Nationals of Dominica, Honduras & Vanuatu Now Need a Visa for Ireland

Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu nationals will need to obtain a visa for entry to Ireland starting March 7, 2024.

Beginning on the same date, nationals of these countries will also need to apply for a transit visa if they plan to reach another country through Irish airports, VisaGuide.World reports.

With effect from Thursday, March 7, 2024, nationals of Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu 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.

Speaking on the decision to impose a visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu, the Minister for Justice of Ireland, Helen McEntee, said that the move comes as part of the country’s attempt to align its visa policy with the UK and the Schengen Area.

She further highlighted that the country regularly reviews its visa requirements to maintain effective immigration control and ensure balance.

Transitional Arrangements Will Apply to Some Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu Travelers

For Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu nationals who have already made travel arrangements in the weeks that follow the implementation of the new visa rules, the authorities of Ireland stressed that transitional arrangements will be made for them.

The Irish authorities further noted that the decision to impose the requirement to obtain a visa for nationals of Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu will affect only a small number.

This is because the country does not see a high number of arrivals from Dominica, Honduras, and Vanuatu.

Additionally, Ireland does also not expect to see an increase in visa applications from citizens of these three countries.

The number of nationals from Dominica, Honduras and Vanuatu travelling to and residing in Ireland is relatively low. Therefore, it is not expected there will be a significant increase in visa applications.

Data show that in 2022, Ireland issued 113,579 visas to foreign nationals. Of the issued visas, 61,855 were short-stay visas, and 51,694 were long-stay visas.

This is the Ranking of Dominica, Honduras & Vanuatu Passports

According to VisaGuide Passport Index, the passport of Dominica currently ranks 73rd in the world. Dominica passport holders at the moment get to travel visa-free to a total of 111. On the other hand, they need to apply for a regular visa for entry to 67 countries.

The same index shows that Honduras ranks 79th with a 64.78 passport score. Those who hold the passport of Honduras can travel without the need to obtain a visa to 100 countries and need a visa for entry to 80 countries.

Lastly, Vanuatu ranks 119th, with passport holders of the country being permitted visa-free entry to 54 countries.

As soon as the new visa requirement for entry to Ireland for these countries becomes effective, their ranking will also automatically change.