The changes will also require nationals of these three countries to obtain a transit visa if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “This is a carefully considered decision taken which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the visa regime in the United Kingdom and the Schengen area.”

The decision follows the previous introduction of a visa requirement for Bolivian nationals in September of 2023 and for Convention Travel Document holders in July 2022.

Separately, the requirement for a visa has been lifted for diplomatic passport holders of Indonesia, Qatar, Kuwait, Montenegro, Moldova, Türkiye, Colombia, Peru and Georgia.

The requirement for a visa has also been lifted for holders of an official passport, service passport or public affairs passport when accompanying a minister of the government of the countries concerned on an official visit to the State. Reciprocal arrangements apply for Irish diplomats travelling to these countries.

Mrs McEntee said: “The lifting of the visa requirement for diplomatic passport holders and officials accompanying visiting ministers will enhance the close ties in the political, economic and cultural spheres and continue to develop a close relationship with those countries.

“Irish visa requirements are kept under ongoing review, having regard to the need to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place whilst also facilitating those who wish to travel to Ireland for the purposes of a visit, to work, to study or to join family members.”