A “visa liberalisation” initiative announced by Ireland’s Minister for Justice will make it easier for tourists from India, China and Middle Eastern states to visit Ireland.

Minister Shatter said the €60 ordinarily required to enter the State would be waived for nationals of 14 countries who had already obtained visas to enter the UK for short-term visits of up to 180 days.

This will apply to people from China, India, Eastern European and Middle Eastern countries.

The Eastern European countries involved are: Belarus; Montenegro; Russian Federation; Serbia; Turkey and Ukraine.

The Middle Eastern states are: Bahrain; Kuwait; Qatar; Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The scheme will also apply to citizens of Uzbekistan.

Describing the scheme as “a major change in public policy,” Mr Shatter said it would run from July 2011 until October 2012 and could be expanded. He said the scheme had the potential to significantly increase the number of visitors coming to Ireland.

Mr Shatter said the announcement would save potential tourists the inconvenience of form-filling and document submission.

Source: Kavanagh College, Ireland