Ireland Tightens Visa Rules for Eswatini, Nauru, and Lesotho Nationals
Key Takeaways
- Irish authorities introduce stricter visa rules for nationals of Eswatini, Nauru, and Lesotho.
- The decision aims to enhance legitimate travel facilitation.
- Over 300,000 short-stay visas were granted in 2024.
Starting on Monday, March 10, nationals from Eswatini, Nauru, and Lesotho will be required to apply for a visa before traveling to Ireland. This new measure also includes a transit visa requirement for those intending to travel through Ireland to another country, as reported by Schengen.News.
However, nationals from these countries who had travel plans before March 10, 2025, and can provide proof of a valid booking and payment for their trip, may be eligible for emergency travel arrangements if their scheduled departure is on or before March 31, 2025.
Emergency Travel Accommodation Criteria
The Irish Department of Justice clarified that nationals who had pre-existing travel plans before March 10 can still qualify for emergency travel under certain circumstances, such as:
- Critical medical situations (with required evidence from relevant authorities).
- Family events like births, weddings, or funerals (evidence required).
- Employment purposes (if holding a valid Employment Permit for Ireland).
- Business-related travel.
Facilitating Legitimate Travel
Irish Minister Jim O'Callaghan emphasized that the new visa requirements are designed to facilitate, not restrict, legitimate travel. "I want to be clear that introducing these requirements does not prevent nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho, and Nauru from visiting, working, studying, or joining family members in Ireland. Applying for a visa is a screening mechanism to ensure we are facilitating legitimate travel," O'Callaghan stated.
The Department of Justice also highlighted that Ireland's visa policies are under continuous review to maintain effective immigration controls while allowing lawful travelers to enter the country.
In 2024, Ireland granted a record 392,217 short-stay visas to nationals from various countries, marking a significant increase in the country's visa activity since 2017. The countries with the highest number of visa recipients included India (39,942), China (12,267), and Türkiye (4,795).
These changes come as part of a broader effort to align Ireland’s immigration system with neighboring jurisdictions, considering factors that ensure robust, effective, and fair processes for international visitors.
For more details, visit Schengen.News.
