Ireland Enforces Biometric Passport Requirement for Ukrainian Nationals
Key Points
1. Starting today, Ukrainians without a valid biometric passport will be denied entry into Ireland.
2. Irish authorities stress that all third-country nationals, including Ukrainians, must present a valid biometric passport to enter Ireland as of June 5.
3. Despite the new requirement, Ukrainians can still enter Ireland visa-free.
As of today, June 5, Ukrainian nationals without a valid biometric passport will not be allowed to enter Ireland. The Irish Ministry of Justice announced that from now on, all third-country nationals, including those from Ukraine, must have a valid biometric passport to gain entry.
Previously, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ireland permitted Ukrainians to enter with expired biometric passports or internal passports. However, this temporary measure has now been rescinded.
According to Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, Ukrainian nationals traveling to Ireland will require a valid biometric passport. Current beneficiaries of temporary protection in Ireland should note this requirement if planning to travel outside the country.
The suspension of the biometric passport requirement for Ukrainians was initially in line with practices in other EU Member States, following EU Commission guidelines. However, the Irish Department of Justice now deems it necessary to transition from an emergency response to a more sustainable approach.
The Department of Justice highlighted that most Ukrainians traveling to Ireland already possess valid biometric passports, so the new rule should not prevent their entry. Visa-free entry remains in effect.
Additionally, the Department clarified that beneficiaries of temporary protection in Ireland will not lose their status if they lack a valid biometric passport. However, they will need one to re-enter Ireland if they travel abroad.
Surge in Ukrainian Arrivals in Ireland
Reports last November indicated that the number of Ukrainians arriving in Ireland over the previous 12 months was ten times higher than the average increase seen across the EU during the same period. European Commission figures also showed that Ireland had the third-highest net increase in new arrivals seeking protection from Russia's invasion of Ukraine within the EU as of September last year.