Ireland Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. Ireland offers lush green landscapes, ancient castles, vibrant pub culture, and a warmly welcoming people.
Great news! New Zealand 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 NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days. Dublin International (DUB) is the main entry point. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area: it maintains its own border controls. Days in Ireland do not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit, making Ireland an excellent way to extend a European trip. NZ passport holders use the non-EEA immigration lane or e-passport gates at Dublin Airport. Ireland's immigration officers may ask about onward plans and accommodation.
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 New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Ireland, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Ireland.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Ireland.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland holds special significance for many New Zealand travellers: approximately 15-20% of New Zealanders have Irish ancestry, making Ireland a popular destination for genealogy tourism and ancestral connections. Beyond heritage tourism, Ireland offers the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara's wild Atlantic scenery, Dublin's literary and pub culture, the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Ireland is not in the Schengen Area: it has its own Common Travel Area with the UK, meaning days spent in Ireland do not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit.
How to Get There
Aer Lingus and British Airways serve the Auckland-Dublin route via London Heathrow. Ryanair, easyJet, and other budget carriers connect Irish airports to UK and European cities cheaply. Dublin Airport has direct connections to many UK and European destinations. From Dublin, bus (Expressway) and rail (Irish Rail) connect all major towns. The Dublin-Belfast train (2h) makes Northern Ireland (UK) an easy add-on. The Galway-Dublin intercity bus takes 2.5 hours.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Ireland is moderately expensive. Dublin in particular has become expensive for accommodation. A pint of Guinness at a Dublin pub costs EUR 6-8. A meal at a traditional pub costs EUR 15-25. Rural Ireland is more affordable. Card payments are universal; Ireland is near-cashless. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated at 10-15% for sit-down restaurant service.
Practical Tips
Ireland drives on the left (same as NZ), making rental cars comfortable for NZ visitors. Distances in Ireland are shorter than they appear: Dublin to Galway is 2 hours by express bus. The Wild Atlantic Way (coastal route from Donegal to Cork) is a spectacular self-drive route. Book accommodation well in advance for summer (June-August). Irish pubs are central to social life: ask locals for recommendations for traditional music sessions. The Wild Atlantic Way can take 7-14 days to drive fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Ireland?
No. NZ citizens can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. Ireland is not in the Schengen Area, so days in Ireland do not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit.
What percentage of New Zealanders have Irish ancestry?
An estimated 15-20% of New Zealanders have some Irish ancestry, largely descended from Irish emigrants who arrived during the 19th century, particularly during and after the Great Famine (1845-1852). Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for NZ genealogy tourism, with the National Library of Ireland and county record offices providing access to historical birth, marriage, and death records.
What are the must-see sights in Ireland for NZ visitors?
Dublin (Trinity College Library and Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, National Museum, Phoenix Park), the Cliffs of Moher (County Clare), Ring of Kerry (County Kerry scenic drive), the Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland, UK), Kilkenny Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Galway (student city, traditional music), and Connemara's wild Atlantic scenery.
How do NZ citizens get an Irish Working Holiday Visa?
The Ireland-New Zealand Working Holiday Agreement allows NZ citizens aged 18-30 to work in Ireland for up to 12 months. Apply through IrelandWorkingHoliday.ie. The annual quota limits applications. Successful applicants can work in any legal employment. This is very popular among NZ backpackers combining Europe and the UK.
Is the Guinness Storehouse worth visiting in Dublin?
The Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland's most visited attractions. The self-guided tour follows the brewing process through seven floors, ending with a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar with panoramic Dublin views. Tickets (EUR 25-30+) should be booked online in advance. The experience takes 1.5-2 hours.
What is the Wild Atlantic Way and how long does it take?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km coastal driving route from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. It is the world's longest defined coastal route. The full route takes 2-3 weeks to drive properly. Key highlights: Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula (Kerry), Connemara, Achill Island, Sligo, and Donegal's dramatic headlands.
Does Ireland use the Euro or the Pound?
Ireland (Republic) uses the Euro (EUR). Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). The two jurisdictions share the island but have different currencies and separate immigration systems. NZ visitors crossing from the Republic into Northern Ireland cross an invisible border (no passport checks) but enter UK territory.