Tourist Visa to Ireland for a U.S. Holder of a Green Card

Although United States citizens are exempt from applying for a tourist visa to Ireland to stay three months or less, United States green card holders who are citizens of a country not included in Ireland's visa waiver program -- which includes European Union member states and more than 60 other countries -- have to apply for an Irish tourist visa. Tourist visas are available from the Irish Embassy and consulates in the United States to all United States residents. They are valid for stays of 90 days or less and require visitors to present proof of residence in the United States, such as a copy of your green card.

To apply for an Irish tourist visa, complete the application form from the Irish Nationalization and Immigration Service website. Print the application form to submit. Write a letter of introduction stating your reason for visiting Ireland, whether you have any family living in Ireland, how long you plan to stay and that you will abide by the terms of your tourist visa. Submit a copy of your hotel or hostel reservations, if applicable. Submit your passport with the application. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Ireland.

Take two photographs, sized approximately 1 1/2 inches by 2 inches, to submit with your application. Appropriate passport photos will show your head and the top of your shoulders on a plain white background and must not be more than six months old. United States Post Office locations and chain drug stores can print passport photos for you.

The fees vary depending on what type of visa you are getting such as a transit, single journey or multiple journey visa; but start at 25 euros. You must submit bank statements from the past six months and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in Ireland. Turn in proof of travel insurance as an additional guarantee that the stay will not be a burden on the state.

If you are employed, submit a letter from your employer stating your expected return date to the United States and that your employment will continue when you return home from Ireland. Submit a copy of your green card to serve as an additional proof of your ability to return to your residence in the United States.