Ireland has decided to tighten the entry rules for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago by introducing a mandatory visa requirement.
Starting today, May 12, 2025, Trinidad and Tobago nationals will need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland in order to be permitted entry into the country, Schengen.News reports.
A visa will also be required for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who intend to transit through Ireland for the purpose of reaching another destination. However, the authorities have stressed that transitional arrangements are in place for those with existing travel plans.
With effect from May 12, 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.
Commenting on the move, the Justice Minister of Ireland, Jin O’Callaghan, said that the visa requirements are an effective screening measure to assess who is eligible for travel to Ireland.
The Minister further emphasised that this measure will help to increase the security of borders while allowing travel to Ireland for legitimate reasons.
Visa requirements are an effective screening measure to determine who can travel to Ireland. They bolster the security of our borders while permitting travel to Ireland for legitimate purposes.
The Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, also added on the matter. He said that the decision was carefully considered, and among others, it will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the UK.
Transitional Measures Introduced for Trinidad & Tobago Nationals With Existing Travel Arrangements
In an effort to minimise disruption for Trinidad and Tobago nationals, Ireland has introduced transitional measures for those who already have travel plans.
To minimise disruption, my officials will have transitional measures for those with existing travel arrangements in the next few weeks.
Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who made travel arrangements before May 12, 2025 and who are scheduled to travel to Ireland before May 31, 2025, may be permitted to enter Ireland without a visa provided they have evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip.
To be accommodated for emergency travel, Trinidad and Tobago nationals with existing travel arrangements need to be in one of the following situations:
- Have a critical medical case involving a family member who is seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment.
- Are visiting for a significant family event.
- Are taking up a place obtained in a third-level institution on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course.
- Are taking up employment and are holders of an Employment Permit for Ireland.
- Are travelling for business purposes.
Everyone who falls under one of the above-mentioned categories needs to provide relevant evidence.
Ireland has been consistently updating the list of countries whose nationals are permitted visa-free entry to its territory. Earlier in March, Ireland imposed visa requirements on nationals of Eswatini, Nauru, and Lesothotoo.