Ireland requires students from South Africa and Botswana to have a visa to enter the country. Visa requirements in Ireland have changed since July 10, 2024. Learn more about student visas in Ireland for citizens of South Africa and Botswana
Ireland recently announced new rules that require students from South Africa and Botswana to obtain student visas to enter the country for the purpose of studying.
In a statement, Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee stated 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 extra stress for students who are due to start their academic year in Ireland soon.
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Details of the new solution
On July 8, Ireland announced that from July 10, a visa will be required for all citizens of South Africa and Botswana 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 force must now undergo visa procedures.
Students are afraid that they will not be able to get a visa on time before the start of their studies. 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 said visa applications are processed in about four weeks. However, some applicants complain about the longer waiting time for a response.
The decision to introduce visa requirements was made due to an increase in the number of asylum requests from citizens of South Africa and Botswana. The Irish Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee, noted that this decision was carefully considered, and added that visa requirements are constantly being reviewed to ensure effective controls and possible simplifications.
Let’s remind you! The health care system in Ireland is organized rationally and thoughtfully. Doctors in this country are highly qualified, medical institutions are equipped with modern technology. However, complaints about long queues and a limited range of free services are frequent. Read more about the specifics of medical care in Ireland in 2024.
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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Ireland;
Legal advice on immigration to Ireland;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Ireland;
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