Eligible travellers with qualifying UK short-stay visas can continue visiting Ireland without applying for a separate Irish visa, following an extension of the country’s Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
Ireland has extended its Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme until December 31, 2026, giving eligible foreign nationals an additional two months to benefit from the arrangement.
The programme, which was originally scheduled to end on October 31, 2026, allows nationals of selected countries to visit Ireland using an eligible UK short-stay visa, provided they meet the programme’s conditions.
The extension was announced on October 30, 2026.
How Does the Visa Waiver Programme Work?
Under the arrangement, eligible travellers can use a qualifying UK short-stay visa to visit Ireland without obtaining a separate Irish short-stay visa.
However, there is an important condition: travellers must first enter the United Kingdom using the qualifying UK visa before travelling to Ireland.
Simply holding a valid UK visa is not enough. Applicants must satisfy the programme’s entry conditions.
Eligible visitors may stay in Ireland for up to 90 days or the remaining validity of their UK immigration permission, whichever is shorter. The final period of stay is determined by Irish immigration authorities.
Which Nationalities Are Eligible?
The programme covers nationals of selected countries, including:
- Asia: India, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
- Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
- Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.
- South America: Colombia and Peru.
The programme does not cover every nationality. Travellers must check whether their passport nationality is included before relying on the waiver.
Which UK Visas Qualify?
The programme accepts eligible UK short-stay visas issued for purposes such as tourism and business visits.
However, certain categories are excluded, including:
- UK Visitor in Transit visas.
- Visas issued for marriage or civil partnership purposes.
- Long-term UK immigration permission exceeding 180 days.
Travellers should also remember that UK visa holders who have not yet entered the UK cannot simply travel directly to Ireland and rely on this waiver.
Does This Benefit Nigerian Passport Holders?
No, Nigerian passport holders are not included in the list of nationalities eligible for the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Programme.
This means that having a valid UK visitor visa does not automatically allow a Nigerian citizen to enter Ireland without an Irish visa.
Nigerian travellers planning to visit Ireland must continue to meet Ireland’s applicable visa requirements and obtain the appropriate Irish visa before travelling.
It is important not to confuse the UK visa waiver arrangement with Ireland’s separate visa policies for other nationalities.
Why Should Travellers Pay Attention?
The extension is useful for eligible international visitors planning combined UK and Ireland trips before the end of 2026.
It also highlights an important travel lesson: visa arrangements are often nationality-specific, and a visa that permits entry into one country does not automatically grant access to another.
Before booking a trip, travellers should confirm their nationality’s eligibility, the visa category they hold and the order in which they intend to visit their destinations.
Planning an International Trip?
Understanding visa requirements before making travel arrangements can help prevent unnecessary expenses and travel disruptions.
RoutePal provides visa application assistance and travel guidance to help travellers understand the documentation required for their intended destinations.
Planning a trip to the UK, Ireland or another international destination? Contact RoutePal for guidance on your visa application and travel documentation.
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