Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Sri Lanka passport holders
Sri Lankan passport holders require an Irish Short Stay (C) Visa to visit Ireland. The visa costs approximately USD 75 and allows stays of up to 90 days. Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area, so a separate Irish visa is required.
Sri Lanka passport holders require a visa to enter Ireland.
Apply online at irishimmigration.ie. Required documents include your passport, a recent photo, bank statements (3 to 6 months), proof of employment or income, return flight itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter, travel insurance, and details of your travel history. Biometrics may be required. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks; apply well in advance.
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
Sri Lanka to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is a popular destination for Sri Lankan tourists drawn by its scenic countryside, literary heritage, and vibrant cities like Dublin and Galway. There is a growing Sri Lankan community in Ireland. Ireland and the UK have a Common Travel Area, so a UK visa does not automatically grant access to Ireland; a separate Irish visa is needed.
Practical Tips
Note that Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area; a Schengen visa does not cover Ireland. If traveling to both the UK and Ireland, you need separate visas for each unless you qualify for the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), which allows some visa holders to travel between both countries on one visa. Dublin Airport (DUB) has connections from Colombo via London, Amsterdam, or Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sri Lankan citizens need a separate visa for Ireland?
Yes. Ireland is NOT part of the Schengen Area and requires its own separate Short Stay (C) Visa. A Schengen visa or UK visa does not automatically grant entry to Ireland. The Irish visa costs approximately USD 75 and allows stays of up to 90 days. Apply at irishimmigration.ie.
What is the British-Irish Visa Scheme and does it apply to Sri Lankans?
The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) allows nationals of certain countries to travel to both the UK and Ireland on a single visa. However, Sri Lanka is not currently on the BIVS eligible countries list, meaning Sri Lankan passport holders need separate visas for the UK and Ireland.
What documents are needed for an Irish visa from Sri Lanka?
Required documents include your passport, recent passport photo, bank statements (last 3 to 6 months), employment letter, return flight itinerary, hotel bookings or invitation letter from an Irish host, travel insurance, and details of previous travel history. Biometrics may also be required.
How do Sri Lankans travel to Ireland?
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main international entry point, accessible from Colombo via connections in London (Aer Lingus), Amsterdam (KLM), Dubai (Emirates via London), or Frankfurt. There are no direct flights from Colombo to Ireland. Total travel time with connections is approximately 14 to 18 hours.