Visa requirements applied to Trinidad and Tobago

• Trinidad and Tobago to be added to list of visa required countries
• Brings Irish visa requirements in line with the United Kingdom

The Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD and Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy TD have today (Friday 9 May 2025) announced that nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. These requirements will apply from 12 May 2025. A transit visa will also be required, if the person intending to transit through Ireland enroute to another destination.

Commenting on this announcement, Minister O'Callaghan said:

“Visa requirements are an effective screening measure to determine who can travel to Ireland. They bolster the security of our borders while permitting travel to Ireland for legitimate purposes.

“To minimise disruption, my officials will have transitional measures for those with existing travel arrangements in the next few weeks."

Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study or to join family members.

Commenting on this announcement, Minister Colm Brophy added:

"This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the United Kingdom.

“While Ireland will continue to operate an independent visa regime, keeping in step with the requirements of the United Kingdom protects our Common Travel Area and dissuades irregular movements.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Transitional arrangements will be put in place for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who have existing arrangements to travel to the State until 31 May 2025.

Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who have existing travel arrangements are advised to check the www.irishimmigration.ie for further information.

Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who made travel plans before 12 May 2025 and can provide evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip, may be accommodated for emergency travel in the following situations where the scheduled travel is on or before 31 May 2025:

1. A critical medical case involving a family member being seriously ill or undergoing medical treatment. Evidence from the relevant medical institution must be provided.

2. Visiting for a significant family event – a birth, wedding, or funeral. Suitable evidence must be provided.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Travelling for business. Confirmation of the arrangements for the visit from the business in question must be provided

Persons falling within the above categories are asked to email becoming_visarequired@justice.ie with the subject line “Visa Required – Emergency Travel Requested”.