Travel and Embassy Services FAQs
News
13 September 2021Travel between France and Ireland - What you need to know
5. Passports/Foreign Birth Registration
1. Travel to France from Ireland
There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to France from Ireland. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19 or to complete a Passenger Locator Form.
2. Travel to Ireland from France
ID Cards
Nationals of France are allowed to enter Ireland with an expired national ID card when:
- it is expired for a maximum of 5 years, and
- the date of issue is between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013, and
- the passenger was 18 years or older on the date of issue.
Covid-19
From Sunday 6 March 2022, travellers to Ireland are not required to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative PCR test result upon arrival.
There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travellers to Ireland.
Travellers to Ireland are no longer asked to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Travel carriers will not ask to check a PLF receipt prior to travel to Ireland.
Any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms while in Ireland should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or PCR testing as appropriate.
3. Restrictions in France
France’s vaccine pass has been suspended for all locations where it was previously required.
The obligation to wear a mask indoors has also been lifted. It is recommended to wear a mask on public transport, but it is not compulsory.
Finally, if you are moving to France or staying for a prolonged period, we encourage you to consult the Embassy’s Living in France page.
4. Visiting the Embassy
Q: Can I come to the Embassy for an appointment?
The most efficient way to access the Embassy's consular services is to make an appointment. You can request an appointment by emailing consularparis@dfa.ie.
Your email should include your name, your contact details, and full details of your request.
Q: Can I come to the Embassy without an appointment?
The Embassy's consular services are open to the public without appointment from 9.30-11.30. The consular section closes to the public at 11.30 sharp.
If you come to the Embassy without an appointment, we will make every effort to ensure that you are seen by a consular officer. Depending on customer numbers, however, and in particular if you arrive after 11.00, this may not always be possible.
We will not ordinarily be in a position to accommodate customers who arrive at the Embassy after 11.15.
5. Passports and Foreign Birth Registration
Q: How can I apply for my passport?
All passport applications by those resident in France, whether they are first-time passports or renewals for both children and adults should be made through the Passport Online service.
If you are residing in Monaco or French overseas territories, you must also renew your passport online. However, first-time applications are made through the Embassy using a paper form. These are the only applications that will be accepted via paper application going forward, all other applications should be made online. Please check with us that before sending a paper application to confirm eligibilty, or else your application and documentation may be returned.
If you are in France or Monaco and your passport has been lost or stolen and you need to return to Ireland, you may be eligible to be issued with a one-way Emergency Travel Document to return to Ireland. Please contact Embassy or closest Honorary Consul if you require this service.
Q: What is the status of my passport application, and when will my passport be ready?
If you have applied for your passport online, you will have been given a tracking number to check the status of your application. If you have any queries regarding your online passport application, please contact the Passport Service's Customer Support Hub webchat or phone line and have your tracking number ready. Please note, the Embassy cannot provide status updates or information regarding applications made online.
Q: My passport has been issued, when will I receive it?
In the unlikely event that your application was submitted to the Embassy via paper application, we will contact you by telephone or email to let you know when your passport and original documents are being sent by registered post to your address. Please note that you will need to sign for your passport upon delivery, in accordance with La Poste registered post process. If you are not home at the time of delivery, your passport will be held at your local La Poste office for 7 days. If you do not collect it during this window, it may be sent back to the Passport Office in Dublin.
If your application was made online, you will be able to track your passport with the postal service, using the tracking number you were given when you applied. If you have been informed that your passport has been dispatched for post more than 4 weeks ago and you still have not received it, please contact the Customer Support Hub.
Q: What is the status of my application for Foreign Birth Registration?
The processing of Foreign Birth Registrations (FBRs) resumed on a phased basis as of Monday 15 November.
Applications that have been sent to the FBR Office in Ireland have been securely held and are being processed in date order. At present, due to the complex nature of the Foreign Birth Registration it takes at least 18 months to process a completed Foreign Birth Registration applicatio. This processing time has been increased due to Covid-19 related suspensions.
All FBR applications are being processed directly by Dublin. As such, any queries regarding the status or processing of a Foreign Birth Registration should be directed to the FBR web chat. You will be contacted directly by the FBR Office in Dublin when your certificate is ready. Please note that the Embassy cannot provide further updates on FBR applications at this time.
For guidance on visa questions, please refer to the Embassy's visa section.
If your query is not addressed in this guidance, please email consularparis@dfa.ie outlining all relevant details. The Embassy seeks to respond to all email queries within 24 hours during the week, or by the end of the next working day if there is an intervening weekend or Embassy holiday.
