Do South African citizens need a visa for Ireland?
The official link goes to irishimmigration.ie. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Ireland entry rules for South African citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Irish Short Stay 'C' visa |
| Fee | EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry |
| Stay | Up to 90 days (as set by the visa and the border officer) |
| Validity | Normally 90 days from grant, or as set by the visa officer |
| When to apply | Apply online (AVATS) about 3 months before travel; decisions take about 8 weeks. Do not buy tickets before a decision. |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a South African passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Ireland entry requirements.
The details for a South African passport.
Irish Immigration nationality table (checked 11 Oct 2026): visa required. Passport must be valid at least 6 months after leaving Ireland. Travel/medical insurance for the whole trip is a visa condition. The visa requirement for South Africans dates from July 2024 (secondary source). Not covered by the UK visa waiver programme.
How long it must be valid.
Visa applicants: passport valid at least 6 months after the planned departure from Ireland. Visa-exempt visitors: Irish immigration publishes no minimum; carry a passport valid for the whole stay (airlines may require more). British citizens do not legally need a passport, but carriers may require one.
Recent changes in Ireland.
- 2025-03-10 — Visa requirement imposed on nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru. (Visa-required status confirmed on the official nationality table on 11 Oct 2026; date per secondary source.)
- 2025-05-12 — Visa requirement imposed on nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. (Visa-required status confirmed on the official nationality table on 11 Oct 2026; date per secondary source.)
- 2026-06-15 — Visa requirement imposed on nationals of Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia. (Visa-required status confirmed on the official nationality table on 11 Oct 2026; date per secondary source.)
The short answers.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. South African citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to Ireland.
How much does it cost for South African citizens?
EUR 60 single entry / EUR 100 multiple entry. Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can South African citizens stay in Ireland?
Up to 90 days (as set by the visa and the border officer). Longer stays need a different visa.
When should South African citizens apply?
Apply online (AVATS) about 3 months before travel; decisions take about 8 weeks. Do not buy tickets before a decision..
Where do South African citizens apply?
On the official site, irishimmigration.ie. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Ireland visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.