The change, which takes effect from today, also applies to transit visas, which will now be required for nationals of those countries intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.

Announcing the change, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “The visa system is an essential part of our immigration system to determine who can travel to Ireland.

“I want to be clear that introducing these requirements does not prevent nationals of Eswatini, Lesotho and Nauru coming to Ireland to visit, to work, to study or to join family members. Applying for a visa is a screening mechanism to ensure we are facilitating legitimate travel.”

The Department of Justice says 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 legitimate purposes”.

Mr O’Callaghan added: “This is a carefully considered decision which will keep Ireland in step with neighbouring jurisdictions. A wide range of factors are taken into account when introducing visa requirements to ensure we can facilitate travel with processes that are robust, effective, and fair.

“I can assure those travelling in the next few weeks that my department has put transitional measures in place to minimise disruption.”