Minister Flanagan Launches Irish Passport Card for Use in 30 European Countries

Minister Flanagan Launches Irish Passport Card for Use in 30 European Countries

Pioneering Combination of Irish Technology and Design

Now Open for Online Applications

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D. today announced that applications for the new passport card are now being accepted on-line from Irish citizens.

This is a new innovation that will allow Irish citizens to travel within all thirty countries of the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). Adult citizens who already have a valid Irish passport book are eligible to apply for the card, which is designed to fit readily into any wallet or purse.

Speaking at the announcement of the new service, Minister Flanagan said;

“I am delighted to announce that applications for the new passport card can be submitted on-line from today through my Department’s website and also through a new mobile app which has been specifically designed for the purpose.

“The introduction of the passport card is a significant innovation that will enhance the travel experience for Irish people as they go on holidays or business trips to thirty countries throughout Europe. Citizens who apply will need to have a valid passport book already but they will be able to use the passport card alone for travelling to such popular destinations as Spain, France and Italy.

“This an Irish-led and Irish-designed project that combines cutting edge technology and security features with ground-breaking levels of user-friendliness and flexibility.”

The Minister added:

“I am particularly proud that we are one of the very first countries in the world to introduce such a passport card. It represents a very positive story of Irish-led creative thinking and innovation and illustrates that we are very much pioneers in this area.

It also underlines the Government’s commitment to the expanded provision of public services online.”

Full details about the passport card application process are available at  www.dfa.ie/passportcard