Irish Passport Visa Free Countries

The Passport Index 2025 has awarded a mobility score of 174 to the Irish passport. Per the index, the Irish passport ranks third in the world in 2025. The mobility score has been calculated based on the total number of countries where you can travel with an Irish passport either visa-free or on a visa-on-arrival/eTA/e-Visa (when issued within three days) basis.

The Passport Index is an interactive passport ranking tool that provides real-time data on a total of 199 passports, consisting of 193 UN member countries and six territories, i.e., ROC Taiwan, Macao (SAR China), Hong Kong (SAR China), Kosovo, Palestinian Territory and the Vatican City. The data are mainly sourced from government sources, and updated on a continuous basis as and when the immigration rules of the countries and territories change.

The Irish passport maintained a mobility score above 150 on the Passport Index since its inception in 2015. During Covid-19 pandemic, the score went down from 171 in 2019 to 112 in 2020. However, it picked up as the pandemic waned, and achieved a score of 173 in 2022.

The Irish passport scored higher in 2023 and 2024 compared to 2025, scoring 176 and 178, respectively. However, it ranked fourth in 2023 globally and third in 2024 (same as in 2025).

The Irish passport holds the fifth position globally in 2025 on the Henley Passport Index, with a score of 187. In the initial years of the index, the Irish passport held the second position in the world (2006-2009). It went down to the seventh position in 2010. During 2011-2023, the Irish passport varied among fourth, fifth and sixth positions, jumping to the third position in 2024. It has come down by two positions in 2025.

The Henley Passport Index sources exclusive data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), and compares 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. The data are usually updated on a monthly basis, and are rigorously monitored to reflect any relevant visa policy shifts.

The index scores passports based on the total number of countries and territories for which no visa is required. This also includes visa-on-arrival and eTA destinations, but excludes those that require at least an e-Visa. In addition, if a passport holder requires pre-departure government approval for a visa-on-arrival in any given destination, such a destination is considered as ‘visa-required’ for the purpose of scoring.

While the index considers an e-Visa as a form of visa requirement, it groups an eTA with visa free entry and visa-on-arrival, even though countries like Australia describe their eTA programmes as a kind of visa. In fact, the Henley Passport Index considers how much effort is required on a traveller’s part to get the necessary authorisation to travel abroad.

Usually, the eTAs are automatically processed within minutes (or hours), and require minimal information and no supporting documents. Compared to that, an e-Visa processing may take days (or even weeks), and involves manual review by immigration officials. You must also provide extensive information and supporting documents just like a regular visa application process.

The Irish passport tops the chart on the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025. Last year, it ranked third on this index, trailing behind Switzerland and Luxembourg. This year, it beat both of them to claim the top position.

While reviewing the strength of a passport, the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index considers not only visa-free access to destinations, but also takes into account other parameters like international taxation laws, dual citizenship possibilities, global perception, and personal freedom in the country concerned.

Ireland has bagged a total score of 109 in 2025 on this index. Parameter-wise, it has scored 176 on travel, 30 on international taxation, and 50 each on perception, dual citizenship possibilities and personal freedom. To calculate the travel score, Nomad Capitalist reviewed data from 199 countries and territories, and scored the passports measuring ease of travel (including visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, eTA, and e-Visa that is issued within three days).

Irish passport holders can travel visa-free to the following 118 countries per the Passport Index:

Among the 118, Irish citizens can enter the following countries with only an ID card (e.g., an Irish passport card):

In the UK as well as the EU countries featured on the above table, your Irish citizenship will also let you live, work, and study without a visa. However, you must follow the immigration registration rules specific to any of those countries.

You are eligible for an arrival visa in the following countries thanks to your Irish passport:

Please thoroughly check if there are any additional supporting documents that you may need to carry with you to be eligible for a visa on arrival in the countries listed above.

Irish passport holders need to apply for an eTA instead of a visa to travel to the following countries:

1. Canada
2. Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
3. Israel
4. Kenya
5. New Zealand
6. Saint Kitts and Nevis
7. Seychelles
8. The US

As an Irish passport holder, you will need to apply for a visa to travel to the following countries, but you can apply for an e-visa that saves both time and effort.

If you are travelling to any of the following countries, you will need to apply for a visa via the traditional physical process:

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Central African Republic
4. Congo
5. Eritrea
6. Ghana
7. Mali
8. Nauru
9. Niger
10. North Korea
11. Sudan
12. Turkmenistan
13. Yemen

Even before sorting out your flight(s) and accommodation details, check whether you need a visa or an eTA for your destination, or if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. Border control officers in visa-free countries may also want to check your ID proof and other relevant documents before they allow you to enter.

The best place to start with is the website of the destination country’s embassy or consulate located near you. The sites usually have their contact numbers as well, so you may also call for any consular assistance. It is also advisable to check with your travel agent, if you have any. If you have even the slightest doubt, we recommend consulting an immigration adviser so as to make your travel plans foolproof.

If you require a visa to visit your destination country, check out what the eligibility requirements are, what supporting documents you may need, what the visa fees are, and how you will need to apply for a visa, be it an e-Visa or a regular one. Usually, you will require the following documents for a visit visa (but check whether there are additional document requirements depending on your destination):

• A valid passport or any other travel permit
• A copy of your itinerary in the destination country
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of funds (or sponsor details)
• Your current residence address proof (including how long you have been living in that address)
• Your parents’ names and dates of birth
• Travel insurance to cover medical and emergency costs, if any
• Proof of income
• Record(s) of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• Your travel history for the last 10 years
• Your employer’s details
• Your spouse/civil partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• Details of your friends or family members (if any) in the destination country

Even if a visa is not required, it is recommended to find out how long you can stay there and what activities you are allowed to perform. As immigration regulations vary from country to country, ‘always check and never assume’ is the mantra when it comes to travelling abroad.

Hassle-free international travel is subject to many factors, starting from ironing out your itinerary to booking your onward and return journey tickets, arranging for accommodation and local transport, as well as planning for any eventualities. However, the first checkpoint should always be the immigration requirements of your destination country.

You can avoid the common mistakes people make while planning an overseas trip by reviewing the following points:

• How long your and your fellow travellers’ passports are valid (including the passport of any child accompanying you)
• What travel advice the Irish immigration authorities offer for your destination country
• What the physical status of your passport is, as a damaged passport may lead to an entry refusal at the borders
• Whether there are any visa requirements for your destination country
• What documents you may need even to enter a visa-free country
• If there are any documentary requirements if you are driving, or travelling with pets