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On 6 October the Home Secretary, Ms. Teresa May signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Ireland to enable the two countries not only to share data and exchange information with a view to strengthening their respective borders but to introduce the British Irish Visa Scheme.

The British Irish Visa Scheme will benefit Chinese and Indian Nationals so that if they have any of the Irish short stay visas detailed below, they will be allowed to travel to the UK and Ireland:

  • visit (family/friend)
  • visit (tourist)
  • conference/event
  • business.

Indian and Chinese nationals with any other type of Irish visa (for example a work or a study visa) will still need to apply for a separate UK visit visa to visit the UK from Ireland.

Furthermore those Indian and Chinese nationals who have any of the following types of UK visitor visas can travel to Ireland:

  • general visitor visa
  • business visitor visa
  • child visitor visa (accompanied only)
  • student visitor visa
  • family visitor visa
  • entertainer visitor visa
  • private medical treatment visitor visa
  • sports visitor visa
  • parent of a child at school visa
  • approved destination scheme
  • prospective entrepreneur visa
  • permitted paid engagement visa.

The scheme does not include those with the following UK visas:

  • visitor in transit
  • visitor for marriage or civil partnership.

If you would like further information on this topic or any other Employment or Immigration issue please contact the Edwin Coe Employment and Immigration Team.

Please note that this blog is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content of this blog.

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