Fitzpatrick urges everyone to check passports now

Kildare Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has urged anyone travelling within this summer to check their passports following long delays at the passport office.

“While the long queues at the Passport Office have abated, there are still longer than normal delays on processing passports. It is often the last item people check before travelling so I am urging anyone planning to travel abroad this summer to check their passports now.”

“When applying for a passport everyone should photocopy the page of their existing passport and include this with the application form and hold on to the existing passport.”

“The quickest way of getting a new passport is still the Passport Express Service through the Post Office. Applications through this Service are currently being processed between 15 and 20 days of receipt.”

“Those applying for a new passport can check on turnaround times at www.passport.ie. Bar codes provided with the Passport Express Services can also be used to check on the status of their application at this website and it is updated several times a day.”

“If there are any queries about the application, travellers can email the Passport Office. The contact details are on the website, www.passport.ie.”

“Travellers should only go to the passport office in Dublin if their trip is an emergency one such as a death or illness in the family necessitating travel.”

“Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport, should not call to the public counter until they have confirmed on the website confirms that the relevant passport is ready for collection.”

“While emergency travel cannot be planned for, it should be possible for everyone else to check their passports now. Even if holidays are not booked yet, it is important not to be caught out by an out of date passport. It is possible to get a passport without too much difficulties but it is important to give enough time to the application process,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.