PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will now need to obtain a visa before traveling to Ireland.

The announcement was made on Friday by Ireland’s Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy. The requirements came into effect on Saturday.

A transit visa will also be required if the person is intending to transit through Ireland, en route to another destination.

“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,” said O’Callaghan.

“To minimise disruption, my officials will have transitional measures for those with existing travel arrangements in the next few weeks,” he added.

Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place while also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study or to join family members, the release stated.

Brophy added, “This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the United Kingdom. While Ireland will continue to operate an independent visa regime, keeping in step with the requirements of the United Kingdom protects our Common Travel Area and dissuades irregular movements.”

The statement said Trinidadians who made travel plans prior to May 12, and who can provide evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip, may be accommodated for emergency travel in the following situations where the scheduled travel is on or before May 31, 2025.