I am a citizen of #Ukraine, do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

On February 25, the Irish government abolished visas for citizens of Ukraine to travel to Ireland. Ukrainians can stay in the country for 90 days without registering with the immigration office.

 

Information for refugees from Ukraine arriving in Ireland

I am a citizen of Ukraine, but I do not have a passport?

The Irish government recommends the following in this case: Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004 states that: “Every person (other than those under 16 years of age), when crossing the State border, must have a valid passport or other document issued by or on behalf of an authority which establishes the identity and nationality of the holder and will satisfy the immigration officer.”

A child under the age of 16 without a passport may enter Ireland with a parent/parents who can prove this fact.
The Irish government notes that immigration and airline staff must be satisfied with the identification of the person crossing the border. It is reported that “a pragmatic and humane approach will be taken, while maintaining proper immigration control and security”.

Airlines may accept government-issued documents in lieu of a national passport not normally acceptable for international travel: national identity cards, birth certificates, internal passports or expired passports, for example.

What to do if I used to live in Ukraine but am not Ukrainian?

At the moment all the above exemptions apply only to citizens of Ukraine. Family members of a citizen of Ukraine who are not citizens of the European Union and who require a visa must obtain it from the embassy of the country to which they came from Ukraine.

Do I need a PCR test and a Passenger Locator form?

As of March 6, the Irish government has abolished the requirement for a COVID test and Passenger Locator Form.

How do I apply for asylum in Ireland?

You can apply for international protection in Ireland. You can apply when you enter Ireland (airport or ferry port) as most people do or later at the International Protection Office (IPO) in Dublin. 79-83 Lower Mount St. Dublin 2, D02ND99 Phone: +353 1 602 8000 http://www.ipo.gov.ie/

Ukrainian Refugee Support Centres

Dublin: Dublin 8 Intreo Centre, Guild Building, Cork Street, Dublin 8, D08 XH90
Cork: Cork City PSC and PPSN Centre, Department of Social Protection, Hanover Street, Cork, T12 PX62
Limerick: Dominick Street, Limerick, V94 X327

 

Should I get legal advice before applying for asylum?

Yes, if possible, you should get legal advice before you apply for international protection. For legal advice, you can contact the Irish Immigrant Council https://www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie

What is the Temporary Protection Directive?

On March 4, 2022, the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive came into effect, which guarantees immediate protection in the EU for people fleeing war. According to it, all citizens of Ukraine can be granted temporary protection, for a period of 1 year. Temporary protection is an exceptional measure to provide immediate and temporary protection to displaced persons from non-EU countries and persons who cannot return to their country.

 

Refugee status

According to the Dublin Convention, refugee status is granted in the first country whose border the person fleeing the war crossed. It can be granted to citizens of Ukraine who left the territory of Ukraine because of the war, as well as to persons who legally resided on the territory of Ukraine but have citizenship of other countries. Stateless persons can also apply for refugee status.

Refugee status provides such guarantees: residence in a refugee camp, medical care, education for children, monthly financial assistance, and access to the labor market.

But there are certain restrictions:

Inability to leave the host country before receiving the status;
impossibility to return to Ukraine after receiving the status;
deprivation of personal documents (apparently, certificate of residence);
Impossibility to find a job before obtaining the status, as well as in case of refusal of such status.

Temporary protection

Temporary protection may be granted:

Citizens of Ukraine, who lived in the country, including before February 24, and were forced to leave it because of the war;
persons who were granted political asylum in Ukraine;
citizens of other countries who were legally present on the territory of Ukraine;
stateless persons.

This status provides guarantees: the right to education, medical insurance, permanent residence for 1 year with possible extension up to 3 years, access to the labor market, and social assistance.

 

What if I pass through another EU country on my way to Ireland?

The Dublin III Agreement Regulations provide a mechanism for determining which European Union country is responsible for processing an application for international protection. If you are applying for refugee status, an initial interview with the International Protection Officer will be scheduled. Your case may also be examined under the Dublin III agreement regulations to decide whether it should be transferred to the country through which you entered the EU. However, it is possible that Ireland will not ask another country (e.g. Poland or Hungary) to take over. A lawyer or social worker can also request this on your behalf. Article 17 of the Dublin Regulation states that each Member State may decide to consider an application for international protection, even if such consideration is not within its scope.

My family members cannot leave Ukraine, what should I do?

We understand that the Ukrainian government has stated that men cannot leave the country because of martial law. It is recommended that you check Ukrainian news sources for more information on this.

What should I do when I arrive in Ireland?

As noted above, Ukrainians have 90 days to “regularize” their status in Ireland.