Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1039.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality regarding new visa rules around arrivals from South Africa, if consideration will be given to an exemption period to give South African nationals who booked flights to Ireland before 10 July, but arrive after 10 August, the ability to travel without a visa (details supplied).[33776/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, with effect from 10 July 2024 Irish visa requirements were applied to nationals of South Africa.

A Limited Transitional Arrangement was put in place for South African nationals who had booked travel to Ireland before 10 July 2024 and were travelling to Ireland before 10 August 2024. This arrangement allowed these individuals to travel to Ireland without a visa provided they were 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.

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

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

Applicants will find full details of the application process together with the supporting documentation required for each visa type on our website which may be accessed at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/

To facilitate pre-existing travel arrangements, as a temporary measure, my Department is currently prioritising applications from South African nationals based on the date of travel. The dedicated South Africa Visa team are working to ensure all travellers have a decision on their application prior to their date of travel.

Individuals with pre-existing travel arrangements who are concerned that they will not receive a decision on their visa application before their intended date of travel may contact the dedicated South Africa Visa Desk directly, quoting the application number, highlighting the reasons why their application should be expedited. The dedicated South Africa Visa Desk can be contacted at: SouthAfricaViSouthAfricaVisaOffice@justice.iesaOffice@justice.ie.