So, you want to come to Ireland to visit family,
or friends,
or your spouse on a work permit,
or a holiday,
or come for a job interview,
or a conference?
THIS WILL BE EDITED LATER WHEN THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE ON IRISH IMMIMGRATION
VISA FREE ENTRY IS OVER AS OF WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY
THERE IS A WINDOW FOR PEOPLE WITH PLANS MADE PRIOR TO 10 JULY TO ENTER PRIOR TO 8TH AUGUST
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0708/1458713-botswana-south-africa-visa/
HOLIDAY ENTRY- https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/how-to-apply-for-a-short-stay-c-visit-tourist-visa/
SA SPOUSES OF EU/ IRISH AND WORK PERMIT HOLDERS AND THEIR FAMILY- https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/giving-your-details-on-avats-for-a-visa-preclearance-application/
This was posted 6am 8/7/24
With effect from 10th July 2024 holders of South African and Botswanan passports will be subject to Irish visa requirements which means that they will need to obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.
Limited Transitional Arrangements (for certain travellers only)
To apply from 10th July 2024 to 9th August 2024
South African and Botswanan passport holders who have booked travel to Ireland before 10th July 2024 and will travel to Ireland before 9th August 2024 may travel to Ireland provided they are 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.
This documentation will need to be produced where requested to do so by a carrier or an Immigration Officer. Normal immigration rules that apply to non-nationals on seeking entry to the State will apply to any person availing of the transitional arrangements.
For avoidance of doubt, please note that:
- Any person who has booked travel to Ireland before 10th July 2024 and is travelling to Ireland after 9th August 2024 cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa before travelling.
- Any person who books travel to Ireland after 10th July cannot avail of the limited transitional arrangements and will need to have obtained an Irish visa in advance of travel, even if travelling to Ireland before 9th August 2024.
- Persons who are in possession of a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card do not separately need to have an Irish visa.
Best regards,
Consular Team
This will guide you as to what you need to do that:
Important note:
Any official stamping your landing permission has absolute discretion.
They have the discretion to allow or dis-allow a person into Ireland.
They can stamp up to 90 days holiday or visit entry, or they can stamp as few or many days under that 90 days as they see fit for purpose.
They can detain you.
They can interrogate you.
They have the right to read your phone, search your bags and read all correspondence.
They can turn you around and send you on your way home without allowing you entry.
So what do I need to prove for my trip?
Your visa
Along with the Letter of Invitation you may want to have proof of the following:
Proof of Identity
Proof of Intention in Ireland
Proof of accommodation in Ireland
Proof of Funds
Proof of Travel Insurance
Proof of Return (more than just a return ticket)
* Letter of invitation is required for all entries except for a holiday
where you are booking into a hotel or accomodation,
where you are not visiting friends or family, but have come to explore Ireland.
Please see Letter of Invitation below
A tip:
If you and I met and you said to me you live in SA and I said I don't believe you...
how would you prove that to me?
What other than a passport would you be able to show me that
you live where you live and do what you do in SA?
Important links:
Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
Letter of Invitation - As South African, what documents do I need to enter Ireland on holiday, business trip, conference or job interview?
Home Affairs documents - A list of contacts and agents who deal with Home Affairs documents
Standard Visitor Visa if you fly via the UK
Transport from the Airport to the place you are staying
Do I need an entry visa if I am coming to work?
