July 19 is 'D-Day' for a lot of people because that is the date when Ireland plans to operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU and EEA.
Essentially, this means the return of foreign holidays after almost two years without them.
The EU COVID Certificate (previously called the Digital Green Certificate) will help citizens move freely and safely within the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is proof that you have either:
- Been vaccinated against COVID-19
- Received a negative test result
- Recovered from COVID-19
Being vaccinated will not be a pre-condition to travel.
All that will have Irish travellers fumbling for their passports, which haven't been used in years.
But what if your passport has expired? Here are the easiest ways to get your new one.
Passport Online
Yes, you can now apply to get your passport online.
Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, the passport service has continued to process Passport Online applications.
Passport Online is open to all applicants, including children, renewing their passports and those applying for their first passport who are resident in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
This is the fastest and cheapest way to get your first Irish passport or renew your passport. Once you have your photo, it only takes about ten minutes.
To apply via Passport Online, you can click here .
Fill out a form
If you do not qualify or wish to use the online system, you need to use an application form .
You need to get an APS 1 Form from one of the following:
- A Garda Station
- A Post Office
- Passport Office in Dublin or Cork
