Visa waiver programme aimed at boosting tourism

A short-term stay visa waiver programme, allowing visitors from 16 countries who clear immigration in the UK come to Ireland without needing further clearance, has been launched.

The programme is due to commence tomorrow and will run up to the end of October 2012, as a pilot, taking in the period of the London Olympics.

The countries involved are India, Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

It was also announced, as part of the initiative, that nationals of these countries, who are long-term legal residents in the UK, will have the cost of an Irish visa waived should they wish to visit Ireland. It is estimated that there are up to 1 million people in this category in the UK.

It is hoped that the scheme willl result in a major tourism boost, especially during next year's Olympics, and expand the English language school business here.

The scheme was announced today by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Transport and Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Gilmore described the programme “as an excellent example of a joined-up Government response to what is a genuine constraint to the growth of Irish tourism in new and emerging markets such as China, India and the Gulf.”

“The visa waiver has a major role to play in boosting our tourism industry, stimulating job creation and bringing economic recovery," Minister Varadkar added.

"It will allow us to attract new visitors from fast-growing countries like India, China and the Gulf states. These countries are only just becoming aware of Ireland as a tourism destination.

"The waiver will allow holidaymakers from these nations to travel seamlessly to Ireland from the UK."