Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Costa Rica passport holders
Costa Ricans must apply for an Irish Short Stay visa (Category C) before traveling to Ireland. Ireland is an EU member but not part of the Schengen Area, so Schengen visa-free access does not apply. The visa costs approximately EUR 60-80 (USD 75).
Costa Rica passport holders require a visa to enter Ireland.
Apply online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at inis.gov.ie. The Short Stay visa (Category C) costs approximately EUR 60 for a single-entry visa. Processing takes 6-8 weeks for applications from abroad. Submit well in advance of your travel date.
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
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
Completed Visa Application Form
Irish Short Stay visa application submitted through INIS online system.
Passport-Sized Photos
Recent color photographs meeting Irish visa specifications.
Bank Statements
Last 6 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds.
Flight Bookings
Round-trip flight reservations showing entry and exit from Ireland.
Hotel Confirmations
Accommodation proof for the duration of the stay.
Cover Letter Recommended
Personal letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of your visit.
Required at Entry
Passport with Irish Visa
Original passport with valid Irish visa stamp.
Current Travel Situation
Costa Rica to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland opted out of the Schengen Area, maintaining its own immigration controls. Despite being an EU country, Costa Rican passport holders who can travel to Schengen countries visa-free still need a separate Irish visa. This is because Ireland is not party to the Schengen Agreement.
How to Get There
The UK is accessible from Ireland by air or sea (Dublin-Holyhead or Dublin-Liverpool ferry). Costa Ricans are visa-free to the UK (with Electronic Travel Authorisation). A combined Ireland and UK trip requires the Irish visa plus the UK ETA.
Money & Banking
Costa Rica uses the Colon (CRC). Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted everywhere. Dublin is one of Europe's more expensive cities for food and accommodation.
Practical Tips
Ireland and the UK share a Common Travel Area (CTA), which means if you have a valid UK visa or ETA, you may also enter Ireland in some circumstances - check current CTA rules. Ireland is famous for the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Galway, and vibrant Dublin. The Wild Atlantic Way is a stunning coastal driving route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Costa Ricans need a visa to visit Ireland?
Yes. Even though Costa Ricans can visit most EU Schengen countries visa-free, Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area and requires a separate Irish Short Stay visa.
Why do Costa Ricans need a visa for Ireland but not for France or Germany?
Ireland opted out of the Schengen Agreement. Each country in Schengen has waived visa requirements for Costa Rica, but Ireland has its own independent immigration system.
How much does the Irish visa cost?
The Irish Short Stay visa (Category C) costs approximately EUR 60 for a single-entry visa. Multi-entry visas are more expensive.
How long does it take to process an Irish visa?
Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks. Apply well in advance - at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date to be safe.
Can I visit both Ireland and the UK on one trip?
Yes. Ireland and the UK share the Common Travel Area. Costa Ricans are visa-free to the UK (requiring only an ETA). You can combine both countries, but will need the Irish visa and UK ETA separately.
What are the top tourist attractions in Ireland?
The Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Dublin's Temple Bar district, Connemara, the Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland, which is UK), and medieval castles throughout the countryside.
What currency does Ireland use?
Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). Northern Ireland (part of the UK) uses the British Pound (GBP). This can be confusing on cross-border trips.