Dublin. Credit: Pexels, Steven Hylands
Non-EEA nationals living in Ireland will be allowed to travel internationally on expired Irish Residence Permits (IRPs) during the upcoming festive period, thanks to a new initiative by the Irish Department of Justice.
The measure has been designed to ease travel for residents during the Christmas season, applies strictly from December 2, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Ireland’s new Travel Confirmation Notice
Under the new regulations, individuals with an expired IRP card can travel internationally, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Apply for permit renewal: Eligible travellers must have submitted their IRP renewal application before their current card expired.
- Carry supporting documents: Travellers must present a Travel Confirmation Notice, their expired IRP card, and proof of their renewal application to immigration authorities or airline staff when requested.
The Travel Confirmation Notice, issued by the Irish Department of Justice, is valid only during the specified holiday period. Beyond January 31, 2025, standard travel rules for expired permits will resume.
This measure benefits third-country nationals legally residing in Ireland who are awaiting the processing of their IRP renewal. The initiative aims to ensure that residents can reunite with family or travel during the festive season without added stress.
Travellers passing through third countries must adhere to the immigration requirements of those jurisdictions, including necessary visas.
The Department of Justice clarified in a press release: “Immigration authorities, as well as airlines, might ask to see these documents. Travellers must ensure they have all the necessary paperwork.”
Online IRP renewals in Ireland
Coinciding with this temporary travel measure, Ireland has recently introduced a fully online system for IRP renewals. Effective since November 2024, the new system eliminates the need for lengthy in-person visits.
This improvement has been widely praised for increasing efficiency. Fragomen, a global immigration consultancy, reported: “Filing online applications…will be time and cost-efficient as applicants will no longer have to go to the Burgh Quay Registration Office in person.”
The combination of temporary travel flexibility and online IRP renewals highlights Ireland’s commitment to supporting its diverse expat community.