Adult re-entry visas abolished in Ireland from 13 May
17 April 2019
A welcome announcement from the Minister for Justice and Equality means that from 13 May 2019, visa required nationals who hold a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card will no longer need to apply for a re-entry visa to travel back to Ireland. It is sufficient for them to show their IRP/GNIB card for visa purposes.
This is a welcome change and removes the hassle for visa required nationals with an IRP/GNIB card to have to make multiple applications in advance of travel from Ireland and back.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will now notify the various ferry and airline providers of the changes, along with immigration authorities in other countries. This will take a number of weeks so the streamlined travel process will not take effect until 13 May 2019.
This change does not apply to those under 16 whose parents or guardians will still need to apply for a re-entry visa for them when travelling in and out of Ireland while living here.
If you need assistance with any employment law or employment permit matters in Ireland please contact the Lewis Silkin Ireland team - http://www.lewissilkin.com/Ireland/