Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Namibia passport holders
Namibian citizens need a visa to visit Ireland. The tourist visa fee is approximately $75 USD and allows up to a 90-day stay.
Namibia passport holders require a visa to enter Ireland.
Apply for an Irish Short-Stay (C) Visa at the Irish Embassy or through a designated visa application center. The fee is EUR 60 (approximately $65-75 USD). Required documents include a valid Namibian passport, completed Irish visa application form, recent passport photos, flight reservation, hotel bookings, travel insurance, employment/income proof, bank statements (last 6 months), and a cover letter explaining purpose and intended itinerary. Processing takes 8-15 business days. Apply 4-6 weeks before travel. All applications must be submitted online via the AVATS system (avats.inis.ie).
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
Valid Namibian Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
Completed Irish Visa Application (AVATS)
Apply online at avats.inis.ie; Irish Category C short-stay visa
Passport Photos
Two recent color passport photos to Irish/Schengen specifications
Travel Insurance
Covering medical emergencies during stay in Ireland
Flight Reservation
Return or onward flight bookings
Hotel/Accommodation Bookings
Confirmed accommodation throughout stay
Proof of Employment/Income
Employment letter and recent payslips or business registration
Bank Statements
Last 6 months showing sufficient funds
Visa Fee
EUR 60 (~$75 USD) payable at application center
Current Travel Situation
Namibia to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area , it opted out and maintains its own visa policy. This means a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland, and an Irish visa does not cover Schengen countries. Namibian passport holders must apply specifically for an Irish visa (Category C Short-Stay). Ireland and Namibia share Commonwealth connections , both are Commonwealth members, though Ireland was a founding member and Namibia joined later. Ireland is known for its dramatic Atlantic coastline (Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way), Georgian Dublin, Celtic heritage, whiskey distilleries, and as the ancestral homeland of many Americans. Dublin is a major transatlantic hub with direct flights to North America.
How to Get There
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) uses a separate visa system from Ireland. If you have an Irish visa, you can generally also visit the UK under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) — check if this applies to Namibian passport holders as the scheme has specific country lists. Northern Ireland is part of the UK but shares the Common Travel Area with the Republic of Ireland, so you can cross the border freely with a valid Irish visa.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the euro (EUR). Namibian dollars are not exchangeable in Ireland; convert to EUR on arrival. ATMs are widespread and card payments are standard throughout Ireland. Ireland is one of Western Europe's more expensive destinations — expect EUR 80-150+/day for budget to mid-range travel. Dublin is particularly expensive for accommodation. Rural Ireland and the west coast (Galway, Clare, Kerry) offer more affordable options and are often more scenic.
Practical Tips
Ireland's public transport is good in Dublin (Luas tram, DART rail, buses) but limited in rural areas. Renting a car is the best way to explore the countryside, coastal routes, and Ring of Kerry. Drive on the left side of the road. The Wild Atlantic Way (2,500km coastal route from Donegal to Cork) is one of the world's great scenic drives. Weather is unpredictable , pack rain gear regardless of season. The best weather is from May to September. The Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible by short trip from Belfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Namibian citizens need a visa for Ireland?
Yes. Namibian passport holders require an Irish Short-Stay (Category C) Visa. Ireland is not part of Schengen, so a separate Irish visa is required even if you have a Schengen visa. Apply online at avats.inis.ie.
Does an Irish visa also cover the UK?
Sometimes. Under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), certain nationalities with an Irish visa can also visit the UK. However, BIVS eligibility is limited to specific countries , check whether Namibia is included on the current BIVS list before traveling to the UK on an Irish visa.
Is a Schengen visa valid for Ireland?
No. Ireland opted out of the Schengen Agreement and has its own immigration system. A Schengen visa allows travel in France, Germany, Spain, etc., but not in Ireland. You need a separate Irish visa.