People in Mayo urged to check expiry date of their passports before travel plans
People in Mayo are being urged to check the expiry date on their passport to ensure that their holiday plans go smoothly this summer, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD has said. This call follows the release of an update on the number of passports issued across the island of Ireland to date this year by Helen McEntee, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Over half a million passports were issued in the first six months of this year, with 370,000 issued to people across the island of Ireland so far this year, and 7,813 passports issued in Mayo.
Citizens who have applied since June will receive the newly designed passport book or card, which was launched by Minister McEntee on June 26.
Minister Dillon said: “To avoid turning up at the airport with an out-of-date passport, please check that your passport is in date well in advance of your departure date and ideally before you book your flights.
“Our Passport Online service is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your passport. Our passport service is extremely efficient, with applicants able to apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Passport Online is available to 100% of citizens worldwide. In addition, anyone who applied for a passport since the end of June this year will receive the newly designed passport book and card.”
Commenting on the new passport, Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted with the reception that the next generation passport has received. The redesign involved working closely with Irish companies and artists, and world-leading security features are incorporated throughout the book, ensuring the Irish passport is one of the most advanced in the world.”
Citizens living in Ireland who need to renew their passport urgently in advance of imminent travel can avail of the Urgent Appointment Service available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. Further information and appointment booking is available here. www.ireland.ie/passports.
Customer Service agents are available to answer all passport-related queries from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday by phone on 01 671 1633 or webchat here. www.ireland.ie/passports.