Ireland visa requirements for Cape Verdean citizens

Authorization system

None (Ireland is not part of Schengen or ETIAS)

Ireland is an EU member state but not part of the Schengen Area: it maintains its own border regime within the Common Travel Area it shares with the United Kingdom. This is why ETIAS — the European travel authorization system, not yet operational for Schengen countries — doesn't apply to entering Ireland at all, either now or once it launches. As of the verification date, Ireland has no electronic travel authorization system of its own, operational or announced.

Fee

Doesn't apply: there is no electronic travel authorization system. For Irish visas (for nationalities that do need one to enter), the fee depends on the visa type and hasn't been verified specifically for this entry.

Required documents

• A valid passport or equivalent document establishing your identity and nationality, to be handed to the immigration officer on request along with any information they reasonably require. Not required of under-16s (Immigration Act 2004, s. 11)
• A valid Irish visa if your nationality needs one. It is a separate visa: a Schengen visa does not get you into Ireland (s. 4(3))
• Being in a position to support yourself and any dependants travelling with you. The Act sets no figure: the officer assesses it (s. 4(3))
• Your real reason for travelling has to match the one you state: the officer can refuse entry if there is reason to believe you intend to enter for purposes other than those expressed (s. 4(3))
• Entry can also be refused for lacking an employment permit when you intend to work, for the medical conditions in Schedule 1 of the Act, for certain criminal convictions, for a deportation order in force, or on national security and public policy grounds (s. 4(3))

Vaccinations

• No mandatory vaccines for entry: no international certificate of vaccination (yellow fever included) is required under the International Health Regulations.

Health insurance

Not mandatory for this destination.

Transit rules

The Schengen 90/180-day rule does NOT apply to Ireland, since it is not a Schengen member. British and Irish citizens can move between both countries without passport control or a stay limit thanks to the Common Travel Area; all other nationalities should check Ireland's own stay regime (Immigration Service Delivery), independent from that of any other European country.

Customs limits

Cash

Declare to Customs if entering or leaving the EU through an Irish port or airport with €10,000 or more in cash (an EU-harmonized regime, Regulation (EU) 2018/1672). In addition, under the Criminal Justice Act 1994 (as amended in 2005), a customs officer can search for, seize, and retain cash from as little as €1,000 if they suspect it's connected to criminal activity.

Alcohol

Arriving from outside the EU (over 17 years old): 1 litre of spirits, or 2 litres of other alcoholic drinks with no more than 22% alcohol.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco.

Overstay penalties

Under section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004, a foreigner who remains in Ireland without permission is "for all purposes" unlawfully present. The general penalty for offences under this Act — including unlawful presence — is set out in section 13(1): a fine of up to €3,000, or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, on summary conviction.

Common reasons for denial

• Failing to satisfy the immigration officer with your documents or your explanations: holding a valid visa does NOT guarantee entry, and you can still be refused at the border.
• The officer considering that you are not in a position to support yourself and any dependants travelling with you.
• Coming to Ireland for a different reason from the one you state to the immigration officer.
• Intending to take up employment without the relevant permit.
• Criminal convictions, or not holding the visa required for your nationality.