Don't book that holiday without checking these four things on your Irish passport
As summer holiday season peaks, it's crucial for Irish travellers to ensure their passports are in perfect order before heading to the airport. There are four key checks you should verify before finalising any travel plans.
Summer holiday season is in full swing, with many people across Ireland set to enjoy a sunny getaway before the autumn chill sets in.
Amid the excitement of booking flights and planning itineraries, one essential task should top your checklist: Checking your Irish passport is in perfect order.
Before you start packing your bags or stocking up on sun cream, take a moment to confirm four important things on your document. Imagine the disappointment of arriving at the airport, only to discover that a simple oversight prevents you from boarding your flight.
Here are four key aspects of your passport that you should verify before finalising any travel plans.
Expiry date
Firstly, check the expiry date on your passport. It can be a real pain if your passport is about to run out. Getting a new one can take time, so make sure you have plenty of it before your holiday starts. The current turnaround times for a 'simple adult renewal' is 10 working days.
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Depending on where you're going, you might need a certain amount of time left on your passport. For example, if you're travelling from Ireland to Spain, it's recommended to have at least three months left after your return date.
A handy tip for Irish passports is that you can start renewing it before it runs out. You can do this through the Department of Foreign Affairs' Passport Online service. You can also check the specific passport requirements for the country your travelling to here.
Damage
Secondly, check for any damage. Many of us, at some stage, have struggled to find our passport, especially if it has been put it in a random drawer somewhere. To keep your passport safe and easy to find, put it somewhere secure and tidy.
Some people have been stopped from boarding their planes because they were told their passports were too damaged for travel.
The DFA states on their website "do not" fly with a damaged passport and instead return it when making an application for a new one.
Signature
Don't forget to sign your new passport once you get it. You'll find the place to sign on the page opposite your laminated information page.
If it is a child’s passport, the child should sign it. If the child is not able to sign their name, it should be left blank.
Biometric
Irish passports have had biometric features since 2006, so it shouldn't be a worry. But check for the gold camera logo at the bottom of your passport cover to make sure.
This logo means you can use the fast passport machines at airports to go through border control quickly.
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