The Republic of Ireland has long been a favourite destination for South Africans. This is thanks to its cheerful people, the spectacular beauty of the Irish countryside, the famous Guinness Beer and also because no visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months.
However, the Irish government has initiated several changes regarding travel from South Africa to Ireland. The Irish Embassy in Pretoria announced the changes on 27 January via its social media platforms.
IMPACT OF THE NEW COVID-19 VARIANT
The new variant of the Coronavirus which is prevalent in South Africa has also been found in the Ireland and the United Kingdom. With a UK variant to contend with as well, both are battening down the hatches in an effort to prevent South African visitors from travelling to their countries.
On 26 January, the Irish government announced the introduction of additional short-term Coronavirus restrictions. These include mandatory quarantine measures applicable to all international visitors to Ireland, and the suspension of visa-free travel for nationals of South Africa and all South American countries.
SHORT-STAY VISAS SUSPENDED
The Irish Embassy in Pretoria announced that the Irish government has temporarily suspended visa-free entry to South African and South American nationals until 5 March.
There are only a few exceptions, which effectively means South Africans will not be able to travel to Ireland without legitimate reasons while the suspension is in place.
https://www.thesouthafrican.com/travel/visa-free-entry-ireland-suspended-south-africa/
