Irish visa photo: size, print and application requirements
Whether you need a visa to visit Ireland depends on your nationality, travel document and circumstances. Ireland is outside the Schengen Area: a Schengen visa does not normally permit entry to Ireland, and an Irish visa does not permit travel within the Schengen Area.
If you need an Irish visa, your application must include two identical printed photographs. This guide explains the supporting documents, how the online application works and the photo rules that can help you avoid a delay.
Table of contents
- Documents for an Irish visa application
- How to apply for an Irish visa online
- Irish visa photo requirements
- Can I wear glasses in an Irish visa photo?
- Irish visa photo: matte or glossy?
- Get your Irish visa photo online with Visafoto
- What types of Irish visas require photos?
- Related guides
Documents for an Irish visa application
The documents you need depend on your visa category, the purpose of your trip and the office handling your application. For a short-stay visit, prepare the following as applicable:
- Your passport and the signed application form generated by AVATS.
- Two identical, recent colour photographs that meet the Irish visa photo rules below.
- An application letter explaining your visit and a travel itinerary.
- Evidence of where you will stay, such as accommodation bookings or an invitation from the person hosting you.
- Evidence that you can pay for your visit, such as bank statements; if someone else is paying, provide their supporting documents too.
- Evidence that you intend to leave Ireland at the end of your visit, such as relevant employment, study or family documents.
- Any additional documents required for your circumstances, including information about previous visa refusals, and proof of payment or a fee exemption where applicable.
These are not a universal checklist. For example, family-visit, business and study applications require different evidence. Follow the instructions for your visa type and the office named on your application form. Irish immigration does not set a fixed minimum bank balance that guarantees a short-stay visa; the officer assesses whether your funds are sufficient for your circumstances. See the official short-stay visa policy for the general assessment criteria.
How to apply for an Irish visa online
Start by completing the official AVATS online application. Choose the correct visa type and purpose, enter your details carefully, then submit the form. Print the application form that AVATS generates and sign its declaration.
Completing AVATS does not finish the visa application. The printed form tells you where and how to submit your passport, photos, supporting documents and any applicable fee. Depending on your location, you may submit them to an Irish embassy, consulate, visa office or visa application centre, and you may need an appointment. Follow the instructions on your form rather than assuming every applicant uses the same office.
Some applicants must also provide biometrics, which may include fingerprints and a live-captured facial image. That image is taken as part of the biometric process; it does not replace the two printed photographs submitted with the visa application.
Irish visa photo requirements
The official Irish visa photograph rules require:
- Two identical printed colour photos, taken within the previous six months.
- Size: each photo must be 35-38 mm wide and 45-50 mm high. A 35 × 45 mm print is within this permitted range.
- Framing: a close-up of your face and the tops of your shoulders, with your face occupying about 70-80% of the image.
- Pose and expression: face the camera directly, keep your head upright and centred, your eyes open and your mouth closed, with a neutral expression. Keep hair clear of your eyes.
- Background and quality: a plain white or light-grey background; sharp focus, natural colour and even exposure, with no shadows, glare or red-eye.
- Paper: photographic paper with a white, unglazed reverse.
Write your name and visa application or transaction number in block capitals on the back of each print. Put both photos in the same envelope as your application form. Do not staple or attach them to the form. Incorrect photos can delay processing while you provide replacements.
Can I wear glasses in an Irish visa photo?
You may wear your usual glasses if your eyes remain clearly visible and there is no reflection or glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not permitted. Taking your glasses off is often the simplest way to avoid reflections. If you wear a religious head covering, it is allowed provided your face is fully visible.
Irish visa photo: matte or glossy?
The official rules require photographic paper and a white, unglazed back so that your name and application number can be written on each photo. They do not prescribe a matte or glossy finish for the front. Whichever finish you choose, make sure the image is sharp and free of glare.
Get your Irish visa photo online with Visafoto
You do not need to visit a photo studio to prepare an Irish visa photograph. Take a clear, front-facing picture with a phone or camera in good light, then upload it to Visafoto and select the Irish visa photo format.
Visafoto prepares the portrait for the Irish visa format: it adjusts the crop and proportions, improves lighting and image quality where needed, and can replace an unsuitable background with a plain one. You can preview the result and download a printable template, then print two identical copies on photographic paper.
Before submitting the prints, check their physical dimensions, clarity and paper backing. Write your name and application number on the reverse of each photo and place them in the application envelope without stapling them. Preparing and checking the picture in advance can save you from having to arrange replacement photos after submission; the visa authority makes the final decision on acceptance.
What types of Irish visas require photos?
The printed-photo rules apply to Irish visa applications, including common tourist, transit, study and business visa applications. Choose the visa category that matches your reason for travel and check its supporting-document instructions separately; the photo rules do not make the other application requirements identical.
Related guides
Last updated: 24 September 2026.