- Ireland is recalling a number of passports due to a printing error
- 12,904 passports are affected - from December 23 to January 6
- Those affected must return the passports and another will be reissued
Up to 13,000 Irish passports have been recalled by the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs due to a software update error that renders the documents unusable.
The affected passports, printed between December 23, 2025, and January 6, 2026, do not meet international travel standards and must be returned to the passport office.
“Due to a technical issue with a software update, passports issued between December 23, 2025, and January 6, 2026, are not fully compliant with international travel standards,” stated the Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement. “There is a possibility that some passport holders may encounter issues at eGates and border control when traveling.”
Misprinted Documents
The technical issue, a printer error, reportedly means that thousands of passports lack the letters ‘IRL’. This may cause travelers to face complications during travel checks.
Currently, there is no estimate of the costs associated with this error and the recall process for the Irish Passport Service. Affected travelers do not need to apply for a new passport; they simply need to return their current passport to: Passport Return – Customer Care, Passport Service, 42-47 Lower Mount St, Dublin 2 – D02 TN83 Ireland.
Border services worldwide have been informed of the recall, and all reissued passports will receive a new passport number.
“The Passport Service has contacted affected customers by email to inform them of the issue and will be reissuing passports to them in the coming days and weeks,” the department confirmed.
“Our public office in Dublin can accept affected passports,” the Department of Foreign Affairs added. “We will endeavor to reissue your passport within the day, depending on your travel date. Please visit our Dublin office between 9 AM and 12:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with your passport book (and card if applicable) and proof of imminent travel.”
“The Passport Service sincerely regrets this issue and apologizes to affected citizens for the inconvenience caused.”
Via: Irish Times
