The Passport Tracker provides applicants with an indication of how their application is progressing through the system and gives an estimated issue date based on the current average application processing time. The ‘bar level’ is only indicative and applicants should refer to the text box below the ‘bar level’ which gives the most up to date position. Once the application has been checked and approved for printing, this text box in the Passport Tracker will indicate that the passport is in production. When the passport has been completed and dispatched, the Passport Tracker provides the applicant with an An Post reference number to track their passport through the postal system. The Passport Tracker provides an indication only of the estimated issue date based on current averages and, I sure you will appreciate, this projected issue date is not an intended guarantee of delivery on that date.
The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants, including through the Passport Tracker, particularly in light of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Passport Service and the high demand for passports seen in recent months as international travel resumed. In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system. Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.
I urge citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel and to ensure that they apply for a passport in plenty of time in order to avoid unnecessary stress. The Passport Online service continues to be the fastest and most efficient channel for passport applications and is available to first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.
In addition, the Passport Office in Mount St, Dublin 2 and the Passport Office in Cork are now offering an Urgent Appointment Service for the renewal of passports. The Urgent Appointment Service ensures that, for those who unexpectedly require a very urgent turnaround of a passport renewal, there is an option available that is transparent, predictable and clear. It means that an applicant can book and pay for their appointment, safe in the knowledge that they will have their passport within a day, or a few days. To avail of the Urgent Appointment Service for Passport Renewal, applicants must first book an appointment to attend the public office in Dublin or Cork. Applicants can book an appointment through the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.ie/passports). This is a limited service and slots are allocated by appointment only on a first come, first served basis.
