Urgent Travel Warning: Irish Holidaymakers Advised to Check Passports Before Easter and Summer Trips

Irish citizens planning to travel in the coming months are being urged to check their passports well in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions. Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, has issued a timely reminder for holidaymakers to ensure their travel documents are up to date before making any travel arrangements.

With Easter and summer holidays approaching, many Irish families are preparing for trips abroad. However, securing a new passport can take time, and failure to renew on time could lead to unexpected travel delays. The current processing times for a ‘simple adult renewal’ are approximately 10 working days, while first-time applicants should allow at least 20 days.

During a visit to the Passport Office in Balbriggan, North County Dublin, Minister Richmond emphasized the importance of early passport checks.

“Many families will be travelling over Easter and during the summer. I encourage everyone planning their holidays, particularly those with young children, to check their passports in plenty of time before their travel date,” he stated.

He also highlighted the benefits of using Passport Online, describing it as the “fastest, easiest, and least expensive way” to renew passports. Online applications are processed significantly quicker than postal applications, which have an estimated processing time of at least eight weeks, excluding postal delivery.

The Passport Service recently launched the “Don’t Be That Person” campaign, urging travelers to check their passports early and apply online for faster service.

In 2024, over one million passports were issued, with more than 175,000 already processed this year. Notably, children’s passports accounted for 22% of the total issued so far.

For those requiring urgent renewals, appointments can be booked at Passport Offices in Dublin or Cork. The Dublin office provides a one-day or four-day service, while the Cork office offers a four-day turnaround. Travelers can secure an urgent appointment at Ireland.ie/UrgentAppointment.

Additionally, adults whose passports expired more than five years ago must apply as first-time applicants if their last passport was issued over 15 years ago, in compliance with data protection regulations.

To avoid last-minute stress, travellers are advised to check and renew their passports as soon as possible through the official online portal.