Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1065. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice if any consideration is being given to extending visa-free travel to tourists from Colombia as was done in Britain on 9 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63224/22]
View answerI am aware that the UK have very recently lifted the visa requirement on Colombia for short visits and that this arrangement also applies in the Schengen area. The Deputy will also be aware that both the UK and Schengen States intend to introduce in the near future an Electronic Travel Authorisation System for certain non-visa required countries.
It is the case that Colombia remains on the list of visa required countries for Ireland. In support of visa processing in Colombia, a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bogota opened in December 2022. My Department has also extended the multi-entry visa option for up to 5 years for all visa required countries, including Colombia. These measures should assist in timely processing of visa applications and a more flexible visa package for Colombian citizens visiting Ireland.
In general, the decision to impose a visa requirement is based on a variety of factors including the risk of irregular immigration, public policy and security, tourism and trade and the Common Travel Area. While there is no immediate proposal to lift the visa requirement on Colombia, this matter is being kept under active review.
