A new Passport Card will be available on September 28, 2015 to Irish nationals over the age of 18 who hold a valid Irish passport. The card will have a maximum validity of five years (or the remaining validity of the applicant’s passport book) and can be used to travel within the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). The card will allow eligible nationals to travel throughout the EU and EEA while passport books are held for visa processing.
The Passport Card can also be used as an identification document and for employers to evidence foreign workers’ right to work.
A Passport Card will cost €35, or €40 for those residing outside of Ireland.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Eligible Irish nationals should benefit from the Passport Card as it will allow them to travel to EU/EEA countries pending the approval of their business and work visas.