Ireland vs United Kingdom: tourist visa
Ireland or United Kingdom for a tourist visa? Side by side: $137 vs $238 all-in, 3 to 4 weeks vs 3 weeks decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- Ireland is cheaper ($137 vs $238 all-in)
- United Kingdom decides faster (3 weeks)
Ireland vs United Kingdom: tourist visa side by side
| Ireland | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | Sticker | Sticker |
| Process | sticker visa | sticker visa |
| Biometrics | Required | Required |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $68 | $179 |
| vistolane filing fee | $69 | $59 |
| All-in per traveller | $137 | $238 |
| Decision window | 3 to 4 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Validity | 90 days | 6 months |
| Stay | Up to 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Entries | Single | Multiple |
| Funds to show (tourist visa) | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| tourist visa route | Short Stay C | Standard Visitor |
Which is cheaper?
Ireland costs $137 all-in ($68 government fee plus $69 filing) and United Kingdom costs $238 ($179 plus $59). Ireland is cheaper by $101 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
Ireland: 3 to 4 weeks (3 to 4 weeks). United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
Ireland asks for about $2,500 and United Kingdom about $2,500 for a tourist visa. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
Ireland: sticker visa with biometrics. United Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.
Which should you pick for a tourist visa?
For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: United Kingdom decides in 3 weeks, and United Kingdom gives multiple entries. If you are choosing purely on cost, Ireland wins.