I can advise the Deputy that where possible, my Department processes applications from eligible Palestinian nationals as swiftly as possible. Visa applications from Palestine are received by the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv, which processes certain visa applications under delegated sanction on behalf of my Department.
Officials in my Department’s Visa Division are in regular contact with the Embassy regarding visa applications from residents of Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Both Departments work together to ensure visa applications from Palestinian nationals who meet the criteria to be granted a visa are, wherever possible, processed as swiftly as possible.
The table below details the number of visa applications from Palestinian nationals as requested by the Deputy.
Table 1. Visa applications from Palestinian nationals 2021-2026 (to 30/04/26).
|
Year
|
Received
|
Granted
|
Refused
|
|
2021
|
145
|
105
|
28
|
|
2022
|
388
|
273
|
103
|
|
2023
|
429
|
317
|
67
|
|
2024
|
742
|
463
|
186
|
|
2025
|
1,002
|
555
|
198
|
|
2026 (to 30/04/26)
|
165
|
109
|
196
|
At present, Palestinian nationals are visa required for Ireland, the UK and Schengen. Visa requirements for travel to Ireland are kept under ongoing review in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In considering any changes to the visa regime, a range of factors need to be considered, including facilitation of legitimate travel and trade, as well as the integrity of the immigration system. There are currently no plans to change the visa status of either Israeli or Palestinian nationals.
