The Department of Justice has quietly published new guidance that tightens the rules for Irish-issued emergency re-entry visas, a little-used but vital document for foreign residents who must leave the State at short notice. Effective 10 November 2025, all adults aged 16 and over— including naturalised Irish citizens who hold Stamp 6 as evidence of dual nationality— must show that their existing immigration permission will remain valid for the entire period they are outside the country. If the underlying permission will expire before their planned return date, an emergency re-entry visa will be refused.
The department lists medical treatment, family bereavement, urgent business travel and ‘other exceptional circumstances’ as acceptable reasons for applying, but stresses that applicants should exhaust standard re-entry routes first. The new policy does not change the long-standing exemption for children under 16 accompanied by a parent or guardian with valid permission. Applicants must lodge forms in person at the Re-Entry Unit in Burgh Quay, Dublin, and provide evidence of travel and supporting documentation.
![Justice Department issues stricter rules for emergency re-entry visas]()
Practically, the change will require employers and global mobility teams to review the permission expiry dates of assignees before authorising emergency travel. Previously, immigration advisers could often secure a short re-entry visa even if the underlying permission was close to expiry; that flexibility is now gone. Companies may need to fast-track renewal applications or adjust travel dates to remain compliant.
The update also signals a broader enforcement trend. Over the past six months the Justice Department has expanded deportation operations and shortened accommodation supports for refugees, moves that officials say are necessary to “protect system integrity.” Immigration lawyers expect closer scrutiny of permission lapses at ports of entry in the run-up to the busy Christmas travel season, and are advising foreign staff to carry printed evidence of their current status when departing and returning to Ireland.
Finally, the guidance reminds travellers that an Irish re-entry visa does not replace any visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation required to transit through the UK— a common route for flights to Asia and Australasia. Failure to obtain the correct transit documents has been a recurring pitfall for assignees, particularly since the UK launched its ETA scheme earlier this year.
The department lists medical treatment, family bereavement, urgent business travel and ‘other exceptional circumstances’ as acceptable reasons for applying, but stresses that applicants should exhaust standard re-entry routes first. The new policy does not change the long-standing exemption for children under 16 accompanied by a parent or guardian with valid permission. Applicants must lodge forms in person at the Re-Entry Unit in Burgh Quay, Dublin, and provide evidence of travel and supporting documentation.
Practically, the change will require employers and global mobility teams to review the permission expiry dates of assignees before authorising emergency travel. Previously, immigration advisers could often secure a short re-entry visa even if the underlying permission was close to expiry; that flexibility is now gone. Companies may need to fast-track renewal applications or adjust travel dates to remain compliant.
The update also signals a broader enforcement trend. Over the past six months the Justice Department has expanded deportation operations and shortened accommodation supports for refugees, moves that officials say are necessary to “protect system integrity.” Immigration lawyers expect closer scrutiny of permission lapses at ports of entry in the run-up to the busy Christmas travel season, and are advising foreign staff to carry printed evidence of their current status when departing and returning to Ireland.
Finally, the guidance reminds travellers that an Irish re-entry visa does not replace any visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation required to transit through the UK— a common route for flights to Asia and Australasia. Failure to obtain the correct transit documents has been a recurring pitfall for assignees, particularly since the UK launched its ETA scheme earlier this year.
