A recall has been issued for almost 13,000 passports due to a printing error, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
An issue emerged in recent days with passports issued between December 23rd, 2025, and January 6th, 2026. It is understood the letters IRL are missing from these passports. They may not be accepted as a result at border control.
In a statement to The Irish Times, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said: “Due to a technical issue with a software update, passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 inclusive are not fully compliant with international travel standards and there is a possibility that some passport holders may have an issue at eGates and border control when travelling.
“The passport service sincerely regrets this issue and apologises to affected citizens for the inconvenience caused.
RM Block
The DFA confirmed a total of 12,904 passports were affected, but passports issued outside those dates were not impacted.
It said there was no current estimate of how much rectifying the error would cost the Passport Service.
“In order to mitigate against any possible travel issues, the passport service has notified border authorities worldwide through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), as well as Irish Border Management.
“The Passport Service has contacted affected customers by email to inform them of the issue and will be reissuing passports to them in the coming days and weeks.” All reissued passports will have a new passport number.
Anyone recently issued a passport book or passport card is advised to check the date of issue that can be found on the page with information about the holder and their photograph.
“If your passport was issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January 2026 inclusive, it is important that we reissue your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure that you do not face any issues with future travel,” the service’s website advises.
“You do not need to reapply for a new passport. Please return your passport book (and passport card if you had applied for one) to the below address immediately: Passport Return – Customer Care, Passport Service, 42-47 Lower Mount St, Dublin 2 – D02 TN83 Ireland.”
The Passport Service said it is prioritising assisting affected customers, and further information can be found on their website.
With regard to US ESTAs, the individual involved should consult US authorities as to whether they need a new ESTA if their passport is re-issued.
Customers who are travelling imminently should contact the dedicated customer service team that has been set up to assist citizens, including over this weekend, for guidance.
The Customer Service Team is available from 9am to 4.30pm every day at 01 6131780 or passportreturn@dfa.ie.
The Passport Service will reimburse the cost of postage or any replacement visas which may be required.
