PASSPORT APPLICATION TURNAROUND TIMES
Re-Introduction of the Passport Guarantee
These turnaround times are applicable to passport applications lodged in Ireland only. Requests for information in respect of the turnaround time for applications submitted through Irish Embassies abroad should in the 1st instance be checked on the relevant Embassy website.
The Passport Service is now in a position to re-introduce a GUARANTEED turnaround time for passport applications. Applications submitted via the Passport Express service (Swiftpost in the Republic and NIPX in the North), available through local post offices, are now guaranteed to be processed within 10 working days.
A new service to prioritise applications for those with immediate travel plans has also been introduced. Applications with proof of travel are now guaranteed to be processed within three working days. Applicants should make contact with the Passport Service & provide this proof where applicable. An additional fee may apply in respect of such new applications. This is the fastest turnaround time for all applications except for those whose travel is required for urgent humanitarian reasons. This 3 day service applies to applications submitted in Ireland only.
Customers are reminded that the public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have immediate travel plans or a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.
All other applicants are advised to submit their applications through the Passport Express channels.
Customers should retain the 11 digit barcode number on their passport application and use this number to check the status of their application on the Passport Service website. This should be the primary contact point for information and the site is updated several times a day.
Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport, should not call to the public counter until the website confirms that the relevant passport is ready for collection.
Due to the huge volume of telephone calls, the Passport Service apologises that customers may experience delays in making contact. It is therefore recommended that any queries on applications can be e-mailed to the Passport Office using the following links:
The e-mail message should include the 11 digit barcode number. These e-mails will be dealt with in order of receipt.
