Question: Can I use a passport card when travelling to Europe and how do I apply for one?
The Irish passport card is a credit-card sized Irish passport. You can use it for travel within the European Union, the European Economic Area (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ) and Switzerland. So, you will be able to use it when going to Spain this summer.
You must be aged 18 or over to apply for a passport card. You must also hold a valid Irish passport that is not due to expire in the next 3 months. The personal details you provide when applying must be exactly the same as those on your passport book.
The passport card is valid for a maximum of five years or until your passport book expires, whichever period is shorter. If you plan to use your passport card when travelling, you must use the passport card number when checking in online.
The passport card costs €35. If you are applying from outside Ireland, there is an additional delivery cost of €5. You can apply for a passport card online on dfa.ie
When making the an application for a passport card, you will need your current passport book, a digital photograph (see the detailed guidelines on dfa.ie ), a valid email address and a debit card or credit card.
When the submission of your application is complete online, an 11-digit application number will be issued. You can track your application’s progress on the department’s website using the application number.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Westmeath Citizens Information Service, which provides a free and confidential service to the public.
Call (0761 ) 076610 or call into Athlone CIC, St Marys Square, Athlone. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service on (0761 ) 074000.
