New Irish entry visa requirements for nationals of Dominica, Honduras, Vanuatu

What is the change? 

With effect from Thursday, 7 March 2024, nationals of Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu will be required to obtain an entry visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required, if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination. Transitional exemptions will apply for certain cases until 7 April 2024.

Key points

• Implementation time frame: The new visa requirements will take effect from 7 March 2024. 
• Who is affected: Nationals of Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu who wish to enter Ireland, either to take up residence, to visit as a tourist or to pass through in transit to another destination.
  

Next Steps

Nationals of these three countries should ensure they obtain the correct entry visa permission for Ireland before travelling to the country. Employers should be aware that this may have an impact on start dates of employment in Ireland and ability to travel. 

Some transitional arrangements have been put in place for those nationals of Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu who already have travel plans in place before 7th March 2024, and can show evidence of booking and paying for that travel. The Irish immigration authorities (ISD) will try to accommodate emergency travel for customers in any of the following circumstances:

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.

Nationals of Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu who believe they fall into any of the above categories and whose scheduled arrival in Ireland is on or before 7 April 2024 should email the Irish authorities at travelrequest@justice.ie with the subject line “VISA IMPOSITION – EMERGENCY TRAVEL REQUIRED”. The Visa Customer Service Team will respond as soon as possible.

Analysis & Comments

The new visa requirements will align Ireland to the “visa regime in the United Kingdom and the Schengen area.”

Irish visa requirements stay 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 the purposes of a visit, to work, to study or to join family members.

If you require any assistance with the above update, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.