Ireland entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. You must still satisfy immigration at the border, so have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Ireland | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Ireland. Ireland does not require 6 months of validity beyond departure, but airlines may still enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Ireland | Immigration officers at Dublin and Shannon airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Ireland within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines sometimes check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host in Ireland. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a recent bank statement or credit card available to show you have enough money for your stay. Immigration officers in Ireland rarely check this for New Zealand passport holders, but it's smart to have it handy. | Recommended |
Common Travel Area (CTA)
Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area. If you have a valid UK visa or permission to stay, you may be able to enter Ireland without a separate visa. Check with the Irish embassy.
Border with Northern Ireland
There is no physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK). But the visa rules are different. If you enter Ireland visa-free, you can visit Northern Ireland for up to 6 months, but you cannot use that to bypass UK visa rules.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you queue, have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. Keep them in a zippered pocket or a travel wallet.
2
Join the non-EU queue
At Dublin, Shannon, or Cork airports, follow signs for 'Non-EU Passports'. The queue can be 20–60 minutes during peak hours.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer will likely ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer clearly and concisely.
4
Receive your entry stamp
If approved, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Check it says the correct date (usually 90 days from entry). If not, ask the officer to correct it.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for most goods, red channel if you have something to declare.
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
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)
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 7 years
€300 (approx. $327 USD)
For full-time study at a recognised Irish institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply retirement visa
Stamp 0 (Retirement/Independent Means)
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD)
For non-EEA retirees with sufficient funds to support themselves without working. Requires private health insurance and proof of income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave after 90 days. | Varies |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is a legal violation; fines or bans may apply, but no fixed daily rate is published. | Varies |
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Ireland, even if leaving the airside area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsDublin Airport (DUB) · Shannon Airport (SNN) · Cork Airport (ORK)
Health & vaccines for Ireland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedSeasonal influenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use tick precautions when hiking.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in grassy/wooded areas; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene standards are high.
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 registration and visa queries; appointments required.
Cork
Cork Immigration Office
Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 YN45
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles local registrations and renewals.
Practical information for NZ 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 entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. You cannot take up employment. If you want to work, you need a valid work permit and visa.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in a ban from re-entering Ireland or the Schengen Area.
Northern Ireland is part of the UK, not Ireland. As a New Zealand passport holder, you can visit Northern Ireland visa-free for up to 6 months. But crossing the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland is not controlled — just be aware of the different visa rules.
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. You would need to apply for a long-stay visa (e.g., for study or work) before you travel. Contact the Irish embassy in Wellington for details.
No, New Zealand passport holders are not required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau for stays under 90 days.
It's risky. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you have a one-way ticket, be ready to show a return ticket or a flight out of Ireland within 90 days. Many airlines also require proof of onward travel before boarding.
Overstaying is a breach of immigration rules. You could be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Ireland for up to 5 years. Always leave before day 90.
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.