Ireland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended

Ireland’s Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme, previously due to end on October 31, 2026, has been extended to December 31, 2026. The program allows certain nationals who have first entered the United Kingdom using an eligible UK short-stay visa to visit Ireland without a separate Irish visa for stays of up to 90 days or the remainder of their UK immigration permission, whichever is shorter. To be eligible, visitors must have entered the United Kingdom on a short‑stay UK visa and been granted UK leave to enter or remain for up to 180 days. This extension gives employers and foreign nationals additional planning flexibility through to the end of 2026. Nonetheless, individuals relying on this scheme should be careful to ensure they satisfy each of its eligibility requirements prior to travel. It is currently uncertain if this program will be extended again beyond December 31, 2026. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.