Minister O'Callaghan announces new visa requirements
- Foilsithe: 7 Márta 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
The Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan is today announcing with effect from 10 March 2025, nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required, if intending to transit through Ireland enroute to another destination.
Commenting on this announcement, Minister O'Callaghan said:
"The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system to determine who can travel to Ireland. I want to be clear that introducing these requirements does not prevent nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru coming to Ireland to visit, to work, to study or to join family members. Applying for a visa is a screening mechanism to ensure we are facilitating legitimate travel."
Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for legitimate purposes.
Minister O’Callaghan added:
"This is a carefully considered decision which will keep Ireland in step with neighbouring jurisdictions. A wide range of factors are taken into account when introducing visa requirements to ensure we can facilitate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.
"I can assure those travelling in the next few weeks that my department has put transitional measures in place to minimise disruption."
Notes
Transitional arrangements will be put in place for nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru who have existing arrangements to travel to the State until 10 March 2025.
Nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru who have existing travel arrangements are advised to check the Immigration Service Delivery website for further information.
Nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru who made travel plans before 10 March 2025 and can provide evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip, may be accommodated for emergency travel in the following situations where the scheduled travel is on or before 31 March 2025:
1. A critical medical case involving a family member being seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment. Evidence from the relevant medical institution must be provided.
2. Visiting for a significant family event – a birth, wedding, or funeral. Suitable evidence must be provided.
3. Taking up a place obtained in a third-level institution on an undergraduate or post-graduate degree course. Evidence must be provided from the relevant institution.
4. Taking up employment and holding an Employment Permit for Ireland. Evidence of the permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment must be provided.
5. Travelling for business. Confirmation of the arrangements for the visit from the business in question must be provided.
Persons falling within the above categories are asked to email becomingvisarequired@justice.ie with the subject line “Visa Required – Emergency Travel Requested”.