Ireland Allows Holiday Travel With Expired IRP Cards for Non-EU Residents

If you live in Ireland and you are not from the EU or EEA, you might have heard the big update. The Irish government has introduced a temporary Travel Confirmation Notice to help people waiting for their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) renewal who still need to travel in December or January.

Travelling With An Expired IRP

If you applied to renew your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) before it expired, you can still travel outside Ireland even if your IRP card is now out of date. This rule applies from 8 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.

It is happening because immigration offices are dealing with delays. Many people have already completed their registration but are still waiting for their new IRP card to arrive by post, which can take up to two weeks.

What You Need When Travelling

To avoid any issues at the airport or border checks, carry three things with you:

1. The printed Travel Confirmation Notice
2. Your expired IRP card
3. Proof that you applied for renewal before the expiry date (for example, the email showing the date you submitted your renewal)

Airlines and immigration officers may ask for these documents, so keep them handy during your journey.

Download Travel Confirmation Notice

Download the Travel Confirmation Notice from the link below and carry a printed copy with you when travelling to Ireland if your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) has expired.

Why This Notice Was Issued

It is worth noting that Ireland’s Immigration Service is currently dealing with a backlog in registration and card processing. Even after you renew your residence permission, it can take up to two weeks for the new IRP card to arrive by post.

The new Travel Confirmation Notice is designed to help legal residents avoid cancelling or delaying their travel plans during the busy Christmas and New Year holiday season.

A Few More Points to Remember

• This special permission works only between 8 December 2025 and 31 January 2026
• The government is informing airlines and foreign missions about the rule
• You still need to meet the requirements of any other country you transit through on your way back to Ireland, including visas if needed

FInal Thoughts

If your IRP renewal is in progress and you applied in time, you can travel for the Christmas and New Year period without waiting for the new card to arrive. Just make sure you download and print the Travel Confirmation Notice and carry all required documents so you can travel without stress.