The Irish Immigration Services Department (ISD) has announced a new initiative to support Non-EEA nationals planning to travel internationally during the Christmas season, amidst ongoing delays in processing Irish Residence Permits (IRP). This initiative is aimed at easing the challenges posed by current registration backlogs.
Due to processing delays, Non-EEA nationals may face a two-week waiting period to receive their IRP card after completing registration. To address this, the ISD is issuing a Travel Confirmation Notice, effective from 02 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. This notice allows eligible travellers to use their recently expired IRP card as valid documentation for international travel, provided they submitted their renewal application before the expiry date of their existing card.
Key Details of the Initiative
- Who Qualifies: Non-EEA nationals who applied for IRP renewal before their card’s expiry date.
- Valid Period: The Travel Confirmation Notice is valid for travel between 02 December 2024 and 31 January 2025.
- Required Documents: Travelers must present the following to immigration authorities and airlines:
- A printed copy of the Travel Confirmation Notice.
- Their expired IRP card.
- Proof of renewal application, such as an email confirmation showing the application date.
The ISD has assured that they will notify airlines and foreign missions about this temporary measure. However, individuals transiting through third countries are reminded to check and comply with the immigration and visa requirements of those jurisdictions.
For more information about the Travel Confirmation Notice and related guidelines, travellers are advised to consult the ISD’s official communication channels.
Frequently Asked Questions Re Travel Confirmation Notice 2024
What happens if I want to remain abroad after the 31 January 2025?
If you wish to remain abroad after the 31 January 2025 you will need to renew your IRP card before you travel. If you are a visa required national and have been unable to renew your IRP card before your travel date, then, on an exceptional basis, you can apply for a visa to re-enter the State at your local Irish Embassy or Consular Office. This application should be made on-line on AVATS when at your destination and you will then be instructed to submit the application to the local mission or visa office, who will do their best to expedite your case. The contact details for the Mission to which you send your application will be on the AVATS summary sheet. If you are a visa required national, you can apply for a visa here.
What happens if I want to travel after 31 January 2025?
Non-nationals who wish to travel outside Ireland after 31 January 2025 must be in possession of a valid in date IRP card and/or an appropriate visa if they intend to re-enter the State.
What happens if I am waiting for a letter of permission before applying for an IRP card?
f you are in possession of or waiting for a letter of permission from ISD, and you wish to travel during this period, you should contact the section dealing with your application directly at one of the contact points here.
I have applied for EU Treaty Rights but still do not have a letter of temporary permission to allow me to apply for an IRP card. What can I do?
Applicants who consider they may have an entitlement to temporary permission and are planning to travel should contact EU Treaty Rights here as soon as possible and provide documentary evidence of their Christmas travel plans. We will make every effort to prioritise the request. If you are travelling with children please provide their names, dates of birth and document numbers so we can include them.
I have been in Ireland for a number of weeks but have been unable to get an appointment in to register my permission. What can I do?
ISD registration appointments are now available to book online. If you have urgent travel plans, customers should register for or log into their own Customer Service account and submit a query to us with a copy of your airline ticket and your flight details, including outward and return journey details, and using the subject line ‘Flights booked for travel’ so we can assist you if possible. Please note that return flights must be provided or your request to have your application expedited will be refused. All other customers should contact the Garda National Immigration Bureau at ei.adrag@VD_BING
If you are a visa required national and you entered the State on a multi-entry visa in recent months, that visa may still be valid for re-entry. You should check the validity dates on the visa sticker. However, if you were issued with a single entry visa and have not registered, you will need to apply for a re-entry visa from an overseas visa office before you return. On an exceptional basis, you can apply for a visa to re-enter the State at your local Irish Embassy or Consular Office. This application should be made on-line on AVATS when at your destination and you will then be instructed to submit the application to the local mission or visa office, who will do their best to expedite your case. The contact details for the Mission to which you send your application will be on the AVATS summary sheet. If you are a visa required national, you can apply for a visa here
It is best to apply for a multi-entry visa, which will be valid for a further six months from date of issue.
I have applied online for a new IRP card. If it arrives at my Irish address while I am travelling, can I use a soft copy to return to Ireland after 31 January 2025?
A soft copy of your IRP card is not acceptable for travel. If you stay abroad after the 31 January 2025 and you do not have a new, physical IRP card and if you are a visa required national, you can apply for a visa here . When selecting reason for travel on the online visa form you should select ‘other’ and Long Stay (D) should be selected for visa type.
What if I have to travel through a third country to return to Ireland?
Immigration Services (ISD) will communicate with the airlines and immigration authorities to inform them of the changes in place until 31 January 2025. However where you require immigration permission for that third country it is a matter for that jurisdiction to require you to meet their immigration requirements including visa etc.
I am a diplomat who wishes to remain outside Ireland beyond 31 January 2025. What should I do?
Diplomats with valid credentials from the Department of Foreign Affairs may enter the country using those credentials in place of a re-entry visa. Please direct all queries to the Protocol Office, Department of Foreign Affairs. Click here for contact details.