Ireland entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South Korean passport holders can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study. As of 2025, no pre-arrival visa or registration is needed for stays under 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Ireland. Ireland does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but your airline may enforce this — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ireland | Immigration officers at Dublin Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Ireland within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement or credit card showing access to around €100–€150 per day of your stay is a safe benchmark. Have a recent statement or digital banking app ready. | Recommended |
Common Travel Area (CTA)
Ireland and the UK share a Common Travel Area. If you have a valid UK visa or UK visa-free permission, you can enter Ireland from the UK without a separate Irish visa. But the reverse is not true — an Irish visa does not grant entry to the UK.
Overstaying is serious
Even one day over your 90-day limit can result in a ban from the entire Schengen Area and Ireland for up to 5 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Irish border control
At Dublin, Cork, or Shannon airports, join the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will ask your purpose, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. If asked, show your return ticket (on phone or printed) and accommodation booking. No forms to fill in advance.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After border control, proceed to baggage claim and customs. Green channel for most tourists (nothing to declare).
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
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)
For skilled professionals in occupations on the Critical Skills list. Requires a job offer from an Irish employer. Leads to long-term residency.
Apply student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Permission)
Up to 7 years
€300 (~$327 USD) registration fee
For full-time students enrolled in recognised courses. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years initial, renewable
€1,500 (~$1,635 USD) application fee + minimum investment €1,000,000
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Leads to long-term residency and citizenship path.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; valid for up to 90 days. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of permission to stay beyond 90 days is rarely granted for tourists; fee applies if approved. | €300 (~$327 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is a serious offense; fines and possible deportation. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Ireland, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)
Health & vaccines for Ireland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedSeasonal influenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; avoid tick bites.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; use repellent.
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; appointments required.
Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 V2VH
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles registration and extensions for residents in the south.
Practical information for KR 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
No. The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable for tourism or business. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., work or study) before you travel. Overstaying can lead to a ban.
No, not for stays under 90 days. Only non-EEA nationals staying longer than 90 days need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term study only. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically not allowed under the tourist permission. If you plan to work, you need a valid work visa.
Overstaying is a breach of immigration rules. You may be fined, banned from re-entering Ireland for up to 5 years, or both. Always leave before your stamp expires.
Yes, but only if you're entering from the UK's Common Travel Area. South Korean passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months, then cross into Ireland. However, you must still satisfy Irish immigration rules at the border. It's simpler to fly directly into Ireland.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. But if you plan to leave the airport (even for a few hours), you need the same visa-free permission — which South Koreans have. Just ensure your passport is valid and you have a onward ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. A damaged passport (torn pages, water damage) is not accepted.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.