Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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523. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of days within a calendar year an American citizen can spend in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57300/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that non-EEA Nationals, whether visa required or not, may visit the State for up to a maximum of 90 days. The 90 day limit is not arbitrary but is linked with the provisions in the Immigration Act 2004 which requires any persons residing in Ireland for more than 90 days to register their permission to be in the State with the relevant Immigration Office. In effect, such persons who are in the State for longer than 90 days are considered to be residing in Ireland as opposed to merely on a visit.

Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation, the reasons for seeking entry to the State and/or a person’s previous Immigration history, refuse entry to the State or grant permission for a period of less than 3 months.

It is not possible to remain in Ireland for a period of 90 days and then seek to re-enter the country for a further period of up to 90 days.

Persons looking to reside in the State, should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State. Any non EU/EEA nationals who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the Registration process can be found at the link below:

www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/requirements-and-documents-needed/