Close to 13,000 recently issued Irish passports are being recalled due to a printing error.
The Irish government's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the error to the Irish Times.
According to the Times, 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 the Department of Foreign Affairs said on its website: "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 such 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. The Passport Service has contacted border authorities worldwide to alert them to this issue."
The DFA confirmed that a total of 12,904 passports were affected. However, passports issued outside those dates were not impacted.
Added the DFA statement: “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 carry 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 Irish passport service's website states."
The Passport Service, according to the Times report, said it was prioritising assisting affected customers, and further information can be found on its website.That can be reached through the DFA website, www.dfa.ie which carries the full statement addressing the snafu.
And it stated: "With regard to U.S. ESTAs, the individual involved should consult U.S. 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."
If an individual has received one of the affected passports, but has no immediate travel plans, the Department of Foreign Affairs advises to return the document to Passport Return - Customer Care
Passport Service, 42-47 Lower Mount St., Dublin 2 D02 TN83
"Once your affected passport has been received, we will endeavour to issue you a new passport within 10 working days. You do not need to reapply for a passport, the DFA Website adds.
The Customer Service Team is available from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. 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.
A call from the United States will be to 011-353-1-6131780. Demand for Irish passports has surged over the last year, not least in the United States.
