IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Irish authorities are poised to end an online appointments system for re-entry visas.

What does the change mean? Effective Sept. 3, the online appointments system will only be available to travelers who are seeking re-entry visas on an emergency basis. Standard applications will need to be submitted through the registered postal system. Authorities are advising applicants to submit their applications at least five to six weeks before travel.

  • Implementation time frame: Sept. 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: Re-entry visas.
  • Who is affected: Visa-required nationals planning on traveling out of and returning to Ireland.
  • Impact on processing times: The change could impact travel procedures for visa-required nationals. Authorities are advising that visa-required nationals submit applications at least five to six weeks before travel. Current processing times for re-entry visas are available on this Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service website.

Background: Visa-required nationals planning foreign travel must obtain a re-entry visa in order to return to Ireland. Currently, travelers can use an online appointments service to obtain a re-entry visa. Authorities said last week, however, that this option will come to an end on Sept. 3. Exceptions will be made for those with emergency travel needs, e.g., travel related to a serious illness or death in the family.

BAL Analysis: The change may make travel procedures more challenging. It is often difficult to get an appointment through the online system, however, and INIS generally recommends that people apply by post anyway. Visa-required nationals should make travel plans well in advance, if possible, and should submit applications for re-entry visas no more than five to six weeks before travel.

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

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