Key Points
- Processing times for Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewals at the Registration Office in Burgh Quay, Dublin have exceeded 17 weeks in some categories.
- Following registration approval, applicants may wait an additional two weeks to receive their new IRP Card.
- To support impacted residents travelling during the summer period, the Department of Justice has introduced a temporary Travel Confirmation Notice.
- Eligible non-EEA nationals may travel using a recently expired IRP Card, provided they submitted their renewal application before the card expired.
- The initiative is valid from July 13, 2026, to August 31, 2026.
Background
The Immigration Services Registration Office (ISD) in Burgh Quay is currently experiencing significant processing delays due to a high volume of renewal applications. As a result, many individuals who have applied on time for IRP Card renewal may not receive their updated residence permit before planned international travel.
Recognising the impact on residents during the peak summer travel season, the Minister has introduced a temporary measure designed to facilitate travel for affected individuals.
Temporary Travel Arrangement & Validity Period
Under the new initiative, eligible non-EEA nationals who meet the following criteria may travel internationally using their recently expired IRP Card together with supporting documentation:
- Are legal residents of Ireland
- Require renewal of their IRP Card, and
- Submitted their renewal application before their current IRP Card expired.
The Department has issued a Travel Confirmation Notice requesting airlines and carriers facilitate travel for eligible individuals during the validity period of the measure.
The Travel Confirmation Notice is valid from 13 July 2026 to 31 August 2026.
Required Documentation
Travelers should carry the following documents when departing from and returning to Ireland:
- Their recently expired IRP Card
- Proof of their renewal application submission (such as the email confirmation showing the application date and OREG number), and
- A printed copy of the Department’s Travel Confirmation Notice, which can be found via this LINK.
These documents should be presented to airline staff and immigration authorities upon request.
Important Travel Considerations
The ISD strongly recommends that travellers:
- Contact their airline before travel to confirm awareness and acceptance of the Travel Confirmation Notice.
- Check transit requirements carefully where travel involves passing through a third country. Not all jurisdictions may recognise the Irish Travel Confirmation Notice for transit purposes.
- Carry all supporting documentation throughout their journey.
The Department has advised airlines and Irish missions abroad of the temporary arrangements and will continue processing renewal applications during this period.
Newland Chase Comment
This is a welcome and pragmatic measure that provides reassurance to foreign nationals whose IRP Card renewal applications remain pending due to current processing backlogs. While the Travel Confirmation Notice should facilitate international travel for eligible residents, individuals are advised to undertake careful travel planning, particularly where transit through third countries is involved.
Employers and travelers should ensure that all relevant documentation is obtained and carried prior to departure and should verify requirements directly with airlines and any transit jurisdictions to minimize the risk of travel disruption.
For further information regarding Irish immigration compliance and travel planning, please contact your Newland Chase Ireland team.
This alert is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Newland Chase directly for case-specific guidance.
