Ireland Extends Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme Through 2026

• Ireland has extended its Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme through Dec. 31, 2026, allowing nationals who have entered the U.K. on a qualifying short-stay visa to travel to Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish visa. 

Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme 

Ireland has confirmed that its Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2026. The program allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Ireland using a qualifying U.K. short-stay visa without obtaining a separate Irish visa. 

Eligible Travelers 

To use the program, travelers must:  

• Hold a qualifying U.K. short-stay visa or eligible U.K. entry clearance.  
• Have already traveled to and been lawfully admitted to the U.K. using that visa.  
• Be visiting Ireland before their U.K. permission expires.  
• Not be long-term U.K. residents holding permission to remain for more than 180 days.  

The program applies to eligible nationals from several countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America, including India, China, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Turkey, Qatar and Peru, among others. 

Permitted Stay in Ireland

Eligible travelers may stay in Ireland for:  

• Up to 90 days; or 
• The remaining validity period of their U.K. permission, whichever is shorter.  

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