The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D., today announced Government agreement for the extension of the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme for a further period of four years. This initiative, introduced for the first time last year, was welcomed as a very positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland. The programme had originally been due to last until the end of October this year but on consideration of a review of the Programme, the Government agreed to extend its duration.
The Minister also announced the following changes to the Programme;
Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added to the existing list of 16 countries already covered by the Programme;
As a further measure to encourage tourism, the fee for visas will be waived for long-term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This will be reviewed after six months. Read the Minister's Press Release.
