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Open AVATS from Nigeria, create the Short Stay C application, choose the correct reason for travel and answer every question fully and consistently with the supporting documents. Then print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
A physical step is required
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use Irish Immigration's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the date the applicant plans to leave Ireland, plus copies of previous passports where available
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the applicant's current passport record or to support the passport transaction described in this guide.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A copy/photocopy is explicitly referenced in the guide. Keep the source document available as well.
Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number
- Why you need it
- Used to identify or trace the correct application, record or transaction.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
- Original, copy or upload?
- A printed item is explicitly referenced in step 2. Keep the printout legible and complete.
Signed application letter explaining the reason for travel, arrival/departure dates, accommodation and who will pay for the visit
- Why you need it
- Used as formal written evidence or request where the responsible agency lists a letter among the requirements.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Original financial evidence; if self-funding, an up-to-date bank statement showing money in and out over the previous 6 months, with large transactions explained
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Evidence of strong family, social or economic ties to Nigeria, such as employment, study, family responsibilities, property/business or other verifiable obligations to return
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Accommodation/host evidence and an invitation letter plus host identity/Irish residence evidence where visiting family or friends
- Why you need it
- Used to locate the taxpayer record connected to the transaction.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate
- Why you need it
- Used as civil evidence of birth or date of birth where the responsible agency lists it for this process.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 3: Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Original, copy or upload?
- Original is explicitly referenced in the guide. Take the original to the relevant verification or physical stage.
Certified English or Irish translations and required authentication for official documents that were issued in another language or outside the EEA/Switzerland
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 5: Track the application through the responsible visa office and, after a decision, verify the visa sticker and travel conditions; carry supporting documents because an Irish visa permits travel to the border but does not guarantee admission.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Open AVATS from Nigeria, create the Short Stay C application, choose the correct reason for travel and answer every question fully and consistently with the supporting documents.
- Signed application letter explaining the reason for travel, arrival/departure dates, accommodation and who will pay for the visit
- For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate
- Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.
Print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
- Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number
- Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the date the applicant plans to leave Ireland, plus copies of previous passports where available
- Signed application letter explaining the reason for travel, arrival/departure dates, accommodation and who will pay for the visit
Confirm the correct office/centre, date or appointment instruction before travelling, and take the originals where the guide or agency explicitly requires them.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Assemble the original-document file, including the passport, application letter, six-month finances, accommodation/invitation evidence and documents proving obligations to return to Nigeria; pay the visa fee using the method required by the assigned office.
- Evidence of strong family, social or economic ties to Nigeria, such as employment, study, family responsibilities, property/business or other verifiable obligations to return
- Accommodation/host evidence and an invitation letter plus host identity/Irish residence evidence where visiting family or friends
- Original financial evidence; if self-funding, an up-to-date bank statement showing money in and out over the previous 6 months, with large transactions explained
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
Submit the passport and supporting documents to the office identified on the AVATS summary within the required period, and provide biometrics if the application office instructs the applicant to do so.
- Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the date the applicant plans to leave Ireland, plus copies of previous passports where available
- Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number
- For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Track the application through the responsible visa office and, after a decision, verify the visa sticker and travel conditions; carry supporting documents because an Irish visa permits travel to the border but does not guarantee admission.
- Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number
- For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate
- Signed application letter explaining the reason for travel, arrival/departure dates, accommodation and who will pay for the visit
Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.
Keep the appointment, acknowledgement or reference you may need at the physical stage.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Track the application through the responsible visa office and, after a decision, verify the visa sticker and travel conditions; carry supporting documents because an Irish visa permits travel to the border but does not guarantee admission.
Irish Immigration states that a short-stay visit application generally receives a decision about 8 weeks after the visa office receives the documents, but verification or missing documents can extend this.
Use Irish Immigration's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Important notes
- Irish Immigration says documents for the visit-visa application are generally expected in original hard-copy form unless its guidance specifically allows a copy.
- There is no fixed minimum bank balance for an Irish short-stay visa; the visa officer assesses whether the finances are credible for the applicant's circumstances and trip.
- A short-stay C visit visa does not authorise employment and normally permits a stay of up to 90 days, subject to border-control permission.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- Current passport valid for at least 6 months after the date the applicant plans to leave Ireland, plus copies of previous passports where available — Document
- Printed, signed and dated AVATS application summary sheets and the Visa Application Transaction Number — Payment / transaction evidence
- Signed application letter explaining the reason for travel, arrival/departure dates, accommodation and who will pay for the visit — Document
- Original financial evidence; if self-funding, an up-to-date bank statement showing money in and out over the previous 6 months, with large transactions explained — Payment / transaction evidence
- Evidence of strong family, social or economic ties to Nigeria, such as employment, study, family responsibilities, property/business or other verifiable obligations to return — Other requirement
- Accommodation/host evidence and an invitation letter plus host identity/Irish residence evidence where visiting family or friends — Document
- For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate — Document
- Certified English or Irish translations and required authentication for official documents that were issued in another language or outside the EEA/Switzerland — Other requirement
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Online + physical visit. Open AVATS from Nigeria, create the Short Stay C application, choose the correct reason for travel and answer every question fully and consistently with the supporting documents. Then print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: Print, sign and date the AVATS summary sheets, note the transaction number and read the generated submission-office instructions because they determine where the Nigerian applicant must send or lodge the passport and file.
How much does this service cost?
€60 single entry / €100 multiple entry — Ireland's current visa fee schedule lists €60 for a single-entry Short Stay C visa and €100 for multiple entry. Extra local submission/consular charges can apply.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
Irish Immigration states that a short-stay visit application generally receives a decision about 8 weeks after the visa office receives the documents, but verification or missing documents can extend this.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for Ireland Short Stay C visa: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: Track the application through the responsible visa office and, after a decision, verify the visa sticker and travel conditions; carry supporting documents because an Irish visa permits travel to the border but does not guarantee admission.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use Irish Immigration's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- Irish Immigration says documents for the visit-visa application are generally expected in original hard-copy form unless its guidance specifically allows a copy.
- There is no fixed minimum bank balance for an Irish short-stay visa; the visa officer assesses whether the finances are credible for the applicant's circumstances and trip.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Visa questions Nigerians commonly need answered
Foreign visa rules are country-specific. These answers explain the issues that commonly cause confusion without inventing a universal bank balance, sponsor rule or appeal process.
How much money must be in my bank account?
Original financial evidence; if self-funding, an up-to-date bank statement showing money in and out over the previous 6 months, with large transactions explained
Use the exact financial-evidence rule in the checklist above. The evidence should match who is paying for the trip, the trip length and the application form. Do not rely on an unofficial agent's fixed “required balance” unless the destination authority itself publishes that amount.
Can another person or company sponsor my trip?
Only use sponsorship where this visa route accepts it. If a sponsor is paying, follow the country-specific checklist for the sponsor letter, relationship to the applicant, identity or immigration-status evidence, financial evidence and any undertaking/responsibility form.
Sponsorship does not automatically replace documents the destination still requires from the applicant, such as employment, study, business, family or other evidence connected to the applicant's own circumstances.
What if the applicant is under 18?
For a traveller under 18: the original birth certificate plus the parental/guardian consent and parent ID documents required for the child's travel arrangement; sole-custody/deceased-parent cases require the corresponding court order or death certificate
Where the detailed checklist above does not list a child rule, open the exact official instructions before submitting. Birth certificates, parental/guardian consent, parent IDs/passports, custody documents and details of the adult travelling with or hosting the child can be required.
Should I buy a flight ticket before the visa is approved?
Use the type of travel evidence the official checklist asks for. Several visitor-visa systems ask for a reservation or itinerary rather than a non-refundable paid ticket. Do not turn a reservation requirement into an unnecessary non-refundable purchase.
If this country's official instructions specifically require a paid ticket or another form of confirmed travel, that country-specific requirement takes priority.
What happens if the visa is refused?
Read the refusal/decision letter first. It should identify the reason and, where the law provides one, the appeal, review or reconsideration route. Some visa systems instead expect a new application.
If you reapply, address the stated reason and disclose previous refusals whenever the form asks. Do not submit altered, false or contradictory documents to try to overcome a refusal.
Does getting the visa guarantee entry at the airport or border?
No. A visa normally allows you to travel to a border and request entry; border authorities can still check whether you meet the entry conditions and whether the purpose of travel matches the visa.
What should I carry when I actually travel?
Keep your passport and visa/eVisa or grant notice accessible. Also carry the important evidence relevant to your trip, such as return/onward travel, accommodation or host details, invitation letter, travel insurance and evidence of funds or sponsorship where those formed part of the visa route.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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