Ireland entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Ireland in 2026. You must apply before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Saudi nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Ireland. Apply online at the Ireland Immigration Service website — processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on the visa type. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of 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 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Dublin and Shannon airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a flexible ticket avoids issues if plans change. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Ireland. Border officers may ask where you're staying — having it ready speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask for a specific amount, but €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. Cash or card both work. | Recommended |
Visa processing takes 8–12 weeks
Don't book flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing times can stretch longer during busy periods.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save scans of your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation on your phone and email. If you lose your passport, these make replacement much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an Irish visa online
Go to the Irish visa website (visas.inis.gov.ie) and complete the online application. You'll need to upload your documents and pay the fee.
2
Submit your passport and documents
After applying online, you must submit your passport and supporting documents to the Irish visa application centre in Riyadh or Jeddah. You can book an appointment online.
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 8–12 weeks. Check the current processing times on the Irish immigration website before you book travel.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. You can collect it in person or have it couriered.
5
Arrive in Ireland and go through immigration
At Dublin Airport (or Shannon/Cork), join the 'Non-EU' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your plans and funds.
Download Ireland Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (approx. $87 USD)
For tourism or short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travelers; must apply for long validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
General Employment Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000 (approx. $1,090 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer from an Irish employer. Requires a labor market test and minimum salary threshold.
Apply student visa
Stamp 2 (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $327 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in a recognized course. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
2 years, renewable
€1,000,000 minimum investment
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Irish enterprise or funds. Leads to long-term residence and citizenship pathway.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry for most applicants. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. $30-50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €60 per day (approx. $65 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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Irish airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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/wooded areas; use insect 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
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 YN44
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For registration and extension queries in the south.
Practical information for SA 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 = 0.88 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 8–12 weeks. It can be longer during peak seasons (summer, Christmas). Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
The visa application fee is €80 for a single-entry visa and €100 for a multiple-entry visa. There's also a service fee at the visa application centre (around SAR 150–200). Fees are non-refundable if the visa is refused.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Ireland before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different type of permission before your current visa expires.
Immigration officers at Dublin Airport may ask to see bank statements or a sponsor letter. Have them ready in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.
You can appeal the decision within 2 months. The appeal costs €80. You'll need to address the reasons for refusal in your appeal letter.
No. An Irish visa is only valid for Ireland. You need a separate UK visa to enter Northern Ireland or Great Britain.
You submit your documents at the Irish visa application centre in Riyadh or Jeddah. Both are run by VFS Global. Book an appointment online first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.