Ireland to reopen visa-free tr

Visa-free travel to Ireland from South Africa is set to be reinstated shortly. Image: Adobe Stock

Ireland to reopen visa-free travel to South Africans shortly

The Republic of Ireland has said it will soon be allowing visa-free entry to South African visitors.

Ireland to reopen visa-free tr

Visa-free travel to Ireland from South Africa is set to be reinstated shortly. Image: Adobe Stock

Earlier this year, in a bid to mitigate the spread of the new COVID-19 variants in that country, the Republic of Ireland revoked visa-free travel privileges to several high-risk nations including South Africa.

Having made significant progress in their vaccination campaigns and the arrival of the peak summer tourism season in Europe, several countries have begun to reopen their borders for tourism purposes.

While most of Europe is still off-limits to South African travellers, the Republic of Ireland will soon permit South Africans to travel to that country without the need to apply for a visa before departure.

Travelnews reports that the Embassy of Ireland in Pretoria has confirmed that South African passport holders shortly be able to enter that country without requiring a visa prior in advance.

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT TO REMAIN

Since South Africa and other countries in the region including Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe are designated as Category 2 risk level countries, according to Ireland’s Department of Health, a 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine will apply to South Africans travelling to Ireland.

Quarantine accommodation must be pre-booked and prepaid before commencing travel to Ireland. These mandatory hotel quarantines are undertaken in designated quarantine facilities. More details can be found here.

COVID-19 TEST REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

Travellers entering the Republic of Ireland also have to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Only COVID-19 PCR tests are accepted. These must have been obtained no more than 72 hours before arrival.

As there are no direct flights between South Africa and Ireland, South Africans wishing to travel to Ireland would need to travel via a third country. Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines allow South African nationals on their flights from South Africa.