The Department of Justice and Equality has announced the abolition of Ireland’s re-entry visa system with effect from 13 May 2019. Visa required nationals who hold a valid Irish Residence Permit/GNIB card will no longer need a re-entry visa to travel to Ireland. Their Irish Residence Permit/GNIB card and passport will be sufficient. This brings Ireland in line with other EU Member States.
Improvements in security in the Irish registration certificate, the Irish Residence Permit, has made it possible to eliminate the need for re-entry visas. The Irish Residence Permit card is in the standard EU format for residence permits, and is recognised by airlines.
The abolition of the re-entry visa system means visa required nationals who live in Ireland and who hold an Irish Residence Permit will no longer have to submit their passport to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for processing, and pay a re-entry visa fee.
The abolition will not take effect until 13 May 2019 due to the need to notify airlines, ferry companies and immigration authorities in other countries. In the meantime, the existing system will remain in place and visa required nationals will continue to need a valid visa or re-entry visa to travel to Ireland.
Under 16 year olds are not issued with an Irish Residence Permit/GNIB card and their parents or guardians will have to apply for a re-entry visa for them, to ensure that they can travel in and out of Ireland while living here. Visa required nationals who do not hold an Irish Residence Permit/GNIB card will continue to require a valid visa, which must be applied for from outside the State.
For more information
Department of Justice and Equality press release: Minister Flanagan announces abolition of re-entry visa system (12 April 2019)
Information in relation to the abolition of adult re-entry visas (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service)
