In a recent development, Ireland has imposed visa restrictions on Dominica, requiring its citizens to obtain a visa before traveling to the country. This move comes as part of Ireland’s broader effort to align its visa regulations with neighboring countries, particularly the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area.
The new visa requirements are expected to affect a relatively small number of Dominican citizens, as the number of travelers from the Caribbean nation to Ireland is not significant. However, the Irish government has made transitional arrangements for those who already had travel plans in the weeks following the implementation of the new visa rules.
This decision by Ireland follows a similar move by the United Kingdom in July 2023, which imposed visa requirements on Dominica due to concerns over its Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). The British government cited “clear and evident abuse of the scheme, including the granting of citizenship to individuals known to pose a risk to the UK.”
While the new visa requirements may not lead to a significant increase in visa applications from Dominica, the Irish government has emphasized that the decision was carefully considered to ensure effective immigration controls while facilitating travel for those who wish to visit, work, study, or join family members in Ireland.
