The processing time for a passport varies, depending on the service the customer chooses. An application may take longer to process for a number of reasons. For example if the application form is completed incorrectly, the required supporting documentation is not provided or if the level of demand is exceptionally high.
Throughout this year the demand for passports has been exceptionally high. From 1 January to 18 April the Passport Service has received a total of 257,598 applications for passport books and 7,408 for passport cards. This represents a significant increase of 14.3% in applications for passport books compared to the same period last year.
To address the anticipated increase over the summer season, the Passport Service has recruited additional Temporary Clerical Officers who will work a total of 5,122 weeks this year. In view of the sustained increase over last year’s levels, application processing work has been redistributed across passport offices in recent weeks and staff re-deployed from other areas of the Department as needed to respond to the increased workload.
It should be noted that the turnaround times which are advised, including those for the An Post Passport Express service, are not a stated guarantee.
I strongly recommend therefore that citizens apply for passports at least six weeks in advance of any planned travel and take special care to ensure that application forms are correctly completed before submission.
The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation.