Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
155. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current average processing times for passports applications; if these times are being met in practise and if there are any delays or backlogs currently affecting the Passport Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35907/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 375,000 passports to date in 2026.
In December 2025, the Passport Service launched a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. The percentage of applicants using Passport Online has increased from 93% in 2025 to 96% to date in 2026.
The current advertised passport processing times are:
Online simple adult renewal application - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal application - 15 working days
Online first time application, adult or child - 20 working days
Passport Assist application - 6 weeks
It is important to note that if supporting documents are required for an application, such as a child's application or a first time application, turnaround times begin when these documents are received by the Passport Service. Applications that are incorrect or incomplete and require additional input from the applicant, will take longer to process.
The Passport Service is well within advertised turnaround times for domestic applications. There has been an increase in demand for first time applications from international applicants, however these applications account for just 5.3% of all applications received so far this year.
The public offices of the Passport Service in Dublin 2 and in Cork operate a four-day Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants. The Dublin office also offers a one-day Urgent Appointment service. Further information on the Urgent Appointment service for renewal applicants is available here: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/urgent-appointment/
In the event of sudden bereavement or serious illness of a family member abroad, an applicant can contact the Passport Office and advise them of the issue. Priority is given to these applications by the Passport Service.
In addition, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Customer Service Hub can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply or their passports through Passport Online. In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time. The Passport Service advises citizens to ensure their passports are valid before booking holidays and travel.
