The Government has formally launched its first short-stay visa waiver programme.
It will allow visitors from 16 countries to travel to Ireland without a visa, as long as they have lawfully entered the UK on a visa.
The scheme, which begins tomorrow, is designed to promote tourism from emerging markets and to take advantage of the London 2012 Olympics.
It will run as a pilot programme until the end of October 2012.
Among the countries included are India, China, Russia and Turkey.
Visitors availing of the scheme will be allowed to stay here for up to three months or until their UK visa runs out.
As part of the plan, the one million nationals of the 16 countries who are long-term resident in the UK will be able to visit Ireland without having to pay for a visa.
Launching the scheme, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the initiative, which has been driven by the Department of Justice, is an example of Government departments not normally associated with developing the economy taking an initiative that will pay dividends.
Mr Kenny said it was proof to visitors to our shores that we are an island of 100,000 welcomes.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said it would benefit not only the tourist industry but also businesses that rely on visas.
The 16 countries are: Belarus, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan.
