The Irish Department of Justice has announced that from 10 July 2024, South African and Botswana nationals will need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. This change is due to the fact that South African citizens can visit the Republic of Ireland without a visa, but need a UK visa to enter Northern Ireland.
The Irish Immigration Service has stated that holders of South African and Botswanan passports will be subject to Irish visa requirements, meaning they will need to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland. The transitional arrangements only apply to customers who booked flights before 10 July and will continue until 10 July 2024.
South African citizens who wish to travel to Ireland do not need a tourist visa. However, they must obtain a visa before travelling to the Republic of Ireland from tomorrow (July 10). The transitional arrangements only apply to customers who booked flights before 10 July and will continue until 10 July 2024.
In summary, South African and Botswanan citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Ireland, as they no longer enjoy visa-exempt status in Ireland for tourism or business travel. The Irish Immigration Service Travel Path provides more information on personal requirements and guidelines for visiting Ireland for short periods (90 days or less).
📹 New Irish Visa Requirements for Citizens of South Africa and Botswana
New Irish Visa Requirements for Citizens of South Africa and Botswana ✈ In this video: Ireland has Introduced Visas for Nationals …
Is the Ireland visa free for South Africans?
Starting on 10 July 2024, Botswana and South African nationals will need a visa before travelling to Ireland, as well as a transit visa if they plan to transit through Ireland en-route to another destination. This decision aligns Ireland with the Schengen Area for both countries and the UK for South Africa. Irish visa requirements are being reviewed to ensure effective immigration controls and facilitate those seeking to visit, work, study, or join family members in Ireland.
What countries are visa free for Ireland?
As of September 2024, Irish passport holders are eligible for visa-free travel to 155 countries and territories, according to the latest data. The list of countries includes Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, and Armenia. As of September 2024, the Irish passport is the 11th most powerful globally, and the visa requirements for Irish citizens are diverse.
How long can I stay in Ireland with a South African passport?
Upon arrival in Ireland, visit the immigration counter and present your valid South African passport or travel document. Receive your Irish visa stamp, allowing you to stay for 90 days. Immigration authorities may request additional documentation. It’s important to note that Northern Ireland, a constituent of the United Kingdom, requires a valid UK visa if you plan to visit. The process is typically hassle-free, but additional documentation may be requested.
Which countries do not need a visa for Ireland?
A visa is not required for citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to land in Ireland. However, those not from these countries may need to apply for a visa. An Irish visa is a certificate on a passport or travel document that allows entry to Ireland. However, you must present your passport and documents to immigration control upon arrival at the airport or port, and an immigration officer may still refuse entry. There are various types of visas available, including visa waivers for UK visa holders, school student visa waivers, and preclearance.
Which countries are visa free for South Africans?
South African passport holders can travel without a visa to 74 countries and territories as of September 2024. These destinations include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, and Botswana. As of September 2024, the South African passport holds the 99th position globally in the VisaGuide Passport Index, ranking the passports of 199 countries and territories.
Why is Ireland not part of Schengen visa?
The Schengen Area includes most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the area on 31 March 2024, along with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Ireland, in a separate Common Travel Area with the UK, does not participate in the Visa Information System due to its operation not being compatible with the Schengen Area Border Code membership. However, Ireland can request participation in some or all aspects of the Schengen acquis, including the Schengen Information System, for law enforcement purposes under Protocol 19 to the Treaty on European Union and Treaty on the Functioning of the EUTEU.
Why did Ireland cancel visa Free for South African citizens?
The Irish Department of Justice has reversed its decision to require visas for asylum seekers from Botswana and South Africa, two countries designated as safe countries of origin for International Protection purposes. The decision is expected to align Ireland with the Schengen Area for Botswana and the UK for South Africa. The decision is a carefully considered one, ensuring effective immigration controls while facilitating those seeking to visit, work, study, or join family members. Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review to ensure these measures are in place. The decision is expected to bring Ireland closer to the Schengen Area and the UK.
What country can South Africans visit without a visa?
South African citizens face visa requirements, which are administrative entry restrictions imposed by other states. As of 2024, South African citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 106 countries and territories, ranking 47th in the Henley Passport Index. However, visa-free access is not a right and admission is at the discretion of border enforcement officers. Visitors engaging in activities other than tourism, including unpaid work, may require a visa or work permit.
Do I need a visa for South Africa with Irish passport?
Individuals in possession of an Irish passport are exempt from the necessity of obtaining a visa for travel to South Africa. Nevertheless, it is possible to travel for a limited period, and it is therefore advisable to ascertain the full range of entry requirements. The specific visa requirements are contingent upon the intended destination and the type of passport held. We endeavor to assist you in identifying the optimal visa option for your circumstances. Please submit your application via our user-friendly online portal. Prior to submission, we will conduct a comprehensive review to optimise the probability of approval.
Can I go to Ireland with a Schengen visa?
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Agreement, so a Schengen visa or residence permit does not allow travel without a visa. A valid UK visa does not entitle you to travel to Ireland without a visa unless you qualify for the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme or the British Irish Visa Scheme. A visa only allows travel to Ireland, and an immigration officer at border control can refuse entry even if you have a visa.
Do South Africans need a visa for England?
A visitor visa is required for South Africans traveling to the UK for leisure, business, creative or sports events, or private medical treatment. The package includes an Advice Package, an Application Package, and a Fast Track Package. The Advice Package provides comprehensive immigration advice, while the Application Package offers a smooth application process and a premium application service, ensuring that your application is submitted in a timely manner.
📹 SA loses visa-free travel to Ireland
As of today, South Africans travelling to Ireland on holiday, business or to study must apply for tourist visas as they would for any …
Andrew why bother coming onto the news when you not prepared to tell the truth and be wishy washy. . It was in the Irish newspapers that Zimbabweans and Congolese claimed asylum after coming into Ireland on South African passports. Did he think people were never going to know the real reason. They do this in England as well. If this Home Minister wanted to deal with the corrupt officials, speak to Ireland and get those passports, check when it was issued and by whom.
I don’t know what this “ease of access” is. I’ve heard of people encountering endless obstacles, trying to get residence here (and this is spouses of SA nationals). Admittedly that was a few years ago, so things might’ve changed, but the last time I heard, for anyone doing things the honest way, this is a very difficult country to move to, in general.
For the people saying it’s because foreigners are acquiring and using the S.A passport, how is that possible? Because to apply for a S.A passport you need to provide a S.A ID, and before leaving the country the legitimacy of the passport is checked, so what makes ya’ll say it’s because of foreigners?