What is the Irish passport card?
The Irish passport card is a travel document that can be used instead of a standard passport book for travel in certain areas. It is similar in size to a credit card which makes it convenient to carry.
What is the difference between the passport card and the passport book?
You can use the passport card to travel in:
· The European Union
· The European Economic Area (EEA ), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway
· Switzerland
For travel to other non-EEA countries, you must use your standard Irish passport book.
What about travelling to the United Kingdom?
If you are an Irish citizen traveling from Ireland, you do not need a passport to enter the United Kingdom under Common Travel Area rights.
However, airlines and sea carriers may want you to prove your identity when checking in. You should check with your carrier to see what identification they accept.
How do I get a passport card?
You must apply online for a passport card. You can only get a passport card if you have a valid Irish passport book.
Online applications for the passport card are completed in roughly 3 to 5 working days.
What if I don’t have a passport book?
You can apply for a bundle and get the passport book and the passport card at the same time.
The fees for the bundles are:
· Adult standard passport and passport card: €100
· Adult large (66 pages ) passport and passport card: €130
· Child standard passport and passport card: €45
· Child large (66 pages ) passport and passport card: €75
There is an extra €5 fee for each child application to cover the cost of returning documents, and there is an additional €15 postal fee if you live outside of Ireland.
How long is the passport card valid?
The passport card is valid for 5 years or until your passport book expires, whichever period is shorter.
