Changed circumstances
Visitors whose circumstances changed unexpectedly after arriving in Ireland
What you get
- An eligibility check and advice on the strength of your reasons
- Preparation of the application form and supporting letter
- Online submission through ISD's Customer Service Portal (the fastest route)
About this service
Extension of Visitor Permission
Visitors are normally expected to leave Ireland before their permission expires, but if something unexpected happens, such as an illness that makes you unfit to travel, you can apply to extend your stay. You must apply while your visitor permission is still valid, and extensions are temporary. We prepare a clear application with the evidence ISD needs. An unexpected illness, accident or emergency can make it impossible to leave Ireland on time. The extension scheme exists for these situations, but you must apply before your permission runs out, so it's important to act quickly.
€1229
Fixed fee
5
Areas we cover
5
Documents to prepare
5
Simple steps
Who it's for
Who this is for
Whether you're moving, hiring, staying or starting over, this is the place to begin.
Unfit to travel
Visitors who are medically unfit to travel
Short border stamps
Visitors granted less than 90 days at the border who need more time
At a glance
Eligibility
01
Current permission
You hold current visitor permission, or entered on a short stay visa within the last 90 days
02
Unexpected change
Your circumstances changed unexpectedly after you arrived, and/or a doctor confirms you're unfit to travel
03
Apply in time
You apply while your permission is still valid
04
No other applications
You're not on a different permission and not waiting on another ISD application
05
Insurance and funds
You have medical or travel insurance and enough money for the extra time
Our promise
What's included
Extension of Visitor Permission
€1229
Before you start
Documents you'll need
Tick each item as you gather it. Bring whichever apply to you.
Your preparation checklist
0 of 5 ready
Tap items as you go
You're fully prepared. Let's get you booked in.
5-step journey
How it works
- 1Step 1
We review your situation and evidence.
- 2Step 2
We prepare the application and letter.
- 3Step 3
We submit it online before your permission expires.
- 4Step 4
We respond to any requests.
- Step 5
If approved, you register your extension. If refused, you'll need to leave and show evidence of departure.
Good to know
Our fee
€1,229 VAT included. Government fees are separate.
Government fees
No application fee, but a €300 registration fee applies if approved.
Maximum extension
A change-of-circumstances extension is temporary and capped at 90 additional days.
Local office extensions
If you were given less than 90 days at the border and are still in permission, your local immigration office may extend it directly.
What to bring
If you were granted less than 90 days at the border, you'll need your original passport and flight details to request an extension at your local office.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Visitors to Ireland are expected to leave before their permission expires, usually within 90 days. An extension of visitor permission is for the exceptional case where something unexpected happens after arrival, such as an illness or injury that makes the visitor medically unfit to travel, or a serious change in family circumstances, such as caring for a relative who is unfit to travel. The application must be made while the visitor's permission is still valid, and it must be backed by evidence: typically a doctor's report confirming that the person is unfit to travel, medical or travel insurance (travel insurance with medical cover is accepted) and proof of enough money for the extra time. The fastest route is online, through ISD's Customer Service Portal; postal applications take longer. There's no application fee, but if the extension is approved, the visitor registers it and pays the €300 registration fee. A change-of-circumstances extension is temporary and capped at 90 additional days. Extensions aren't granted to attend further events or do more sightseeing, and visitors can't use them to switch to work or study. If the application is refused, the visitor must leave and keep evidence of their departure, because not doing so can affect future visa applications.
No. Extensions are only for unexpected, exceptional circumstances.
You must leave and keep evidence of your departure. Failing to do so can affect future visa applications.
No. Visitors can't change their permission in Ireland.
Online. ISD says online applications are processed more efficiently. Postal applications take longer.
A doctor's report confirming you're unfit to travel, proof of insurance and evidence of funds for the extra time are the core of a strong application.
Each person needs their own application, showing their own circumstances, such as caring for a family member who is unfit to travel.
Ready when you are
Get started with Extension of Visitor Permission
€1229
€1229
Extension of Visitor Permission