What that means for your days
- Irish days aren’t part of the Schengen count. A week in Dublin between trips to France doesn’t use any of your 90 days.
- Flying between Ireland and a Schengen country means leaving and entering the Schengen area. Each entry and exit day counts as a Schengen day.
- Ireland has its own rules for visits: Ireland’s immigration service says a holiday or short break must be under 90 days.
Visas
The EU’s common visa rules don’t apply in Ireland; it issues visas under its own national rules. Nationals of countries that need a visa apply for an Irish short stay visa, and the list of those countries differs slightly from the Schengen one.
The Common Travel Area
Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area. UK travel advice says British nationals can visit and remain in Ireland indefinitely, and don’t need a visa or residence permit to live, work or study there.
EES and ETIAS
- The EES is not used in Ireland. Passports are still stamped by hand.
- Ireland is not one of the 30 countries that will require ETIAS. Irish citizens won’t need ETIAS, and must enter the ETIAS countries with their Irish passport.
Questions
Do days in Ireland count toward my Schengen 90 days?
No. Ireland is not in the Schengen area, so days there are not part of the 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I use a Schengen visa to visit Ireland?
No. The EU says its common visa rules don’t apply in Ireland, which issues visas under its own national rules. Its list of countries that need a visa also differs slightly.
Is the EES used in Ireland?
No. The EES is not used in Ireland, and passports are still stamped by hand. Ireland is also not one of the 30 countries that will require ETIAS.
How long can I visit Ireland?
Ireland’s immigration service says a holiday or short break must be under 90 days, and nationals of visa-required countries need a short stay visa. British citizens can stay without limit under the Common Travel Area.
More guides
Sources
- European Commission: Schengen Area (Ireland opts out)
- Your Europe: Travel documents for non-EU nationals (Ireland’s own visa rules)
- Irish Immigration Service: Coming to visit Ireland
- GOV.UK: Ireland entry requirements
- Citizens Information (Ireland): Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK
- EU: What is the EES? (passports still stamped in Ireland)
- EU: ETIAS, who should apply (the 30 countries)
- EU: ETIAS frequently asked questions (Irish citizens)
A planning tool. Border officials decide.