South Africans will now need a visa to visit Ireland – here’s why

SA to Ireland: new visa requirements

After many years of visa-free entry to Ireland, a new decision by the Irish Department of Justice will now see South Africans and Botswana nationals needing to apply for a visa in order to visit the Emerald Isle.

As per Schengen.News, starting 10 July, nationals from Botswana and South Africa will need to obtain a visa first, before travelling to Ireland.

These two countries will also require a transit visa when wanting to transit through Ireland to another destination.

Why the need for the change?

According to the Minister for Justice of Ireland, Helen McEntee, there has been a significant number of International Protection applications received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa in recent years. 

“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,” McEntee said.

“Irish visa requirements are kept 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.” she added.

Up until now, travellers from South Africa and Botswana have not needed visas to enter Ireland as both have been designated as ‘safe countries of origin’ for International Protection purposes.

VFS TO PROCESS VISAS GOING FORWARD

The Ministry also said that the Dublin Visa Office will establish a dedicated South Africa desk to process applications from South African nationals as well as three Visa Application Centers, which will be located throughout South Africa, with VFS Global.

VFS Global is also the only contractor in charge of processing all UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service centres worldwide, including in Africa and South Africa, with 31 centres already in Africa.