South Africa
Ireland
Ireland visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
South African citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- Ireland visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at ireland.ie
Which Ireland visa?
Short stay 'C' visit visa (tourism)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days; the immigration officer at the border writes the permitted date on the landing stamp and may give less.
- Fee
- €60
- Processing time
- Decisions are made in date order; the general guide is about 8 weeks from the date the visa office receives the file, longer if documents are missing or need checking.
Apply on AVATS – Automated Visa Application and Tracking System
For the tourist visa, Ireland’s official sources give a standard fee of €60, and applications are made on visas.inis.gov.ie. Processing time, as Ireland states it: Decisions are made in date order; the general guide is about 8 weeks from the date the visa office receives the file, longer if documents are missing or need checking. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Up to 90 days; the immigration officer at the border writes the permitted date on the landing stamp and may give less.
Irish missions in South Africa
Ireland has 1 mission in South Africa, with its embassy in Pretoria.
Irish citizens travelling to South Africa
IrelandSouth Africa Visa-free, 90 days South Africa visa for citizens of Ireland
Travel advice for Ireland
- US State Department Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from South Africa to Ireland, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates Ireland at Level 1, exercise normal precautions (updated 19 March 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Ireland (updated 4 September 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Ireland (updated 13 October 2026).
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in Ireland
How long South African citizens may stay in Ireland is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How South African citizens apply
In South Africa, applications go to the Irish embassy in Pretoria, or to a visa centre acting for Ireland; fees, documents and processing times are published by Ireland.
Ireland’s neighbours for South African citizens
The United Kingdom requires South African citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
Irish citizens travelling to South Africa
Irish citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for Ireland?
South African citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland.
Where is the Irish embassy in South Africa?
The Irish embassy in South Africa is in Pretoria.
How much does the Ireland tourist visa cost?
Ireland’s official sources give a standard fee of €60 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Decisions are made in date order; the general guide is about 8 weeks from the date the visa office receives the file, longer if documents are missing or need checking.
Do Irish citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Irish citizens can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can South African citizens enter Ireland visa-free?
No; South African citizens need a visa for Ireland obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.