Since the 12th of May 2025, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are required to an obtain entry visa before travelling to the Republic of Ireland.

Temporary transitional arrangements are currently in place where persons had already booked their travel however the travel arrangements must have been made before the 12th of March 2025 and only apply to travel to the State until the 31st of May 2025.

What do the changes mean

Prior to the 12th of May 2025 citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were not required to hold an entry visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland. As non-visa required nationals, they would simply travel to the State and at the border seek permission to enter based on their specific intentions, for example entry to visit, entry to reside with a family member, entry for the purpose of study. They are now visa required nationals and must apply for an entry visa prior to travelling.  

A transit visa is also required if travelling through Ireland to another country.

Temporary transitional arrangements

Emergency travel will be allowed in the following situations until the 31st of May 2025 where travel was booked before the 12th of May 2025:

  • A critical medical case involving a family member being seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment. Evidence from the relevant medical institution must be provided.
  • Visiting for a significant family event – a birth, wedding, or funeral. Evidence must be provided.
  • Taking up a place obtained in a third-level institution on an undergraduate or post-graduate degree course. Evidence must be provided from the relevant institution.
  • Taking up employment and holding an Employment Permit for Ireland. Evidence of the permit issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment must be provided.
  • Travelling for business. Confirmation of the arrangements for the visit from the business in question must be provided.

Travellers falling within the above categories should email becomingvisarequired@justice.ie with the subject line “Visa Required – Emergency Travel Requested”.

With offices in Dublin and Cork, Sinnott Solicitors have a specialist team of Immigration Solicitors and Immigration Consultants who are experts on EU treaty rights and all Irish immigration matters. Should you have any queries with respect to any of the information contained in this article or any other immigration matters, do not hesitate to contact our immigration department in Cork or Dublin today on 014062862 or info@sinnott.ie.