Cllr. Damien O’Reilly is encouraging those who need new passports for travel to apply for them in plenty of time as the Department of Foreign Affairs is anticipating high demand in 2023 with an estimated 1.5 million applications expected.
Cllr. O’Reilly stated, “I would encourage families who are planning to travel in 2023 with children who are first-time applicants, to apply now online and only use 24/7 Garda stations (Ashbourne, Kells, Navan, Trim) to sign and stamp the required documentation”.
Almost all Irish citizens can apply for first time passports and renewals online by taking a picture on a mobile phone against a white background. The current turnaround time for simple adult renewals is 2-10 working days, complex renewals will take 15 working days and first-time applicants can take up to 20 working days to process, if the documentation is completed correctly.
Cllr. O’Reilly added, “Given the demand for passports expected by the Department this year, I would urge people to apply now to avoid missing their flight down the line.
“An urgent appointment service for passport renewal is also available at passport offices in Cork and Dublin. It offers a same day renewal service and appointments can be booked three days in advance. A four-day renewal service is also available, and these appointments can be booked three weeks in advance.”
Meath South East News 