Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery has announced the resumption of the short-stay visa waiver programme with effect from 31 October 2021.  The programme allows individuals from a set list of countries, who have already entered the United Kingdom, on the basis of a United Kingdom short-stay visa, to travel to Ireland without the requirement to obtain a separate entry visa for Ireland1.  Additionally, the list of countries covered by this programme has been expanded and now covers 24 countries2.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This update will affect individuals who require entry into Ireland for short-stay trips following their entry to the United Kingdom.  It potentially makes it easier for such cross-border trips.

Resumption of Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme: More Details

Immigration Service Delivery has announced the resumption of the short-stay visa waiver programme.  Individuals from the following countries may avail of this programme, subject to meeting the relevant conditions: Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

KPMG NOTE

Clients should be aware of these changes as individuals from certain countries who have entered the United Kingdom on the basis of a short-stay visa may now travel to Ireland without the need to obtain a separate entry visa.  

For advice on this changing situation, please contact the Corporate Immigration and Employment Law Team with KPMG in Ireland (see the Contact Us section below).

FOOTNOTES

1  See Department of Justice, Immigration Service Delivery webpage “Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme.”  

2  See Department of Justice, Immigration Service Delivery webpage  “Resumption of the Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme.”

* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services.  However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

 

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Ireland.

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