Irish visa requirement for nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru

With effect from 10 March 2025, nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru 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.

Nationals of these countries who made travel plans before 10 March 2025 and can provide evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip, may be accommodated for emergency travel in the following situations where the scheduled travel is on or before 31 March 2025:

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.

Persons falling within the above categories are asked to email [email protected] with the subject line “Visa Required – Emergency Travel Requested”.

ISD announces initiative to facilitate customers travelling at Christmas

Immigration Services are currently experiencing a backlog in processing registrations across several locations. Following the completion of a registration, it may take a further two weeks to receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card via post.

To facilitate Non EEA Nationals legally resident in the State who are required to renew their current permission and who wish to travel internationally during the Christmas period, the Minister is issuing a Travel Confirmation Notice requesting carriers to allow individuals to travel on their recently expired IRP card where an application to renew their permission was submitted in advance of the expiry date of their IRP card.

Non EEA Nationals in the State who are required to apply for a renewal of their IRP card may use their current recently expired IRP card to enable them to travel in confidence from 02 December 2024 to 31 January 2025, provided an application to renew their registration permission was submitted in advance of the expiry date of their IRP Card.

This Travel Confirmation Notice is valid from 02 December 2024 to 31 January 2025 only.

Note:

• Customers should download and print this notice and present it, along with their expired IRP card, and proof of renewal application (email confirmation which details the date of application) to immigration authorities and airlines if requested to do so

• The Department will continue to process applications for renewals

• The Department will advise all airlines and foreign missions of the initiatives in place

• However, if you have to travel through a third country to return to Ireland it is a matter for that jurisdiction to require you to meet their immigration requirements including visa etc.

• Further details on these arrangements can be found here.

Transfer of all nationwide Renewals to the ISD online portal

The final transfer of responsibility for renewal of Irish immigration residence permissions for persons residing in all counties nationwide from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to the Registration Office of Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice will come into effect on 04 November 2024.

With effect from 04 November 2024, online renewals of permissions from all applicants nationwide should be submitted using the ISD online renewal portal. Applicants will not need to attend the Burgh Quay Registration Office in person to renew an immigration permission, unless it is deemed necessary.

Applications for online renewal from all counties nationwide can be submitted now. You must upload all of the documents required with your application before submitting it, otherwise your application cannot be processed.

Please note that all applications, nationwide, for renewal of residence permission, including when changing Stamp category, are accepted by the Registration Office up to 12 weeks prior to expiry of a current IRP card to allow sufficient time for processing.

ISD Online Processing Times

The Immigration Service website provides a live processing update for online renewal applications being processed. To ensure an equitable service delivery, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

Guide to engaging with ISD online renewal services

Please read the step-by-step user guide on engaging with ISD services for further information.

Exemption from renewal fees

Certain applicants for first registration and renewal of residence permission are exempted from payment of the €300 registration fee if they:

• Have refugee status;
• Have subsidiary protection status;
• Have leave to remain under Section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015;
• Are aged between 16 and 18 years of age;
• Are resident based on marriage to an Irish citizen;
• Are a family member of an EU citizen;
• Are Ukrainian citizens and certain foreign nationals’ resident in the State as a Beneficiary of Temporary Protection.

I need to renew my IRP card. What does this mean for me?

You can apply online to renew your IRP card no matter which county you live in. You can apply up to 12 weeks before your card expires. You must upload all of the documents required for your application to be successful.

Do I need to collect my new IRP card?

No, your new IRP card will be posted directly to the address provided with your application. It is essential that you provide a full and accurate address, including the Eircode. If you live in an apartment block, the apartment number must be included along with the full apartment address.

I need to register my permission for the first time. What does this mean for me?

If you live in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork or Limerick, you will continue to book an appointment to register at Burgh Quay in Dublin.

If you live in any other county, please contact your local Garda Immigration Office for details on how to register.

ISD urges customers intending to travel over the coming Christmas period, whose current permission will expire, to submit a renewal application

October 3rd, 2024

The Immigration Services Registration Office Burgh Quay Dublin is currently experiencing a very large volume of applications for a renewal of permission with a current processing time to renew an IRP card of 3-4 weeks.

Following the completion of the renewal of Registration it may take a further two weeks to receive the new IRP card via post. An in date IRP card may be required to facilitate travel to and from the State.

To facilitate Non EEA Nationals legally resident in the State and who are intending to travel over the Christmas holiday period the Minister is urging customers to submit a renewal application online by 31 October 2024, should your current permission be expiring between now and your intended departure date or during travel.

Therefore, Non EEA Nationals in the State, who are required to apply for a renewal of their IRP card, before or during any intended international travel over the coming Christmas holiday period, should apply online via the ISD online portal as soon as possible.

The Immigration Services Registration Office Burgh Quay Dublin cannot guarantee that any renewal submitted after the 31 October 2024 will be processed and an IRP card delivered in time to facilitate travel over the Christmas holiday period. Although, every attempt will be made to do so.

Please note: Regardless of the date a renewal application is submitted or processed, the validity period for renewal of the permission will be based on the current expiry date.

Strong support for progressive migration policies

Nearly two-thirds of people agree that Ireland should welcome people who move here to make a better life for themselves or their families, according to a survey.

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) commissioned Ireland Thinks to carry out the independent poll on migration-related issues in July.

In particular, 64 per cent agreed that migrants should be welcomed, compared to 18 per cent who disagreed.

On work, 82 per cent of people agreed that Irish companies should continue to be able to recruit people from outside the EU to work in sectors with skills or labour shortages, compared to 11 per cent who disagreed.

The poll also found significant public support for more progressive policies for those migrating to Ireland when it comes to issues such as family reunion rights, registration fees, employment permits and regularisation of those who become undocumented.

Neil Bruton, campaigns manager with MRCI, said: “When people come to Ireland to work they face many challenges. Challenges like being separated from their families for years on end, facing poor working conditions and high rates of exploitation.

“On top of that they face high immigration fees that leave them struggling to make ends meet.”

He added: “This poll shows that people in Ireland understand better than most the challenges people face when they move. People clearly support progressive policy changes that address the persistent challenges people face when moving to Ireland to make a better life.”

Visa Requirement for nationals of Botswana and South Africa

With effect from 10th July 2024 holders of South African and Botswanan passports will be subject to Irish visa requirements which means that they will need to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.

Limited Transitional Arrangements (for certain travellers only)
To apply from 10th July 2024 to 9th August 2024

South African and Botswanan passport holders who have booked travel to Ireland before 10th July 2024 and will travel to Ireland before 10th August 2024 may travel to Ireland provided they are in possession of the following documentation:

• A valid passport; and

• Documentary proof from their carrier (and not a Travel Agent) showing the date of purchase of their ticket(s), their name as the passenger, the flight(s) number and date of travel.

This documentation will need to 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 the State will apply to any person availing of the transitional arrangements.

For avoidance of doubt, please note that:

• Any person who has booked travel to Ireland before 10th July 2024 and is travelling to Ireland after 9th August 2024 cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa before travelling.

• Any person who books travel to Ireland after 10th July cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa in advance of travel, even if travelling to Ireland before 10th August 2024.

• Persons who are in possession of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not separately need to have an Irish visa.

A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document has been prepared for Botswana and South Africa nationals. Please click here for further details.

Minister Higgins announces 150 employment permits for Sea Fishers

Wednesday, 3rd July 2024

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins, has today introduced a new quota of 150 General Employment Permits for the role of sea fisher which will address skills shortages in the Irish fishing fleet.

Minister Higgins said:

“I am delighted to announce the expansion of the employment permits system to include the role of sea fisher. Opening this quota will help address labour shortages in this important sector. As we have reached full employment with over 2.7 million people at work here, there are some skills that are increasingly difficult for employers to access in Ireland and across the EEA, and sea fisher is a prime example.”

The Department of Justice’s Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish fishing fleet was established in 2015 as a response to address claims of exploitation and trafficking of undocumented non-EEA workers on certain categories of vessels in the Irish fishing fleet.  This new quota has been introduced following a recommendation by a Cross-Governmental group to move the role of sea fisher from the AWS to the Employment Permit System.

The role of sea fisher in the Irish fishing fleet is now eligible for a General Employment Permit with a minimum salary requirement of €34,000, up to a quota of 150 permits.

Minister Higgins continued:

“This is a really positive development as non-EEA sea fishers will now have access to the same benefits and protections as other non-EEA nationals employed in the State, particularly in terms of entitlements and protections.

"The transfer of this role to the Employment Permit System will streamline the permission process and make it easier to recruit non-EEA sea fishers. It is an example of how responsive our Employment Permits System is in addressing skills shortages in a way that can benefit both businesses and workers.”

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment consulted with sectoral and migrant worker representatives and that consultation process informed the inclusion of non-EEA sea fishers in the employment permit system and its associated regulations.

Notes for Editor

The Employment Permits System

Ireland’s policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of Ireland, the European Union and other European Economic Area (EEA) states. Policy in relation to applications for employment permits remains focused on facilitating the recruitment from outside the EEA of skilled and highly skilled personnel, where the requisite skills cannot be met by normal recruitment or by training. Employment permit policy is part of the response to addressing skills deficits which exist and are likely to continue into the medium term, but it is not intended over the longer term to act as a substitute for meeting the challenge of up-skilling the State’s resident workforce, with an emphasis on the process of lifelong learning, and on maximising the potential of EEA nationals to fill our skills deficits.

The Occupations Lists

For the purposes of the employment permits system, occupations fall into three categories:

1. Occupations listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List are highly skilled professional roles that are in high demand and are not always available in the resident labour force. Occupations on this list are eligible for a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) and include roles such as medicine, ICT, sciences, finance, and business.

2. Ineligible occupations are those with evidence suggesting there are sufficient Irish/EEA workers to fill such vacancies. Employment permits are not granted for these occupations.

3. Every other job in the labour market, where an employer cannot find a worker, is eligible for an employment permit. For these occupations, the employer is required to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test and if no-one suitable applies for the job, the employer is free to apply for an employment permit. Occupations such as these may be skills of a more general nature and are eligible for a General Employment Permit (GEP).

Transition from the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew to the Employment Permits System

The Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet was established in 2016. This Scheme, operated under the remit of the Department of Justice, facilitated the recruitment of non-EEA fishers to work onboard certain fishing vessels. A review of the scheme was undertaken in 2022. Government approved the outcome of the Review and its implementation. In accordance with the Review recommendations, the AWS was closed. The main recommendation was that the scheme should be normalised via the General Employment Permit System run by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Following on from this an implementation group was established to oversee the transition from the Atypical Scheme to the Employment Permits System. This was a cross-departmental group of senior officials in relevant departments and agencies including the Department of Transport, the Workplace Relations Commission and an Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The group was co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment invited submissions from representative bodies, government departments, agencies, and other interested parties to a consultation to review the eligibility of occupations for employment permits. Submissions were received from the fishing sector and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment had a series of engagements with representatives from this sector, migrants rights advocates and unions concerning access for non-EEA fishers through the General Employment Permit System.

Latest employment permits notices and developments

Notice regarding Temporary Suspension of 'Return and Refund' process

18 June 2024

The Employment Permit System is currently experiencing a high level of demand. In order to meet this demand and improve the way in which the service is delivered, a review of the ‘Return and Refund’ process is currently being conducted. 

Therefore, from 19 June 2024 the Return and Refund process for General Employment Permit applications will be temporarily suspended. All General Employment Permit applications will now be processed in full. Therefore, the 100% refund will not apply. Any refused or withdrawn applications will receive a 90% refund

Transfer of registration responsibility for Cork and Limerick

June 17th, 2024

The transfer of responsibility for first time registration and renewal of Irish immigration residence permissions for persons residing in counties Cork and Limerick from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) to Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of the Department of Justice will come into effect on 8] July 2024.

On 8 July 2024, the first time registration of Irish residence permissions for applicants residing in counties Cork and Limerick will now be carried out at the Registration Office, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. This will be in addition to the current registrations for counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow.

First-time Registration of Irish immigration permission

Appointments for first time registration can be booked using the Freephone number (1800 800 630).

Operators are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to arrange appointments.

Applicants for registration will be required to provide the operators with their passport details and a valid email address to arrange appointments.

Please Note, on the day of your appointment for first time registration at the Registration Office in Burgh Quay, you must bring:

• Your passport (or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government [of Ireland]),

• A printed and completed copy of the address form attached to your appointment confirmation email (this is the address your Irish residence permission (IRP card) will be sent on issue to you),

• Printed copies of the required supporting documentation relevant to your permission, electronic copies of documents are not accepted.

If you do not have all required documents with you at your appointment, we will be unable to complete your registration and issue an Irish Residence Permit card. You will be required to book a return appointment to the Registration Office to complete your registration.

On the day of your appointment, you will be required to pay a fee of €300 depending on the type of permission you are seeking. Certain exemptions from payment of the fee are listed below. Please see the list of fees for different types of permissions.

Please note: We only accept credit/debit card payments. We are unable to accept cash, cheques, or contactless payments.

Renewal of Irish immigration permission

Also with effect from 8 July 2024, online renewals of permissions from applicants living in counties Cork and Limerick should be submitted using the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) online renewal portal. Applicants will not need to attend the Burgh Quay Registration Office in person to renew permission.

The GNIB will continue to undertake first registrations and renewal responsibilities for applicants residing outside of counties Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Cork and Limerick.

Please note that all applications, State-wide, for renewal of residence permission, including when changing Stamp category, are accepted by both ISD and GNIB up to 12 weeks prior to expiry to allow sufficient time for processing.

ISD Online Processing Times

The Immigration Service website provides a live processing update for online renewal applications being processed. To ensure an equitable immigration system, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

Guide to engaging with ISD services

Please read the step-by-step user guide on engaging with ISD services for further information.

Exemption from registration and renewal fees

Certain applicants for first registration and renewal of residence permission are exempted from payment of the €300 registration fee if they:

• Have refugee status.

• Have subsidiary protection status.

• Have leave to remain under Section 49 of the International Protection Act 2015.

• Are aged between 16 and 18 years of age.

• Are resident based on marriage to an Irish citizen.

• Are a family member of an EU citizen.

• Are Ukranian citizens and certain foreign nationals’ resident in the State as a Beneficiary of Temporary Protection.

Important Information for Ukrainian nationals

June 4th, 2024

From the 05 June 2024, temporary measures which allowed Ukrainian nationals to travel to Ireland without a valid biometric passport will cease to be in effect. In accordance with section 4 of the Irish Immigration Act 2004, all third country nationals, including Ukrainians, who are travelling to Ireland must be in possession of a valid biometric passport.

General Information
As part of an emergency response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Ireland temporarily suspended the requirement for a biometric passport from Ukrainian nationals who wished to enter the State. This suspension was aligned with practice in other EU Member States and in accordance with guidelines from the EU Commission.

While the suspension was activated, Ukrainian nationals seeking to enter the State could rely upon alternative documentation as proof of their nationality including expired biometric passports or internal passports. However, from 05 June, Ukrainian nationals who plan on travelling to Ireland will, in accordance with section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, require a valid biometric passport for entry into the State. For current beneficiaries of temporary protection in Ireland, it is important to be aware of this requirement if making any plans to temporarily leave the country.

Q&A

Why is this being changed now?

As part of a wide-ranging emergency response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Ireland suspended the requirement for Ukrainian citizens to possess a biometric passport for travel to Ireland. Until now, in cases where valid biometric passports were not available, other documentation such as expired biometric passports or internal passports could be used to verify a person’s Ukrainian nationality. This supported a swift response to the emerging crisis and ensured that many people who could not access or renew their travel documents could still flee to safety. The situation has evolved since the outbreak of the war and it is important to move from an emergency response to a more sustainable one.

Will this prevent Ukrainians travelling to Ireland?

No, the majority of Ukrainian nationals travelling to Ireland are in possession of a valid biometric passport. Ukrainian nationals remain non-visa required when travelling to Ireland.

Will a beneficiary of temporary protection in Ireland lose their protection if they do not have a valid biometric passport?

No, this does not impact upon temporary protection status, but a beneficiary will require a valid biometric passport to re-enter Ireland if they intend on travelling outside the State.