In light of the new visa rules imposed for travellers from Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu, Ireland has decided to assist those who had already made travel arrangements to the country.
Ireland imposed a visa requirement for all Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu on March 7, 2024.
However, in order to avoid major inconveniences for those who made travel plans prior to the implementation of the visa requirement, Ireland will now offer emergency travel assistance – visa-free entry, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Affected people from Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu who want to benefit from the arrangement must prove that they had booked and paid for their trip to Ireland.
In addition, their scheduled arrival to Ireland needs to be on or before April 7, 2024, and they must fall under one of five specific categories listed by the Irish authorities.
These Groups of Dominica, Honduras & Vanuatu Travellers Qualify for Emergency Travel Assistance
To be eligible for emergency travel assistance from the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD), travellers from Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu who had made travel plans to Ireland before the new visa requirement entered into force must prove that they are travelling to the country for a critical medical case that involves a seriously ill family member or someone undergoing medical treatment.
Emergency travel assistance will also be provided by ISD for those who will be entering the country for significant family events, such as births, weddings, and funerals, as well as those travelling for educational pursuits, more specifically for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
In addition, Ireland will provide emergency travel assistance to those who hold an employment permit and to those who need to enter the country for business purposes.
All nationals of Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu who fall into one of these categories must also submit relevant evidence.
Regarding Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu nationals who do not fall under any of the five categories above, the Irish authorities stressed that they need to follow the regular visa application process.
The visa application for Ireland is made online, and once the appointment date comes, applicants need to appear at the relevant embassy or consulate. The decision on the visa application is usually issued within two weeks.
Ireland Imposed Visa Requirement for Dominica, Honduras & Vanuatu to Align Its Visa Policy With UK & Schengen Area
Earlier this week, when Ireland announced the implementation of the visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu, the country said that this decision had been taken in an attempt to align the country’s visa policy with that of the UK and the Schengen Area.
According to the Irish authorities, the move is not expected to affect many, as Ireland sees a relatively low number of arrivals from Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu.
The authorities further noted that they also do not expect to register a high number of visa applications from these three countries.
