Ireland to provide visa-free entry for UAE nationals

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland has lifted visa requirements for nationals of the United Arab Emirates.

What does the change mean? Beginning Wednesday, UAE nationals will be able to travel to Ireland for short-stay business or tourism without first obtaining a visa. Visa-free entry will be valid for stays of up to 90 days.

• Implementation time frame: Jan. 31.
• Visas/permits affected: Irish entry visas.
• Who is affected: UAE nationals traveling to Ireland.
• Impact on processing time: The change will save travelers the time it takes to obtain a visa.
• Business impact: Business travelers are among those covered by the arrangement.

Background: The European Union and the UAE signed a landmark visa agreement in 2015, but Ireland and the United Kingdom were not covered by it. Irish Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan recently announced that visa requirements would be lifted for UAE nationals traveling to Ireland, saying that the action would benefit trade and tourism. The UAE currently allows Irish nationals to visit the UAE for 30 dayswithout first obtaining a visa. BAL will alert clients if there is any change to the UAE’s visa policy for Irish nationals.

BAL Analysis: The visa arrangement will ease travel for UAE nationals traveling to Ireland for business or tourism. Travelers should note that work activities require an employment permit.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact ireland@bal.com.

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