Thousands of Irish Passports Recalled Due to Printing Error
Almost 13,000 Irish passports are being recalled after a printing mistake, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed.
The problem affects passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026. During this time, the country code “IRL” was accidentally left off the passports. Because of this error, some passport holders may face problems at airport eGates or with border control when travelling abroad.
The DFA said the issue was caused by a software update problem. While the passports are genuine, they do not fully meet international travel standards.
In a statement, the department said the Passport Service is aware of the issue and apologised to those affected for the inconvenience caused.
A total of 12,904 passports have been confirmed as affected. Passports issued outside of these dates are not impacted.
To reduce travel problems, the Passport Service has informed border authorities worldwide through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), as well as Irish Border Management. Affected customers are being contacted by email, and replacement passports will be issued free of charge over the coming days and weeks.
Anyone who recently received a passport book or passport card is advised to check the date of issue, which can be found on the page with the holder’s photo and personal details.
If your passport was issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026, it should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid travel issues.
Customers do not need to apply for a new passport. Instead, they should return their passport book (and passport card, if they applied for one) to the following address:
Passport Return – Customer Care
Passport Service
42–47 Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2, D02 TN83
Ireland
Further information is available on the Passport Service website.