Short stays and the 90/180-day rule in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Ireland is not in the Schengen area and does not take part in the Entry/Exit System. British citizens need no visa and EU, EEA and Swiss citizens show a passport or national identity card on arrival. Other nationals who may enter are given up to 3 months at the immigration officer's discretion.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum length of a short stayShort visit as a tourist or visitorFor nationals of countries other than the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK, the immigration officer decides the length of stay, up to a maximum of 3 months. [1]
Visa or travel authorisation for entryShort visit as a tourist or visitorvalue.visa-free [2]
Passport or travel document requirementShort visit as a tourist or visitorEU, EEA and Swiss nationals must show a passport or a valid national identity card to an immigration officer on arrival. [3]
Entry/Exit System recordingShort visit as a tourist or visitorIreland does not participate in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES); travellers coming directly to Ireland are not bound by its requirements. [4]

Notes

  • The 90/180-day rule of the Schengen area does not apply in Ireland; Ireland runs its own visa system and the Common Travel Area with the UK. British and Irish citizens travel freely within the Common Travel Area; a visit without a long-stay visa is for less than 90 days (Immigration Service Delivery). No time limit for British, EU, EEA or Swiss citizens is stated on the pages read.
  • Stated for British citizens. Visa-required nationals need a Short Stay C visa; the visa-required list was not read in full. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens only have to show a passport or national identity card on arrival.

Sources

  1. Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration): Entry for non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss and non-UK nationals (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration): Frequently asked questions (Short Stay C visa) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration): Entry for EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Immigration Service Delivery (Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration): EU Entry/Exit System (EES) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.