By Wamala Sipirian
Published: October 1, 2026
Ireland has exempted Ugandan nationals from visa application fees, reducing the cost of applying for entry visas while maintaining the requirement to obtain a visa before travelling.
Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery lists Uganda among the nationalities exempt from visa and preclearance fees. The exemption also covers nationals of 15 other countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Zambia.
The standard Irish visa fees are €60 for a single-entry visa and €100 for a multiple-entry visa. Applicants from Uganda who qualify for the exemption do not have to pay those application fees.
Visa Requirement Remains
The fee exemption does not mean Ugandan passport holders can travel to Ireland without a visa.
Ugandans who require an Irish visa must still complete the appropriate application process, provide supporting documentation and satisfy immigration officials that they meet the requirements for the visa category they are seeking.
Ireland’s immigration authorities also note that applicants exempt from the visa fee may be required to provide evidence of their exemption. Additional charges, including charges associated with submitting documents or using particular services, may still apply.
Visa applications are generally initiated through Ireland’s AVATS online application system, after which applicants receive instructions on where and how to submit their supporting documents.
Ireland Is Outside the Schengen Area
Ugandan travellers should also note that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area.
An Irish visa therefore does not automatically provide permission to enter other Schengen countries, while holding a Schengen visa does not generally remove the requirement for an Irish visa.
The Irish visa process covers different travel purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, study, employment and business, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the relevant visa category.
The fee exemption removes the standard visa application charge for eligible Ugandan applicants, but travellers remain responsible for meeting all immigration requirements and any other costs associated with preparing or submitting their applications.