Passports And Visas

All Irish citizens aged 16 years and over must have a ten-year passport and for those under 16 years, a five-year passport is required. This includes infants.

The Passport Service have introduced a new biometric passport which will be issued upon application for a new or replacement passport. It is recommended that you leave at least 12 weeks prior to departure to apply for a new or replacement passport and make sure you read all of the literature provided with your application to avoid disappointment over your photo or other requirements.

Some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country. If your passport is in its final year of validity you are advised to check the requirements of your destination before you make your final travel plans.

All children, regardless of age, must obtain an individual Irish passport in their own name. However, parents' passports issued before 1 October 2004 on which children have been included remain valid and do not need to be replaced. Children who are included on a parent's passport issued before 1 October 2004 may continue to travel to most countries up until their 16th birthday along with that parent, providing the passport is still valid. There are, however, some exceptions which include, but are not limited to, the United States, Greece, France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Bulgaria, which require that all passengers regardless of age, have their own full, valid passport. If you are in any doubt, please contact the embassy or consulate of the country concerned before you travel and remember that it is your responsibility to have the correct documentation for travel.

With effect from 12 January 2009, US Customs & Border control have implemented new requirements for entry into the USA, called Electronic Systems for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). We have provided some very important information that you must read before travelling.