NEW IRISH VISA REQUIREMENT FOR SAINT LUCIAN NATIONALS

Castries, Saint Lucia – Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has informed that, effective Monday, June 15, 2026, Saint Lucian nationals travelling to Ireland will require a visa for entry.

Speaking during the Pre-Cabinet Press Briefing on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Prime Minister stated that the Government of Saint Lucia received official notification from the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa, Canada, on Friday, June 12, 2026. The notification advised that nationals of Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua will now require visas to enter Ireland.

The new requirement applies to holders of Ordinary, Diplomatic and Service passports. Saint Lucian nationals transiting through Ireland will also be required to obtain a transit visa.

The diplomatic notification from the Embassy indicates that transitional arrangements have been established for persons who booked travel to Ireland before June 15, 2026, and who will enter and depart Ireland before July 14, 2026. These travellers may continue under the previous arrangements, provided they possess the requisite travel documents, including a valid passport and airline ticket.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the measure forms part of a broader tightening of immigration controls by Irish authorities to keep Ireland aligned with practices in the United Kingdom, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Schengen Area.

Persons with existing travel arrangements are encouraged to consult the Irish Immigration Service Delivery website at www.irishimmigration.ie for additional information and guidance.

The standard Irish visa application fees are:

Single-entry visa – CAD $100

Multiple-entry visa – CAD $165

Transit visa – CAD $35

Applicants will be required to submit their applications and supporting documents to the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa, Canada, via courier for processing. Processing times are estimated at between eight and ten weeks for all visa categories.

The Government of Saint Lucia encourages nationals intending to travel to Ireland to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and to submit visa applications well in advance of their intended travel dates.