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From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is urging citizens to check the expiry dates on their passports to ensure their travel plans go smoothly.

This call came as Minister McEntee today (10 August) provided an update on the number of passports issued for the first six months of this year.

Counties Dublin, Cork, and Antrim recorded the highest number of passports issued. The Minister thanked the staff at the Passport Service, who have issued over half a million passports so far this year, with almost 370,000 of these issued to people across the island of Ireland.

The Minister said: “Over half a million passports were issued in the first half of 2026. Our passport service is world class and processes applications rapidly. To avoid turning up at the airport with an out-of-date passport, please check your passport is in date well in advance of your departure date and ideally before you book your flights.”

“Our Passport Online service is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your passport. Our passport service is extremely efficient, with applicants able to apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Passport Online is available to 100% of citizens worldwide. In addition, anyone applying for a passport since the end of June this year will receive the newly designed passport book and card.”

Minister McEntee launched the newly designed Irish passport at the end of June, and citizens who have applied for a new passport or card since then will receive a newly designed version.

Commenting on the new passport, the Minster said: “I am delighted with the reception that the next generation passport has received. The redesign was the culmination of years of dedicated work from our Passport Service staff, working closely with Irish companies and artists. Extensive public consultation influenced the new design, and in addition to the beautiful visuals, there are world-leading security features incorporated throughout the book, ensuring the Irish passport is one of the most advanced in the world.”

The number of passports issued in the first six months of 2026, to citizens resident on the island of Ireland, by county, is listed below.

Citizens living in Ireland who need to renew their passport urgently in advance of imminent travel can avail of the Urgent Appointment Service available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. Further information and appointment booking is available atwww.ireland.ie/passports.

Customer Service agents are available to answer all passport-related queries from 9am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday by phone on 01 671 1633 or webchat atwww.ireland.ie/passports.