documents to immigration control when you arrive at the airport or port, and an immigration officer may still refuse you entry to Ireland. If you are travelling with children, you have ...
How long can you stay in Ireland on a C visa?
You cannot stay for longer than 3 months on a ‘C’ visa. You must leave Ireland and apply for another visa if you want to return. Most short stay visa applications are currently suspended because of COVID-19. Only emergency applications are currently being processed.
How to appeal a refusal of a visa?
Appeals: If you are refused a visa you can appeal the decision by writing to the Visa Appeals Officer at the INIS Visa Section - see ‘Further information and contacts’ below.
How long do you have to stay in Ireland to get a residence permit?
You can apply for pre-clearance online. If you are approved, and you intend to stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you have to register for an Irish Residence Permit after you arrive in Ireland.
Do you have to apply for a visa for children?
If you are travelling with children, you have to apply for a visa for your children too.
What If I Want to Stay Longer?
If you want to stay longer in a visa-free country, you have no other option but to apply for a visa. You can check with a local embassy or consulate in South Africa that represents the country you want to visit.
How Do I Get an eVisa?
In case you hold a South African passport, and you want to visit an eVisa country, then follow these steps to get your online permit:
Visa on Arrival Countries for South African Citizens
Holders of a South African passport can get a visa on arrival when they visit these countries below:
South African Citizens Visa Requirements
The countries listed below do not allow South African citizens to enter without applying for a visa first:
Do South African Citizens Need a Visa to Go to the UK?
South Africans need to have a valid visa to visit the UK unless they have the Right to Abode. Unfortunately, South African citizens qualify for the Right to Abode only if they have citizenship of other countries in the commonwealth.
Can South Africans Visit Canada?
South African citizens need a visa to visit Canada. The only exception to this rule are citizens who have a Right to Abode in the UK and can present a Certificate of Entitlement as proof of authorization.
South Africa Visa Reciprocity
South Africans can visit these countries visa-free, but citizens of these countries cannot enter without a visa in South Africa:

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Ireland?
- As the holder of a permanent South African Passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland – that’s the part independent of the United Kingdom sometimes called “Ireland Proper” or “Southern Ireland”. You will just need: 1. A South African passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of return to South Africa (no temporary pa...
What About Northern Ireland?
- Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom, meaning you need a UK Visato enter that part of the island of Ireland. So be careful about flying into airports like Londonderry-Eglinton (Derry) or Belfast as these are in the United Kingdom. If you’re driving around Ireland and enter Northern Ireland, technically you will need a visa to do so. There are no border checkpoints on roads betw…
Flying Via The United Kingdom
- If you’re flying to Ireland and are transiting through the United Kingdom, as in flying via London, Manchester, Edinburgh etc to Dublin or any other airport in Ireland, you will need a transit visa for the UK. The UK only allows visa-free transit if you’re travelling to and are holding a visa for the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia.
Flying Via Other Cities to Ireland
- If you’re flying on a South African passport via any Schengen country, are not leaving the airport transit area there (also not changing airports) and are not staying longer than 24 hours in the airport, you’ll be fine to fly on that route, visa-free. Many of the middle-eastern airlines like Etihad Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines also fly to Dublinand on those routes, providing you’ll abid…
Cheap Flights to Ireland
- Travelstart allows you to compare all airlines on a single page to book the cheapest tickets to Ireland. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, compare and book the most affordable Irish hotels on our site, we feature multiple establishments in many locations. For the best visa-free routes to fly, we suggest flying into Dublin, from there you can hire a carto explore the lush gree…