Many people across Ireland are gearing up for a Christmas abroad, so travel experts are warning holidaymakers to keep up to date with passport regulations to avoid any stress
With only five weeks to go until Christmas, everyone is getting ready to enjoy the festive season.
And new data shows that many people are gearing up for a Christmas abroad, with 23rd December being the most popular departure date this winter, according to On The Beach Ireland.
With many different rules, travel experts are urging people to keep up to date with passport expiry date regulations, ahead of the winter travel rush.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at travel operator, On the Beach Ireland has offered advice ahead of the busy travel season.
One of the most important things to look out for on your passport is the expiry date.
“With Irish passports lasting 10 years from the date of issue, it’s easy to believe you can travel up until the passport expires on the 10-year mark but, this isn’t always the case,” Zoe explains.
“You can travel right up to the date of expiry within the EU. However, for countries outside of the EU, the general rule of thumb is to keep six months validity remaining on your passport from the date you’re returning home.
“I’d always advise checking the validity requirements of the country to which you intend to travel, especially if it’s a long-haul destination, as these can vary.”
You don’t need to wait until your current passport has expired to apply for a new one.
Zoe says: “However, it is advisable to apply at least six weeks ahead of any planned travel, as sometimes the passport office can experience unexpected delays.
“Prices for adult standard 10-year passports are €75 if you apply online and €80 if you apply via AnPost. For those under the age of 18, the costs are €20 for a standard 5-year, applied for online, or €30 if you apply via AnPost.”
If you need a new passport quicker than that, you can apply for the Urgent Appointment Service, so long as it’s a renewal and not a first-time application.
“This is a same-day renewal service bookable three days in advance,” Zoe says.
“For this service you’ll pay the regular passport fee plus an appointment fee. For adults this appointment fee is €150.
“If you’re in need of this service I recommend gathering all required documents together as quickly as you can, including a photo and identification.”
The new Entry/Exit system could also affect your airport experience.
Zoe says: “From 12th October 2025, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) came into force across Schengen countries. It replaced traditional passport stamping with a digital process that records fingerprints and facial images for UK travellers.
“The system is designed to strengthen security and speed up future checks, but longer queues are expected initially as airports adjust.
“Although this won’t directly affect those with an Irish passport, it could mean that there are extra queues at your destination airport, so please do factor this into any timings.
“I’d recommend arriving early. Try to be patient and follow airport security instructions, these checks are new for staff too. It’s also worth checking official government updates before you travel.”
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