Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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299. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason citizens from Peru are not entitled to a 90-day visa on arrival (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31434/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The requirements for which countries are visa required to come to Ireland are kept under regular review in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Government is pursuing a strategy of greater co-ordination and co-operation on visa issues with the United Kingdom (UK) in the context of the Common Travel Area (CTA). This is exemplified by the operation of the British Irish Visa Scheme in China and India which allows for travel to and around Ireland and the UK on a single visa. As part of this greater co-operation, the matter of alignment of those States whose citizens are visa required is also being kept under review. The greater the extent of alignment between the two jurisdictions, the greater the opportunity to increase the numbers of tourism and business visits to the CTA. At present, both Ireland and the UK require all citizens of Peru to be in possession of a visa for travel to their jurisdiction and any proposals for change will need to be considered in this context.

I might also add that visitors to Ireland, whether visa required or not, must on arrival at a port of entry receive permission to enter the State from an immigration officer. Visitors who intend to stay in Ireland for more than 90 days must also register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for permission to reside in Ireland.