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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Ireland will offer its citizens a “passport card” that can be used for travel throughout the EU/EEA in lieu of a passport, akin to EU Identity Cards.
What does the change mean? The passport cards, which will be available to Irish citizens ages 18 and older who already hold a passport, will add convenience as a secondary ID card and travel document.
Background: Applicants will only be able to apply online or through a free mobile app and pay by credit card. To be eligible, applicants must possess a valid Irish passport with at least 30 days of remaining validity. The cards will be valid for up to five years or for the remaining duration of the applicant’s passport. The government fee is £35, plus an additional £5 postal fee for applicants living outside Ireland.
Unveiled in January, the card was expected to launch in July, but has been delayed until the end of September to add greater security features to the card, including a hologram photo of the holder.
BAL Analysis: The credit-card sized passport cards will be a convenient alternative to the bulkier Irish passport booklet for frequent travelers. Irish business travelers and assignees will be able to travel in Europe while their passport is withheld during a visa application process.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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