Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so it has its own 90-day allowance independent of the Schengen limit.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Ireland without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for Canadian citizens. Present your valid Canadian passport at Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, or any Irish port of entry. Days in Ireland do not count toward your Schengen 90-day limit. You may be asked to show proof of accommodation and return or onward travel. There are no land border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (Common Travel Area).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area, which means the 90-day allowance for Canadians in Ireland is entirely separate from the 90-day Schengen limit. This makes Ireland an ideal addition to a multi-destination European trip. Ireland offers the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive, the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara, medieval castles, the vibrant pub culture of Dublin, and the literary heritage of writers like Joyce, Beckett, and Yeats. Northern Ireland (part of the UK) is easily accessible from the Republic.
Practical Tips
Ireland uses the euro (EUR) in the Republic. Northern Ireland uses the British pound (GBP). The Wild Atlantic Way stretches 2,500 km along the western coast and can be driven in sections over several days. Dublin is expensive; consider exploring smaller cities like Cork, Galway, and Kilkenny for a more affordable Irish experience. Renting a car is highly recommended for rural exploration; drive on the left. The Irish summer (June to August) has the best weather but highest prices; spring and fall offer good value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Ireland?
No. Canadian citizens can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so the 90-day Irish allowance is completely separate from the Schengen 90-day limit.
Does visiting Ireland affect my Schengen day count?
No. Ireland is not a Schengen member (unlike most EU countries). Days spent in Ireland do not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit, making it ideal to combine with a Schengen European trip without losing Schengen days.
Do I need a visa to visit Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and Canadian citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. There are no border controls between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (they share the Common Travel Area), so you can travel freely between the two.
What are the must-see highlights of Ireland?
Key highlights include the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry coastal drive, Connemara in the west, the medieval Rock of Cashel, the Aran Islands, Dublin (Trinity College, St. Patrick Cathedral, Temple Bar), and the Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland.