Almost 13,000 Irish passports are being recalled this week over a technical error. This follows one comedian, based in Belfast, sharing online how tough he found it to get an Irish passport, even though he’s Irish
Almost 13,000 Irish passports are being recalled due to a technical fault (stock image)(Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)
This week has brought news that almost 13,000 Irish passports are being recalled due to a technical fault. Those who have recently received an Irish passport should be mindful that it may not fully meet Border Control requirements or eGates owing to a software update problem.
The Passport Office has identified a total of 12,904 passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January this year as potentially non-compliant. However, those who received a passport during the affected timeframe need not reapply; they will be reissued a new one. According to RTÉ, the office has given assurances that a new passport will be dispatched “within a maximum of ten working days”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed that border authorities across the globe have been notified about the issue.
In a statement, it shared regret over the circumstances, saying the “Passport Service sincerely regrets this issue and apologises to affected citizens for the inconvenience caused”
Those who have recently secured an Irish passport are urged to check the date of issue. The Passport Service has contacted via email those customers who are affected.
This news comes after Northern Irish comedian, podcaster, and content creator Colin Geddis’ remarks in September about his ‘nightmare’ experience securing an Irish passport.
The 38-year-old, who is based in Belfast, detailed his ordeal on the Give My Head Podcast at the time.
In a TikTok video, he expressed his frustration: “Trying to get the Irish passport is an absolute nightmare.
“You know when you’re at that age and you’re like, ‘I’ll get my own passport now’. I went down and got the form.
“I didn’t know there was an Irish passport. You know what I mean? I was just like, ‘Give me the passport form.'”.
Colin revealed that he initially secured a British passport, which is valid for 10 years and ‘easy to renew’, but subsequently decided to apply for an Irish passport to “skip the queues in Majorca”.
Nevertheless, he admitted the application had proved difficult, saying: “Man, I’ve been back and forward with them about seven times.”
The Passport Service has been contacted for comment.
What should you do if your passport is affected?
The Passport Service has confirmed that customers affected by the error have been contacted via email.
Those whose passports have been impacted by the mistake should return their passport book and/or card to:
Passport Return – Customer Care
Passport Service
42-47 Lower Mount St
Dublin 2 – D02 TN83
Ireland
Anyone due to travel soon should contact The Passport Office’s Customer Services Team at passportreturn@dfa. ie or 016131780 (+35316131780 from abroad).
