Irish Passport Recall: What Travellers Need to Know About the 2026 Software Error

Introduction: A Critical Issue for Irish Travellers

Irish passports have been making headlines in early 2026 for two contrasting reasons: while they’ve been ranked among the world’s strongest travel documents, almost 13,000 recently issued Irish passports are being recalled due to a software error which may make them non-compliant with Border Control regulations or eGates. This unprecedented recall has sparked concern among thousands of Irish citizens who received their passports during the Christmas and New Year period, highlighting the importance of checking travel documents well in advance of any international journey.

The Software Error and Its Impact

A total of 12,904 passports issued between 23 December 2025 and 6 January may not be fully compliant with Border Control regulations or eGates, due to a problem with a software update. According to reports, the letters IRL are missing from these passports, rendering them non-compliant with international aviation standards.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said that border authorities worldwide have been notified about the issue. The department has apologised for the inconvenience and assured affected citizens that anyone who received a passport within the affected period does not need to reapply for a new one, but will be re-issued with one. The office said that a new passport will be issued “within a maximum of ten working days”.

What Affected Passport Holders Should Do

The Passport Service has said that it has emailed affected customers. Citizens who received passports during the affected period should check their issue date and contact the Passport Service if necessary. Anyone travelling imminently should contact their Customer Services Team on [email protected] or 016131780 (+35316131780 from overseas).

Irish Passport Strength Remains World-Class

Despite this technical setback, the Irish passport continues to hold significant global value. The Irish passport has been ranked the strongest in the world in the Nomad Passport Index 2026, with visa-free access to 189 countries makes it one of the most globally mobile passports. This achievement underscores the passport’s importance to millions of Irish citizens and those eligible for citizenship by descent.

Conclusion: Vigilance and Preparation Remain Essential

The Irish passport recall serves as a crucial reminder for all travellers to verify their documents well in advance of any trip. Whilst the Passport Service has moved swiftly to address the issue and notify affected individuals, the incident highlights the complexities of modern passport production systems. For the approximately 13,000 affected citizens, replacement passports are being processed as a priority, ensuring that Ireland’s reputation for efficient passport services remains intact. Irish travellers should remain vigilant, check their passport validity regularly, and take advantage of the online Passport Service for smooth and timely applications.