Irish officials have advised non-European Economic Area nationals who need a new Irish Residence Permit card to apply as soon as possible and no later than Oct. 31 to accommodate for delayed processing expected in the lead up to the busy holiday travel season.

Key Points:

• Ireland’s Immigration Services Registration Office in Dublin is experiencing a high volume of IRP card renewal applications and estimates the time to receive a new IRP card to be approximately six weeks.
• A current IRP card may be required for travel to and from Ireland, so individuals required to renew their IRP card who intend to travel internationally over the coming holiday period should apply online via the Immigration Service Delivery online portal as soon as possible.

BAL Analysis: Residents who intend to travel internationally this upcoming holiday season should renew their permissions by the end of October to ensure their IRP card arrives in time to facilitate travel. Requests tend to increase ahead of holiday travel, and applicants should expect delays and plan accordingly.