Ireland is a member of the European Union, but it is not part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, Ireland has its own immigration and visa requirements, which are separate from Schengen visa rules.

The Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver confirmed that Ireland has suspended its visa-free arrangements for holders of external refugee travel documents. As a result, a Canadian Refugee Travel Document (1951 Convention Travel Document) is not sufficient by itself to enter Ireland. Holders of a Canadian RTD must obtain an Irish entry visa before travelling to Ireland.

This requirement is different from the visa requirements of Schengen countries. A Schengen visa does not automatically provide permission to enter Ireland, and an Irish visa does not provide permission to enter the Schengen Area.

It is also important to distinguish European Union rules from Schengen rules. Ireland is an EU member state, but it has not joined the Schengen Area. Therefore, EU membership does not mean that the same entry or visa rules that apply in countries such as France, Germany, Italy or Spain apply to Ireland.

For short visits, a Short Stay “C” Visit/Tourist Visa is required.

- Obtain an Irish visa before travelling to Ireland.
- Do not assume that a Schengen visa covers Ireland.
- Do not assume that being an EU country means Ireland follows Schengen entry requirements.
- If travelling to both Ireland and Schengen countries, verify the requirements for Ireland and each Schengen country separately.
- Ensure the Canadian RTD is valid for the entire planned stay.
- Even with an Irish visa, final admission is determined by an Irish immigration officer at the port of entry.

Confirmation by email from the Irish Consulate in Vancouver.