Effective July 10, 2024, holders of South African and Botswanan passports, previously permitted to enter visa free, are now required to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.
South African and Botswanan passport holders who have booked travel to Ireland before July 10, 2024, and will travel to Ireland before August 10, 2024, may travel to Ireland provided they are in possession of the following documentation:
- A valid passport; and
- Documentary proof from their carrier (not a Travel Agent) showing the date of purchase of their ticket(s), their name as the passenger, the flight number(s), and date of travel.
This documentation must be produced where requested to do so by a carrier or an Immigration Officer. Normal immigration rules that apply to non-nationals on seeking entry to Ireland will apply to any person using the transitional arrangements.
- Any person who has booked travel to Ireland before July 10, 2024, and is travelling to Ireland after August 9, 2024, cannot take advantage of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa before travelling.
- Any person who books travel to Ireland after July 10, cannot take advantage of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa in advance of travel, even if travelling to Ireland before August 10, 2024.
- Persons who are in possession of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not separately need to have an Irish visa.
Note that Botswanan or South African nationals holding valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards are not subject to the visa requirement.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.