Book an Appointment
The Eswatini authorities plan to require Ireland to explain why the country decided to impose visa requirements on its nationals.
Concerned about the impact that the decision will have on Eswatini passport holders wanting to reach Ireland, a spokesperson said that Eswatini will engage in talks with the government of Ireland to learn more about the reasons that pushed the country to end visa-free travel, Schengen.News reports.
Even though the Irish authorities have not made any official statement on the matter yet, local media have said that visas were imposed on nationals of Eswatini due to a spike in irregular migration.
It is yet to be seen whether Ireland will provide a response on the matter and how the new decision will impact travel between the two countries.
Ireland Imposed Visa Requirements on Eswatini, Lesotho & Nauru Nationals on March 10
On March 10, 2025, Ireland ended visa-free travel to the country for passport holders of Eswatini, Lesotho, and Nauru.
The ending of visa-free travel means that nationals of these three countries now need to obtain a visa in order to be permitted entry to Ireland for any travel purposes, including transit through Ireland’s airport to reach another destination.
Commenting on the matter, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said that this decision will keep Ireland in step with neighbouring jurisdictions.
The Minister further noted that a number of factors were taken into account when deciding the measure to ensure that the travel processes remain fair and effective.
Transitional Exceptions Apply to Certain Travellers From Affected Countries
The authorities have explained that transitional exceptions will apply to certain groups of travellers from these three countries, meaning that visa requirements will not apply to everyone.
Affected nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho, and Nauru who have made travel arrangements before March 10, 2025 and who will arrive in Ireland on or before March 31, 2025, will not be required to apply for a visa provided that they fall under the exceptional circumstances list.
This list includes those entering Ireland to commence university studies, those commencing work with an Employment Permit, those travelling for business or significant family event, and those travelling to Ireland for urgent healthcare events for family members.
Source: https://schengen.news/ireland-required-to-explain-why-it-ended-visa-free-travel-for-eswatini/
