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Re-entry visas abolished
A re-entry visa is no longer required to return to Ireland.
Do you come from a visa required country?
Do you have a valid Irish Residency Permit (IRP) or GNIB card?
If the answer to both questions is YES, then you no longer require a visa to return to Ireland. All you need is to show airline staff, ferry staff and immigration officers your valid passport and IRP/GNIB card at all border points of entry or exit when requested.
All children aged 15 and below with visa required nationality will however need re-entry visas. Their parents and guardians will need to apply on their behalf provided the child is;
- Aged 15 or younger
- Lives in Ireland
- Is travelling using a passport issued by a visa required country or a travel document issued by these countries
- Does not have IRP or GNIB card
A child who is resident in Ireland on the basis of EU Treaty Rights and has EU FAM 4 permission is likely to hold an IRP/GNIB card and therefore does not require a re-entry visa.
In submitting the re-entry application forms for children, parents or guardians must provide:
- Original birth certificate
- Proof of parent or guardian’s identity
- Proof of guardianship arrangement
- Proof the child lives in Ireland
- Passport photos
It is advised that while submitting the application to use a strong padded envelope to prevent damage and loss of items. If you submit your application by registered post, you will be able to track your package online.
Stamp 6 holders are currently not issued with IRP/GNIB cards. They will continue to apply for re-entry visas as usual. Their applications must be made by post. Applications forms are available through this link.
The changes from the Department of Justice and Equality are attributed to reported improvements in security in the Irish registration certificate, the IRP, which has made it possible to eliminate the need for re-entry visas, without compromising the safety and security of the visa or immigration system. The IRP card is in the standard EU format for residence permits, and is recognised by airlines.
The abolition of the re-entry visa system removes an administrative burden from visa required nationals who live in Ireland and who hold an IRP. They will no longer have to submit their passport to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for processing, and will no longer have to pay the re-entry visa fee.