Keeping visitors at bay

Madam, – Did you know that citizens of China, Russia and India are strongly discouraged from visiting Ireland?

Madam, – Did you know that citizens of China, Russia and India are strongly discouraged from visiting Ireland?

Citizens of China, Russia or India who want to come to Ireland on holiday, are required to provide six months of bank statements; a letter of invitation from someone in Ireland confirming that accommodation will be provided; their marriage certificate; birth certificates for their children even if they are not travelling; a notarised certificate showing they have no criminal record; three consecutive payslips; a letter from their employer showing they have been granted leave of absence, and stating the duration of their employment, their position, and their salary.

How can we save our beleaguered tourism industry if Ireland’s archaic visa system is not changed? – Yours, etc,

GERRY MULLINS,

Chief Executive,

Coach Tourism Transport

Council,

D’Olier Street,

Dublin 2.