Ireland requires students from South Africa and Botswana to obtain a visa to enter the country. Ireland visa requirements have changed since July 10, 2024. Read more about student visas in Ireland for South African and Botswana nationals

Ireland has recently announced new rules requiring students from South Africa and Botswana to obtain student visas to enter the country for study purposes. 

In a statement, Irish Minister of Justice Helen McEntee said that citizens of these countries are no longer allowed visa-free entry, including students. This decision has caused concern among citizens of South Africa and Botswana, as well as organizations that support students. They claim that such an unexpected innovation creates unnecessary stress for students who are soon to start their academic year in Ireland.

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Details of the new decision

On July 8, Ireland announced that starting July 10, all citizens of South Africa and Botswana will need a visa to enter its territory. This decision gave students only one day to enter Ireland without a visa, otherwise they risk missing the start of the academic year, which begins in September. Those who did not manage to arrive before the new visa regime came into effect must now go through visa procedures.

Students fear that they will not be able to obtain a visa in time for the start of school. In response to these concerns, the Dublin Visa Office has set up a special department to process applications from South African citizens. The Irish Embassy in South Africa stated that visa applications are processed in about four weeks. However, some applicants complain of longer waiting times.

The decision to introduce visa requirements was made due to the growing number of asylum applications from South Africans and Botswana. The Minister of Justice of Ireland Helen McEntee noted that this decision was carefully considered and added that visa requirements are constantly reviewed to ensure effective control and possible simplification.

We remind you! The healthcare system in Ireland is organized in a rational and thoughtful manner. Doctors in this country are highly qualified, and medical facilities are equipped with modern technology. However, there are frequent complaints about long queues and a limited range of free services. Read more about the peculiarities of medical care in Ireland in 2024.

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