The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has recalled almost 13,000 recently issued passports due to a technical error impacting their compliance with international travel standards. Citizens who received passports between December 23rd and January 6th may face issues at border control because of a software update malfunction.
The Issue & Affected Passports
A total of 12,904 passports are affected by the error. Though the Department has not specified the exact nature of the problem, reports indicate that the defective passports lack the country code “IRL.” This omission, while seemingly minor, can lead to complications during international travel.
The Department has notified border authorities worldwide to prevent issues for travelers with the incorrect passports. Affected citizens are strongly advised to request a reissue immediately to avoid potential delays or rejection at border crossings.
Passport Reissue Process
Returning the defective passport to the Irish Passport Service will result in a new, compliant passport being issued within 10 working days. The Department has apologized for the inconvenience caused, emphasizing the importance of timely reapplication.
Rising Demand & US Connections
The recall occurs alongside a surge in Irish passport applications from the United States. Foreign birth registrations from U.S. citizens increased by 50% in 2024, reaching over 11,600. This reflects growing interest in Irish citizenship, fueled by eligibility through ancestry (grandparents or parents born in Ireland).
According to U.S. Census data, nearly 10% of U.S. residents claim Irish heritage, and around 120,000 were born in Ireland. The exact number of Americans affected by this recall remains unknown, as the Irish Passport Service does not track applicants with dual citizenship.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent quality control in passport issuance. With increasing international travel and dual citizenship trends, ensuring passport accuracy is critical for smooth border crossings.
