Tourists willneed UK visa to visit COC13

Tourist Minister Arlene Foster revealed holidaymakers from a range of countries with valid Irish visas are not allowed into Londonderry due to “security” and resource” considerations. Tourists from the same 16 countries holidaying here on UK visas are now allowed to travel to Donegal.

But tourists from two of the most populous countries in the world - China and India - will not be allowed to pay a flying visit to Londonderry even if they are visiting Buncrana as valid Irish visa holders.

Tourists from the Russian Federation, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Belarus, Montenegro, Serbia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will also need to apply for separate UK and Irish visas if they want to cross the border.

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster explained: “Visitors from China, India, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Belarus, Montenegro, Serbia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan can enter Northern Ireland on a valid United Kingdom visa.

“There are security and resource implications which currently prevent the introduction of a Visa Waiver Scheme in respect of valid Irish visas being used to enter the United Kingdom and I will continue to raise this issue with both Governments.”

Dublin recently introduced a Visa Waiver Scheme for nationals of the 16 countries who hold a valid visa for entry into the United Kingdom.