Thousands of Irish passports may have 'issue' getting through airports after 'error'

Some recent Irish passport recipients have been urged to return their passports due to a printing error which could see people encounter issues at airport scanners.

In an update, the Passport Service said: "Due to a technical issue with a software update, passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 inclusive are not fully compliant with international travel standards and there is a possibility that such passport holders may have an issue at eGates and Border Control when travelling.

"The Passport Service sincerely regrets this issue and apologises to affected citizens for the inconvenience caused.

"The Passport Service has contacted border authorities worldwide to alert them to this issue.

"Please check the Date of Issue on your passport, which can be located on the data page of your passport as indicated by the arrow below.

"If your passport was issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 inclusive, it is important that we re-issue your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure that you do not face any issues with future travel.

"You do not need to reapply for a new passport.

"Please return your passport book (and passport card if you had applied for one) to the below address immediately:

Passport Return - Customer Care
Passport Service
42-47 Lower Mount St
Dublin 2 – D02 TN83
Ireland

"We will endeavour to issue you a new passport within a maximum of 10 working days.

"If you are travelling imminently or are resident overseas, please contact the dedicated Customer Service Team by email or phone for guidance and support."

Email: passportreturn@dfa.ie

Tel: +353 (0) 1 613 1780