This is due to the participation of countries in the conflict in Ukraine

Ireland canceled visa-free entry for Russians and Belarusians

The Irish authorities will no longer allow citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus to enter the country under the short-term visa waiver program.

This decision was made by the government. According to Minister of Justice Helen McEntee, it is connected with the participation of countries in the conflict in Ukraine.

Earlier, Russians and Belarusians with British visas could get to Ireland through them. This country is a member of the EU, but not the Schengen area. Therefore, now all citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus need to apply for a national Irish visa in advance to enter there.

Since September 12, the EU countries have suspended the visa facilitation agreement with Russia. The validity of visas has been reduced, the visa fee has increased, and visa denials have become more frequent.

Since then, the number of applications for issuing tourist Schengen visas in Russia has decreased by 30% compared to August and September. Compared to 2019, the decrease was 50%.

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