Citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland from June 15, 2026, under new immigration measures announced by the Irish government.

The new requirement also applies to nationals of Nicaragua and includes holders of diplomatic and service passports.

Travellers from these countries who intend to pass through Ireland on their way to another destination will also need to obtain a transit visa.

Ireland’s Minister for Migration Colm Brophy said the decision was part of the government’s ongoing review of visa policies and aims to strengthen immigration controls while maintaining access for legitimate travellers.

“This is a carefully considered decision that brings Ireland more closely in line with the approach taken in the United Kingdom and across Europe,” Brophy said.

He added that Ireland’s visa requirements are regularly reviewed to balance border management with opportunities for people to visit, work, study or reunite with family members in the country.

The minister acknowledged that the change could affect some travellers who already have plans to visit Ireland and said transitional arrangements would be introduced to assist those individuals.

The move forms part of a broader effort by Ireland to align its visa policies with those of the United Kingdom and the Schengen area.

In recent years, Ireland has expanded visa requirements for several countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, which was added to the visa-required list in 2025.

Authorities advised nationals of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Nicaragua with existing travel arrangements to consult Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery website for information on transitional measures.