The Department works closely with An Post to ensure that Passport Express customers are updated regularly on target turnaround times for passport applications.
Passport renewal times can vary depending on seasonal and other factors. The Passport Service has experienced a 15% increase approximately in applications so far this year over 2015 and demand is expected to remain very high in the coming months. We have taken a number of measures to address the situation, including requesting that An Post, which administers Passport Express, the means by which the vast majority of passport applications are made, to advise customers that the service target for passport renewals is 15 working days.
On 21 March An Post issued an update to all staff who deal with the public to advise that the service target was at 15 working days from the time of posting and this was also notified on the An Post website. I understand that An Post has now updated its printed promotional materials to include these target turnaround times and that the materials have been distributed across the post office network. 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.
The Passport Service website has also been updated to advise customers how to avoid the stress and inconvenience of having passport applications processed at the last moment. The key points are to:
- check the validity of passports before booking a holiday,
- to remind that children’s passports vary in length of validity
- apply at least six weeks before the intended date of travel
- choose the most appropriate application channel depending on the date of travel
- if travelling in three weeks or more (15 working days) the Passport Express channel is the cheapest and most convenient option.
- if travelling in three weeks or less an appointment for the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork should be made online at www.passportappointments.ie.
I strongly recommend that citizens check their passport validity before booking holidays or business travel and apply for the service which will ensure passports arrive in good time. Allowing six weeks turnaround time is considered best practice.
