Ireland Recalls 13,000 Passports Due to Missing Code
▼ Summary
– Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is recalling nearly 13,000 passports issued between December 23, 2025 and January 6, 2026 due to a printing defect caused by a software update.
– The error makes the passports non-compliant with international standards and potentially unreadable at automated border gates (eGates) worldwide.
– The defect likely involves a missing or malformed “IRL” issuing-state code in the passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ), which is critical for automated scanning.
– Affected holders are instructed to return their documents for a free replacement, which will be issued within approximately 10 working days without needing to reapply.
– Travelers with imminent plans or overseas residents are directed to contact the Passport Office via a provided email or phone number for assistance.
The Irish government has initiated a significant recall of nearly 13,000 passports due to a critical printing defect that renders them non-compliant with global travel standards. This issue, stemming from a recent software update, could cause the documents to be rejected at automated border gates worldwide, prompting an international alert and a comprehensive re-issuance effort for affected citizens.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 12,904 passports issued between December 23, 2025, and January 6, 2026, are impacted. The problem relates to the machine-readable zone (MRZ), the two-line coded text at the bottom of the biographical page that automated systems scan. A mandatory element within this zone is the three-letter issuing-state code, which for Ireland is “IRL.” The software glitch has resulted in this code being missing or incorrectly formatted, meaning eGates and other automated border control systems may fail to read the passport, even if the visual details and embedded chip are perfectly intact.
Authorities have issued a global notification through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and launched a free replacement program. Holders of affected passports are being asked to return their passport books and any associated cards. They do not need to submit a new application. The Passport Office has committed to issuing corrected documents within approximately ten working days of receipt. “This will ensure that you do not face any issues with future travel,” the official notice states.
For individuals with imminent travel plans or Irish residents currently overseas, specific customer service channels have been established. They are advised to contact the Passport Office via email at passportreturn@dfa.ie or by telephone at +353 (0) 1 613 1780 for guidance on how to proceed without disrupting their journeys. The government emphasizes that this is a precautionary recall to prevent potential disruptions at international borders, ensuring all Irish travel documents meet the stringent technical specifications required for seamless global mobility.
(Source: Bleeping Computer)