The EU’s new rules on travel come into force in the coming days as ‘free movement’ will be facilitated for anyone with a valid Digital Covid Cert.
So, as long as you have proof of vaccination (within the new expiry terms), recovery, or a recent negative test you will be exempt from any other travel restrictions at your destination.
Ireland began easing Covid restrictions last weekend with little notice, as many businesses work to get back up and running.
Following the jump start on our return to pre-Covid life, people who would have ruled out the potential for international travel this Spring/Summer season are now jumping to update their passports ahead of their potential holidays.
The Passport Service will reportedly have to recruit "significant numbers of additional staff" in the coming weeks according to a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, as it forecasts a major jump in demand.
With thousands looking to sort their documents in time for a much-needed holiday, workers are now trying to clear around 113,000 applications that are currently in the system.
If you haven’t already applied and will be needing an updated travel document, you should jump to it as officials forecast the demand to surge even further in the coming months - with some estimating around 1.7 million applications to come through the door.
The passport service says it is planning on hiring nearly double the number of employees compared to last year as consumer confidence grows and the travel industry reawakens.
A spokesperson told the Irish Examiner: "The number of Passport Online applications in the system is currently approximately 113,000.
"The applications can be divided as incomplete applications standing at 51,000 (where we are awaiting documentation from applicants), and 62,000 applications with the Passport Service currently processing."
The current online turnaround times stand at:
- 10 working days for a simple renewal
- 15 working days for a complex renewal
- 40 days for first-time applicants
If you’re opting to apply by post, you’re looking at around 8 weeks for all types of passport services.
