Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Kosovo passport holders
Kosovo citizens must apply for an Irish Short Stay (C) Visa to enter Ireland. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. The fee is approximately $75 and the permitted stay is up to 90 days.
Kosovo passport holders require a visa to enter Ireland.
Apply online at the Irish Immigration Service (irishimmigration.ie). Pay the visa fee (approximately $75 / 60 EUR for a single entry or 100 EUR for multiple entry) and submit scanned supporting documents: valid passport, passport photos, bank statements, travel insurance, accommodation and flight bookings, employment letter, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa sticker in your passport.
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
Irish Short Stay Visa Application Form
Completed online application submitted via irishimmigration.ie. Ireland has its own immigration system separate from Schengen.
Kosovo passport
Valid Kosovo passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay.
Valid Kosovo Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date.
Online Irish visa application
Completed Irish Short Stay Visa (Type C) application submitted online through irishimmigration.ie.
Passport-Size Photographs
Two recent photographs, 35x45mm, white background, per Irish visa photo requirements.
Passport photograph
Recent passport-size photograph uploaded digitally.
Bank Statements - Last 6 Months
Personal bank statements for the last 6 months showing sufficient funds for your stay in Ireland.
Travel insurance
Valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
Employment Letter
Letter from employer confirming your role, salary, and that you have been granted leave for the trip.
Confirmed flight reservations
Confirmed round-trip flight reservation.
Cover Letter
A detailed personal cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Ireland, your planned activities, accommodation, and why you will return to Kosovo.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter from an Irish-resident host.
Proof of Accommodation in Ireland
Hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or a signed invitation letter from an Irish resident host.
Bank statements
Last 3 months of bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial means.
Ties to Kosovo
Employment letter, property documents, or family ties showing intent to return.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance valid for the Republic of Ireland for the full duration of stay.
Round-Trip Flight Bookings Recommended
Confirmed or on-hold return flight bookings showing entry and exit.
Evidence of Strong Ties to Kosovo Recommended
Property, employment, family, or financial evidence demonstrating compelling reason to return to Kosovo.
Current Travel Situation
Kosovo to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland recognizes Kosovo and issues visas to Kosovo passport holders through its own immigration system, separate from the Schengen Area. Applications are typically submitted online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). Ireland does not share the Schengen 90/180 rule, so an Irish visa is completely separate from any Schengen visa you may hold. Processing takes approximately 8 to 10 weeks in peak periods, so apply well in advance.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Pristina to Ireland. Most routes connect through London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Vienna. Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate from various European hubs to Dublin, Cork, and Shannon.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted across Ireland. Contactless payment is common. Kosovo also uses the Euro so no exchange is needed. Costs are moderate to high: Dublin is one of Europe's more expensive cities.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 8 to 10 weeks before travel due to Irish processing times. Provide a detailed cover letter explaining your plans in Ireland. Financial documentation should cover the full duration of the trip. If you plan to visit both Ireland and the UK, note that they form a separate Common Travel Area (CTA) but each country requires its own visa for non-Schengen, non-CTA citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kosovo passport holders need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. Kosovo passport holders require an Irish Short Stay Visa (Type C). The fee is $75 for stays up to 90 days. Note: Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not cover Ireland.
Is a Schengen visa valid for Ireland?
No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Kosovo citizens must apply separately for an Irish visa even if they hold a valid Schengen visa.
How do Kosovo citizens apply for an Irish visa?
Apply online through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) at irishimmigration.ie. After submitting online, attend a biometrics appointment at the nearest Irish Visa Application Centre.
What documents are needed for an Irish visa application?
Required: valid Kosovo passport, completed online application, passport photo, travel insurance, confirmed flight reservations, proof of accommodation, last 3 months of bank statements, and evidence of ties to Kosovo.
How long does Irish visa processing take for Kosovo applicants?
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
What currency does Ireland use?
Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). Kosovo also uses the Euro, so no currency exchange is needed.
What are the top attractions in Ireland?
Dublin's Temple Bar and Trinity College, the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland), Galway, and the Wild Atlantic Way are among Ireland's top highlights.