2200. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he is taking to address delays in the processing of short-stay (C) tourist visa applications for individuals seeking to visit family members resident in Ireland, particularly in cases where visas have previously been granted for visits; the current average processing time for such applications, by country where available; the reasons for the delays being experienced in recent months; the measures he plans to implement to reduce waiting times and ensure that families are able to reunite for short visits in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55863/26]

I can assure the Deputy that while processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. The average processing time for a Type C short stay visa processed in 2025 was 37 days.

My Department’s website recommends that a visa application is submitted three months before an applicant intends to travel. A person may submit an application prior to this three month recommendation, however, they are advised to make sure that supporting documentation is as up to date as possible. Applicants may use my Department's Customer Service Portal to upload updated documents after the initial application has been submitted.

The Customer Service Portal can be accessed at the following link:

www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/

In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. In the first six months of 2026, my Department's Visa Division received approximately 102,000 visa applications and has issued approximately 85,200 decisions.

Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.

Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/

In December 2025, the Immigration Service of my Department introduced online payment functionality to my Department's online visa system. This allows applicants to pay visa fees as part of the online application process. The initiative is being rolled out on a phased basis and is currently live in 40 countries, with South Africa added in January 2026. This reduces the administrative burden on Irish Missions and visa teams, and allows visa officers to dedicate more time to core application processing and decision-making, contributing to improved processing efficiency over time.