Ambassador Gormley on New Visa Requirement for Nationals from South African & Botswana
Transitional arrangements in place for those with existing travel arrangements until 9 August 2024
Ireland's Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. , today announced that with effect from Wednesday 10 July 2024, nationals of Botswana and South Africa will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland.
A transit visa will also be required, if intending to transit through Ireland en-route to another destination.
Making the announcement, Minister McEntee said that this is "carefully considered decision" which brings Ireland in closer alignment with the Schengen Area in respect of both of these countries, and in line with the UK in respect of South Africa.
“Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard for the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study, or to join family members.”
Limited Transitions Arrangements
South African and Botswanan passport holders who have booked travel to Ireland before 10 July 2024 and will travel to Ireland on or before 9 August 2024, may travel to Ireland provided they have:
- A valid passport
- 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(s) number and date of travel.
This documentation will need to be produced where requested to do so by a carrier or an Immigration Officer. The immigration rules that apply to non-nationals on seeking entry to Ireland will apply to any person availing of the transition arrangements.
Please note further that:
- Any person who has booked travel to Ireland before 10th July 2024 and is travelling to Ireland after 9th 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 10th 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 10th August 2024.
- Persons who are in possession of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not separately need to have an Irish visa.
How to apply for an Irish visa can be found here:
The Dublin Visa Office has established a dedicated ‘South Africa Desk’ to process applications from South African nationals.
The Department of Justice has also established three Visa Applications Centres (VACs), located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global.
If you are still unsure about whether or not you need a visa to come to Ireland, please contact
travelrequest@justice.ie