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UK Immigration

Spotlight on EMEA Series: Ireland

2 mins read 26/07/2024

In our Spotlight on EMEA we round up the latest immigration developments across the regions.  In this post we update on the new requirement for nationals of South Africa and Botswana to obtain visas before travelling to Ireland.  This removes the previous visa waiver status enabling such nationals to enter visa free.

 

Ireland: New visa requirement for nationals of Botswana and South Africa

The new provision became effective on 10 July 2024 and holders of South African and Botswanan passports, previously permitted to enter visa free must obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.

Where the individuals have booked travel to Ireland before 10 July 2024 and will travel to Ireland before 10 August 2024, the rules stipulate that they may travel to Ireland provided they are in possession of the following documentation:

  • A valid passport; and
  • Documentary proof from their carrier (not a Travel Agent) showing the date of purchase of their ticket(s), their name as the passenger, the flight number(s) and date of travel.

This documentation must be produced where requested to do so by a carrier or an Immigration Officer.

Normal immigration rules that apply to non-nationals seeking entry to Ireland will  also apply to any person seeking to rely on the transitional arrangements:

  • Any person who has booked travel to Ireland before 10 July 2024 and is travelling to Ireland after 9 August 2024 cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa before travelling.
  • Any person who books travel to Ireland after 10 July cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa in advance of travel, even if travelling to Ireland before 10 August 2024.
  • Persons who are in possession of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not separately need to have an Irish visa.

Note that Botswanan or South African nationals holding valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards are not subject to the visa requirement.

Should you require assistance for global immigration matters please contact [email protected] and [email protected]

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