Application deadline set for expatriates planning Christmas travel

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service is warning foreign nationals in Ireland to apply for re-entry visas by Nov. 17 if they plan to travel for Christmas holidays.

What does the change mean? Those applying by post must apply by Nov. 17 to get a re-entry visa in time to travel on or before the Christmas holidays. (Dec. 22 is the final business day before Christmas Day.) Appointments will also likely be in short supply, and applicants must have an appointment to visit the re-entry visa office or will be turned away.

• Implementation time frame: Now until Nov. 17.
• Visas/permits affected: Re-entry visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign residents in Ireland applying for re-entry visas ahead of international travel.
• Impact on processing times: INIS posts re-entry visa processing times on its website and updates them weekly. Currently, the processing time is one week plus approximately two days for mail time. Applicants are reminded that processing time is longer ahead of peak holiday travel seasons.
• Business impact: Foreign employees and families traveling for the Christmas holiday should be reminded of the deadline.

BAL Analysis: Foreign residents in Ireland planning to travel abroad for Christmas should not wait until the last minute to apply for re-entry visas, and those applying by mail must apply by Nov. 17.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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