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South Africa loses visa-free entry to Ireland
Ireland has declared that nationals from Botswana and South Africa will have to apply for a visa to travel to the country as of Wednesday (10 July) 2024, with visa costs ranging from R1,200 to R2,000.
On 8 July 2024, the Irish Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced that, with effect from 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.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in International Protection applications from people who are citizens of Botswana and South Africa.
Both countries are classified as safe countries of origin for International Protection purposes, and they are the only countries on that list that do not currently require a visa for entry.
Nationals of Botswana and South Africa who have existing travel arrangements are advised to check irishimmigration.ie for further information.
McEntee highlighted that the Dublin Visa Office will establish a dedicated ‘South Africa desk’ to process applications from South African nationals.
The Department will also establish three Visa Applications Centres (VACs), located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global.
Single-entry visas cost R1,200, while multi-entry R2,000. No refunds are paid if the application is refused.
“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,” said McEntee.
“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,” she added.
The Department of Justice noted that transitional arrangements will be put in place for Botswana and South Africa nationals who have existing arrangements (made before 10 July 2024) to travel to the State until 9 August 2024.
“The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system to determine who can travel to Ireland.
“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,” she said.
source:South Africa loses visa-free entry to Ireland – BusinessTech
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