No. 453 NAI DT S14039A
Memorandum for the Government by the Department of External Affairs
'Visa Abolition Agreements'
Dublin, 28 November 1947
- At their meeting on the 18th March, 1947, the Government authorised the Minister for External Affairs to conclude visa abolition agreements with Sweden, France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. Such agreements have been concluded on a reciprocal basis with all of the above countries except Norway, and it is hoped to conclude the Norwegian agreement at an early date.
- It has been ascertained that the Luxembourg authorities are prepared to enter into a visa abolition agreement with Ireland. The Departments of Finance and Justice have agreed to the conclusion of such agreement. In these circumstances the authority of the Government is requested for the negotiation of a visa abolition agreement with Luxembourg on the lines of the agreement concluded with Switzerland and the Netherlands.
- The following is a summary of the terms of the visa abolition agreements already concluded:
Switzerland and the Netherlands
Visas have been abolished completely for travel between Ireland and these countries. Irish citizens travelling to either country are, however, required to comply with the aliens law of that country.The agreement with Switzerland also covers Liechtenstein.
Sweden, Denmark and France
Visas have been abolished for stays not exceeding three months and for persons not proposing to take up employment. The aliens laws of the various countries still apply.
Belgium
The agreement with Belgium, which was effected by Notes Verbales, abolishes visas for stays not exceeding two months and for persons not proposing to take up employment. The Belgian authorities have agreed to the conclusion of a formal agreement by way of exchange of notes. - The Norwegian authorities have intimated that they have proposed to conclude with this country an agreement similar to those concluded with Denmark and Sweden, except that the period of stay without a visa will be limited to two months instead of three.