In a recent policy shift, Ireland has revised its entry requirements for South Africa and Botswana, discontinuing visa-free access and introducing a mandatory visa application process. This change impacts South African and Botswanan travellers as they are required to navigate new administrative processes and potentially alter travel plans to Ireland.
According to the news publication, The Irish Times, this transition was announced by Irish Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and is being taken in light of what the Department of Justice has described as “a significant number of international protection applications” being received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa.
Helen added that neither South Africa nor Botswana were among the top 5 nationalities of the over nine thousand individuals who sought international protection in the 5 months up to the end of May. Combined, nationals from these countries submitted less than five hundred applications, designating both of them as ”safe countries of origin”.
According to Business Tech, a business-focused publication, the minister also announced that the Dublin visa office would create a specialised “South Africa desk” to handle applications specifically from South African nationals. Three Visa Applications Centres (VACs), will be established, and located throughout South Africa, with visa service provider VFS Global. Effective 10 July 2024, all citizens from South Africa and Botswana will need visas to enter Ireland. Single-entry visas will cost R1200 and multi-entry visas R2000.
The business-focused publication further added that transitional arrangements are in place for the citizens of the two countries who had made travel plans before 10 July 2024. They can travel visa-free until 9 August 2024.
Also see: South Africans can get 60 days visa free in Thailand
