THE GOVERNMENT HAS announced the removal of the right of appeal for certain short stay visa refusals, in a move it says will allow applicants to receive a decision faster than waiting for the appeal to be processed.

A short stay type C visa allows people to travel to Ireland for up to 90 days and is recommended for people travelling for tourism, to visit someone and to attend a business meeting or short course.

The change means applicants who are refused a short stay visa will no longer be able to appeal this decision. However, they can submit a new application, taking into account the reasons for the original refusal.

The change does not apply to applications made by third-country nationals who fall within the scope of the EU Free Movement Directive. 

The Department of Justice told The Journal that over 3,000 appeals’ decisions were made in relation to short stay visas last year.

They said that in 2025, nearly 137,000 short stay visa applications were processed, of which around 115,000 were granted, and around 22,000 refused.

Announcing the decision, minister of State for migration at the Department of Justice, Colm Brophy, said the change is “about being practical” as short stay visas are often for a specific trip, and by the time the appeal is decided, the opportunity to travel has passed.

“This change is about being practical and making better use of our resources. Instead of a lengthy appeals process, applicants will have the option to submit a new application and get a decision much more quickly,” he said.

“At the same time, it allows us to focus our resources where they have the greatest impact. Overall, this will help us deliver a more efficient visa system.”

The Department of Justice anticipates that the change will allow appeals officers to concentrate on more complex long stay D visa appeals, reducing processing times for those applications.

They said it will also support the reallocation of resources across visa processing teams.

The change will take effect from 1 June 2026. Any refusal decisions issued on short stay visas before this date will remain eligible for appeal under the existing arrangements. 

The right of appeal will continue to apply to all long stay visa refusals. This includes employment visa applications and long-term study visas, and all family categories, except visiting family.