We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE PASSPORT OFFICE will resume the processing of online passport applications from next week, according to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) sought clarity this week for their customers in relation to passport applications and renewals from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Passport Office is currently not accepting any applications for normal passport renewals, and is only processing emergency passports.
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Coveney said the “Passport Office is at an advanced stage of planning for the return to full operation”.
Next week, processing online applications will start, he confirmed.
He said staff at the passport office have processed 6,000 online renewal applications during the Covid-19 crisis.
These represent about 20% of all applications currently in the system.
The minister added that some of the staff at the office were re-deployed to other areas during the crisis, with some taking part in contact tracing.
Operations will resume to normal in the coming weeks and months, said the minister, who indicated that online services should resume normal turnaround times of about two weeks by Phase 3 in July.
Coveney encouraged people to apply online, stating that it is by far the quickest way of getting your passport renewed. Those that have applied through the paper application can call the office, he said.
A member of staff will talk those members of the public through making an online application and a refund for the paper renewal will be made.
He said the passport express system has not been operating, but he hopes to get it back up and running again in the coming weeks.
If someone has applied through the passport express service, they are also encouraged to apply online and their express fee will be refunded.
Non-essential travel abroad is still not advised, said Coveney. Those that go abroad will be asked to quarantine for two weeks upon their return, said the minister. Mandatory quarantine is still not in place, though it is illegal for passengers to refuse to sign the passenger locator form.
Travel restriction guidelines are being kept under review, added the Tánaiste.
Under Phase 5 of the opening-up of the country, there will be an opportunity for members of the public “to take a well earned break” in late July and August, said Coveney.
He said the pace of moving forward restrictions will only be done if it is safe.
Coveney said that in the first four months of the year, Ireland changed its travel advice 1,400 times.
He described this figure as “extraordinary” as “normally in a whole year you wouldn’t get that number. I think it’s a reminder of how quickly things were changing.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Welcome to the 21st century!!! PASSPORT OFFICE
@Ronan Mc Namara: don’t be stupid the passport office has been providing an amazing online service for years. One of the best in the world in fact. 100% virtual applications process. They still have to be printed though and this is a more manual service which likely impacted.
@Ronan Mc Namara: learn to read honey…this article is about online applications only…
@Paul Quirke: What school did you go too?
Applications received from it are not being processed in real time but rather set aside in a queue until whenever the office reopens.
Blind leading the blind in that office.
Sure it’s a world class system…Jesus wept!!
@Ronan Mc Namara:
I renewed my passport online and I got it in 5 days while Brexit was happening. Excellent Service.
@Just Some Guy: Fair enough……but not for the last few months. Excellent Service…………….Jesus wept!
At present, no new applications for new or renewed passports are being taken either over the phone or by mail, as the coronavirus crisis has affected production of the documents themselves.
@Ronan Mc Namara: why?
The passport online system does not entail customer contact, processing can quite easily be organised with safe distancing, & actual printing, binding, & posting similarly, on a shift basis to mert demand.
Its a good revenue earner as well, so why would staff be redeployed, when lits of other public service personnel remain disengaged entirely, on full pay.
The senior heads have serious questions to answer, both in the civil srrvice & local authorities, as to why so many units closed up.
If they are not rated as essential services, then why re open them again?
@William Kelly: I agree William beggars belief….. they could not wait to closed the doors….very shoddy service.
While the Passport Office’s online renewal system is still live, applications received from it are not being processed in real time but rather set aside in a queue until whenever the office reopens.
@Ronan Mc Namara: not correct, the blank passport booklet are done in bulk order from the secure printing company contracted by the government and are stockpiled with emergency reserves. Even in the the UK although they recently changed to blue passports, red passports are still being issued as they are trying to get rid of them to make sure they have sufficiently stockpiled the new blue ones.
@Ronan Mc Namara: you also have to remember Ireland have Passport Cards, so if in the unlikely situation passport books where in fact short supply, it would be easy enough to issue the cards standalone to those applicants who only plan to travel to another EU country or just wanting a passport for the purpose of proving their ID, reserving the booklets for those who need to travel outside of the EU.
have your say