Bernard Durkan
Question:645. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport for a minor (details supplied) will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30523/21]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2021
Questions (645)
Written answers
Passport applications are only valid for six months primarily due to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Regulations on the requirement for a recent photograph. The ICAO is a UN specialised agency which defines in detail the required format for a passport.
Where additional documentation has been requested and has not been received within this timeframe, these applications are cancelled. This timeframe also ensures that a refund of the fees can be processed electronically where required. If the refund is not made electronically within six months then it can take up to 12 months to process a refund by bank transfer.
While I appreciate it is disappointing for applicants, I would encourage them to make a new application.
In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by WebChat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation.