** ALL ** Passport Queries take.two. **! Mod-note in post#1288

Quick post regarding waiting times etc, just receievd my new passport from an online application - 2 day turnaround!!! Stunned is not the word, mighty impressive from the passport office; have to give full credit on that one.

I would say he is referring to border points where ePassport gates are not yet installed. UK Govt have planned to have a fully digital border by end of 2025 which involves rolling out of more egates (and reducing manned gates), Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme and eVisas.

While the Irish passport card is valid for entry, it generally cannot be used at ePassport gates. Irish citizens using a passport card will typically need to use a staffed border control lane. This is not a new change, but a functional limitation of the card's technology compared to a full passport book.

If they were to actively not accept the cards (at manned gates), there will need to be official announcements from UK Border Force in advance of this to give individuals and business warning of such a change.

In the meantime, all official guidance reaffirms the validity of the Irish passport card for entry into the UK for Irish citizens.

Any suggestion that the UK Border Force will not accept passport cards for Irish citizens until such time would contradict official government policy and the fundamental principles of the Common Travel Area.

Any photo machine will do it, it gives you a code. Most pharmacies too

Regarding First time application online, the identity verification form that has to be printed for Gardai.Is that to be scanned and uploaded as jpeg after or has it to be posted along with Long birt h certificate after verification ?

Send it in with the other documents

Hi everyone, hoping someone here has had a similar experience.

I applied online yesterday to renew my father's Irish passport, as it expires in August. What I didn’t realise at the time is that, according to the passport website, the existing passport becomes invalid as soon as the new one is issued.

However, when I googled this beforehand, everything I read (including Citizens Information: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/passports/renewing-an-irish-passport) suggested that the old passport would remain valid for up to 6 weeks after the new one is issued.

The complication is that my father is currently in Spain and flying back to Ireland in 10 days, staying for a week, and then returning to Spain. I timed the application so the new passport would (hopefully) arrive while he’s home.

I spoke to Passport Live Chat and they advised against travelling on the old passport once the new one is issued. They also said they can’t pause the application, and although it might be possible to cancel it, it will likely be auto-approved soon.

Has anyone here travelled on their old Irish passport after a renewal was issued? Would really appreciate any advice or insight.

Thanks Wassie really appreciate that