AN URGENT warning has been issued to Irish people heading abroad this summer to ensure your passport is in date. Passengers are being urged to check that their passport meets the requirements of the country they're travelling to. The passport office suggested holidaymakers check with the embassy ahead of any holiday.
Officials said: “A general rule of thumb is to keep six months validity remaining on your passport from the date you’re returning home. "You can travel right up to the date of expiry within the EU . “However it is advisable to contact the embassy of the country to which you intend to travel with queries regarding their specific requirements.
" The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that you "do not need to wait" until your current passport has expired to apply for a new one. They added: "It is advisable to apply at least six weeks ahead of any planned travel to avoid disappointment." Irish passports need to be valid until the day you return from your holiday when travelling within the EU .
Other countries outside of the EU can have different regulations and requirements. Numerous other countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months. People who are travelling within the next three months are urged to apply via the website as it’s the easiest and most efficient way to do it.
The Simple Online Renewal currently has a turnaround of 10 Working Days, while a Complex Online Renewal takes 15 Working Days. The advertised expected timelin.
