Ireland’s Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (DOJ) has introduced a temporary Travel Confirmation Notice to support certain non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals awaiting the renewal of their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards, who wish to travel internationally during the summer period.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
Current processing delays at the Immigration Services Registration Office have led to waiting times of more than 17 weeks for some IRP renewal applications. Following approval, applicants may experience a further wait of up to 2 weeks before receiving their renewed IRP card.
To mitigate these delays during the busy summer travel period, the DOJ has issued a temporary Travel Confirmation Notice and accompanying FAQ document. This notice permits eligible non-EEA nationals to travel on a recently expired IRP card where a renewal application was submitted before the card expired.
Key Highlights
- Eligible non-EEA nationals who are legally resident in the state may rely on a recently expired IRP card for international travel during the period between 13 July 2026 and 31 August 2026, provided they meet the conditions of the temporary arrangement introduced by the DOJ.
- To benefit under the temporary travel concession, the IRP renewal application is required to be submitted before the expiry date of their current IRP card. Individuals who submitted their renewal application after their permission expired are not covered by the temporary arrangements.
- The Travel Confirmation Notice is valid for the period of 13 July 2026 to 31 August 2026 only and is intended to facilitate travel while eligible renewal applications remain under processing.
- Individuals who are relying on the temporary arrangement should carry the following documentation when travelling:
1. their recently expired IRP card;
2. a printed copy of the Travel Confirmation Notice;2 and
3. proof their IRP renewal application was submitted prior to their IRP card's expiry date, such as the application confirmation email. - Individuals travelling are encouraged to contact their airline in advance of departure to confirm that the carrier is aware of and will accept the Travel Confirmation Notice.
- Before booking their travel, individuals who intend to transit through a third country on their return to Ireland are strongly encouraged to confirm, in advance, that the relevant jurisdiction will accept the Travel Confirmation Notice for onward travel to Ireland.
- The DOJ has confirmed that airlines and foreign missions will be notified of the temporary arrangements, while the processing of IRP renewal applications will continue as normal.
KPMG INSIGHTS
Steps to Consider
Employees awaiting the renewal of their IRP card who intend to travel internationally between 13 July and 31 August 2026, should ensure they have all required documentation before departure. This includes proof that their renewal application was submitted before their current IRP expired.
Employers should be aware of the temporary travel arrangements and encourage affected employees to review airline and transit-country requirements in advance of travel.
Employers who have questions or concerns about this update should consult their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG Law LLP in Ireland (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 Department Of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Government of Ireland, “Minister Brophy announces initiative to facilitate customers travelling during the summer months - Immigration Service Delivery,” published on 13 July 2026.
2 Department Of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Government of Ireland, “Travel Confirmation Notice.”
Contacts
Elaine Norton
Associate Director, KPMG Law & Corporate Immigration and Employment Law
KPMG in Ireland
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Ireland.
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