Ireland Introduces Visa Requirements for South African and Botswana Nationals
From July 10, 2024, nationals of South Africa and Botswana will need a visa to travel to or transit through Ireland. This decision aligns Ireland’s visa policies with the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.
Reasons for the Change
International Protection Applications: There has been a significant number of International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals. Both countries are considered safe countries of origin and are currently the only ones on this list not requiring visas.
Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, stated that the decision ensures effective immigration controls while facilitating legitimate travel for visits, work, study, or family reunions.
Minister’s Statement
Visa Application Process
Dedicated Desk and Centres: The Dublin Visa Office will set up a dedicated ‘South Africa desk’ to handle applications from South African nationals. Additionally, three Visa Application Centres (VACs) will be established in South Africa in partnership with VFS Global.
Visa Costs: Single-entry visas will cost R 1,200, and multiple-entry visas will cost R 2,000. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt.
Transitional Arrangements
Grace Period: Travellers with existing plans to travel before August 10, 2024, have a grace period and must provide proof of paid-for flights and valid passports if requested. Those traveling after August 9, 2024, need to obtain a visa regardless of when they booked their trips.
Impact on Travellers
Travel Disruptions: The abrupt implementation has caused disruption and frustration among travellers and travel agents. The Association of South African Travel Agents (Asata) has requested an extension of the grace period to minimize disruptions.
Irish Government’s Response: The Irish government is working to ensure minimal disruption and has assured that resources are in place to process visa applications efficiently.
For Irish new visa requirements & application process Updates
Travellers can visit Irish Immigration Service for detailed information on the new visa requirements and application process.
Ireland’s new visa policy aims to tighten immigration control while maintaining the flow of legitimate travel, aligning its regulations with European standards and ensuring robust, effective, and fair processes.
FAQs: Ireland Visa Requirements for South African and Botswana Nationals
The new visa requirements for nationals of South Africa and Botswana traveling to Ireland will come into effect on July 10, 2024.
Ireland has introduced these visa requirements to align its immigration policies with the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom. The decision is also influenced by the significant number of International Protection applications received from these two countries. Both South Africa and Botswana are designated as safe countries of origin for International Protection purposes, making this change necessary for effective immigration control.
Yes, there are a few exemptions. Diplomatic passport holders from South Africa are exempt from the new visa requirements. Additionally, there is a grace period for travelers with existing plans to travel before August 10, 2024, provided they have proof of paid-for flights and valid passports.
South African and Botswana nationals can apply for an Irish visa through the Dublin Visa Office’s dedicated ‘South Africa desk’ or at one of the three Visa Application Centres (VACs) in South Africa, operated by VFS Global. Detailed application procedures and requirements can be found on the Irish Immigration Service website.
The cost for a single-entry visa to Ireland is R1,200, while a multiple-entry visa costs R2,000. These fees are non-refundable even if the visa application is denied.
