5-year tourist visas now available to eligible Chinese travelers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Ireland has begun issuing five-year, multiple-entry tourist visas to qualifying Chinese nationals.

What does the change mean? Chinese nationals traveling to Ireland for tourism may now apply for the five-year visas if they have (1) a reliable travel history (proven by a previously held tourist visa issued by Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States or a Schengen Area country) and (2) complied with the terms of that  previous visa.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change took effect July 1.
• Visas/permits affected: Short-stay tourist visas.
• Who is affected: Chinese nationals planning on visiting Ireland as tourists.
• Business impact: Travelers are not permitted to conduct business activities on a tourist visa; however, Chinese nationals could be eligible for five-year business visas in certain circumstances.

Background: Irish officials timed the issuance of the new visas to coincide with the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, said in a statement that he hoped the new visas would lead to continued growth in Ireland’s “important bilateral relationship” with China. “With a population of over 1.3 billion people and a strong economy, China offers fantastic potential tourism links for Ireland,” he said.

Analysis & Comments: The introduction of five-year, multiple-entry tourist visas to qualifying Chinese nationals is consistent with broader efforts in Ireland to attract Chinese tourists and business travelers. While business activities are not permitted on a tourist visa, Chinese business travelers can apply for business visas to carry out business activities and/or apply for 14-day work permission.

Source: Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.