Ireland has tightened the entry criteria for passport holders of Trinidad and Tobago, introducing visa requirements for this nationality.
As of May 12, 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago need to undergo the application process and obtain a visa in order to be permitted entry into Ireland, VisaGuide.World reports.
The visa requirements also apply to those transiting through Ireland to reach another destination. This group of travelers now needs to present a transit visa to be allowed to transit through the Irish territory.
With effect from May 12, 2025, nationals of Trinidad and Tobago will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.
Transitional Measures in Place for Nationals of Trinidad & Tobago With Existing Travel Arrangements
Despite Ireland deciding to impose visa requirements on nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, the Justice Minister of Ireland, Jin O’Callaghan, explained that transitional measures are in place for those with existing travel arrangements.
To minimise disruption, my officials will have transitional measures for those with existing travel arrangements in the next few weeks.
Trinidad and Tobago nationals who made travel arrangements to Ireland before May 12, 2025, and who are scheduled to travel to the country before May 31, 2025, may be permitted entry to Ireland without a visa as long as they meet some criteria.
To be accommodated for emergency travel, Trinidad and Tobago nationals must have evidence of a valid booking and payment for the trip. They must also be in one of these situations:
- Have a critical medical case that involves a family member.
- Entering Ireland for a significant family event.
- Taking up a place obtained in a third-level institution on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course.
- Taking up employment in Ireland and are holders of an Employment Permit for Ireland.
- Traveling for business purposes.
Visa Requirements Are an Effective Screening Measure, Minister O’Callaghan Said
Commenting on the visa requirements introduced for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, which are aimed at bringing Ireland into a closer alignment with the UK visa regime, Minister O’Callaghan said that they are an effective screening measure to determine who is eligible for travel to Ireland.
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.
The Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, also shared his opinion on the matter. He said that the measure is a carefully considered decision that will help to protect the common travel area and dissuade irregular movements.