The Passport Office had allowed travelers who had to travel essentially to apply for a new passport from this week onwards. The applications will be granted for those who travel for education, work and to help and care their family members. The travelers are requested to provide a certificate which should prove their urgency to travel.
People who fail to prove their urgency will not be granted their passports and they will only get their passports after Level 5 restrictions are lifted. The application processes faced a halt in December 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
A recent amendment of the Health Act 1947 had expanded the criteria on the excuses which should be considered to accept it as an essential travel. The criteria which are considered are;
- Attend school, University or other educational reasons.
- Obtain essential medical and health care.
- To attend a funeral.
- To attend urgent family matters.
- To accompany someone in an urgent issue.
The applicants can contact the Passport Office through Web Chat facility and Customer Service Hub. The applicants should be able to support their applications with solid and valid proofs.
Source: dfa.ie/passportonline/