ISD Enables Holiday Travel for People Awaiting Renewed IRP Cards

The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has announced a special measure to help people travelling during the Christmas period. Because there is currently a backlog and delays in issuing renewed residence cards, the ISD is giving some people flexibility to travel even if their renewal is still being processed.

What You Need to Know

  • If you are a Non‑EEA national legally living in Ireland and you applied to renew your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) before your current card expired, then — even if your old IRP is now expired — you can still travel internationally between 08 December 2025 and 31 January 2026.
  • To travel under this rule, you must carry:
    • Your expired IRP card
    • A printed copy of the official “Travel Confirmation Notice”
    • Proof of your renewal application, such as an email confirmation showing when you applied

Important Notes & Conditions

  • The Travel Confirmation Notice is only valid for travel from 08 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.
  • The renewal application must have been submitted before the expiry date of your previous IRP card. Otherwise, you are not eligible.
  • Even if you use this notice and your expired IRP for travel to leave Ireland, you must ensure that any third country you transit through accepts your documentation, as visas or entry permissions may still be required.
  • The ISD will continue to process all renewal applications as normal. Airlines and foreign missions have been notified, but it is recommended you contact your airline in advance to ensure they accept the travel notice.

What to Do Before Travelling

  1. Download and print the Travel Confirmation Notice from the ISD website.
  2. Gather your expired IRP card and proof of renewal application.
  3. Carry all three documents when travelling abroad.
  4. Check visa and immigration requirements if you will transit through a third country before returning to Ireland.
  5. Contact your airline to confirm they accept the Travel Confirmation Notice.

Why This Matters

With processing delays increasing — sometimes taking weeks for a renewed IRP to arrive — this initiative gives residents peace of mind. It helps those needing to travel during the busy holiday period without being stuck waiting for a physical card.