IRELAND ALLOWS FOREIGN RESIDENTS TRAVEL WITH EXPIRED PERMIT CARDS UNTIL AUGUST 31
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
Ireland has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible foreign residents to travel with recently expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards until August 31, 2026, as authorities work to clear a backlog in residence permit renewals.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, to assist non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals legally residing in Ireland whose permit renewal applications are still being processed.
According to a statement published on the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration website on July 13, the Immigration Services Registration Office at Burgh Quay in Dublin is currently facing a high volume of renewal applications, with processing times exceeding 17 weeks for some categories.
The department noted that applicants may also wait an additional two weeks to receive their new IRP cards after their renewals have been approved.
To ease travel challenges during the summer period, authorities said eligible residents who submitted their renewal applications before their permits expired would be allowed to travel using their recently expired IRP cards.
The department explained that the arrangement is supported by a Travel Confirmation Notice, which requests airlines and other carriers to permit travel for affected individuals.
The temporary measure is effective from July 13 to August 31, 2026.
Under the arrangement, non-EEA nationals who applied for permit renewal before the expiration of their IRP cards can use the expired cards for international travel during the specified period.
The department advised travellers to carry a printed copy of the Travel Confirmation Notice, their expired IRP card and evidence showing that their renewal application was submitted before the card’s expiry date.
Travellers were also encouraged to contact their airlines before departure to confirm recognition of the temporary arrangement and to verify acceptance of the notice if travelling through third countries.
The Department of Justice said it would notify airlines and foreign missions about the measure while continuing efforts to process outstanding renewal applications.
The temporary travel concession comes amid ongoing delays in Ireland’s residence permit renewal system, with some applicants reportedly waiting up to 17 weeks for updated documentation.
The announcement also follows recent reforms to Ireland’s employment permit framework aimed at addressing labour shortages in sectors including healthcare, construction, transport, agri-food and specialist services.
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