Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that Colombian nationals are visa required and must have a valid Irish entry visa before they seek to enter the State. I do not envisage any change to this requirement in the short-term but the situation is kept under review.

In support of the visa application process in Colombia the Department recently opened a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bogotá. The VAC service, which is provided by VFS Global, makes it more efficient and easier for visitors from abroad to submit their visa applications for travel to Ireland.

It is important to state that the services provided by VFS Global do not extend to making decisions on visa applications; such decisions are the sole remit of either the staff of my Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It should be pointed out that the multi-entry visa option for up to 5 years for all visa required countries has been extended. These measures should assist in timely processing of visa applications and a more flexible visa package for Colombian citizens visiting Ireland.

As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors.

Any visa required national that wishes to enter the State, and remain, for up to 90 days must have a Type C Short Stay Visa. A visa required national that wishes to reside in the State for longer than 90 days must have a Type D Long Stay Visa.

Any person that wishes to make an application for a visa must do so online at: www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx.