By Betha Madhomu
Dublin – The Irish Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, has announced that effective Wednesday, 10 July 2024, nationals of South Africa and Botswana will need a visa to enter Ireland.
Additionally, those transiting through Ireland en route to another destination will require a transit visa.
“This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the Schengen Area in respect of both of these countries, and into 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,” McEntee said.
This decision comes in response to a significant number of International Protection applications from nationals of these countries. Both South Africa and Botswana are designated as safe countries of origin, making them the only countries on that list not previously requiring visas.
Ireland places visa restrictions on South African passport holders.
Pretty much the last domino to fall, I think. pic.twitter.com/lDx1HvE1u2
— Richard Wilkinson (@wilkinsoncape) July 8, 2024
To facilitate this new requirement, the Dublin Visa Office will establish a dedicated ‘South Africa desk’ to handle applications from South African nationals. The Department of Justice will also set up three Visa Application Centres (VACs) in South Africa in collaboration with visa service provider VFS Global.
“The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system to determine who can travel to Ireland,” the minister said.
“A wide range of factors are taken into account when introducing visa requirements to ensure we can continue to facilitate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.”
Transitional arrangements and exemptions
Transitional arrangements will be in place for nationals of Botswana and South Africa who had existing travel plans before 10 July 2024, allowing them to enter Ireland without a visa until 9 August 2024.
The visa requirement will not apply to South African diplomatic passport holders, with reciprocal arrangements for Irish diplomats travelling to these countries.
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