Temporary Measures Introduced for Travelers with Expired Irish Residence Permits 

 

The Irish Minister for Justice has introduced temporary travel arrangements to assist certain non-nationals legally resident in Ireland whose Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards have recently expired. 

 

The temporary concession applies to international travel taking place between 13 July 2026 and 31 August 2026 and is intended to facilitate the return of eligible residents to Ireland while awaiting renewal of their immigration registration. 

 

What Has Changed? 

From 13 July 2026, eligible non-nationals residing in Ireland may use an expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card as evidence of their entitlement to re-enter the State until 31 August 2026, provided they submitted an application to renew their registration before their existing permission expired. 

 

Travelers should also carry proof of their renewal application, including: 

• A receipt of application; 

• The application submission date; and 

• The associated OREG number. 

 

These documents will demonstrate that the renewal application was submitted before the expiry of the current IRP card. 

 

Important Limitations 

This temporary arrangement does not apply where an individual’s immigration permission expired before a renewal application was submitted. In such cases, the individual is considered out of permission and cannot rely on this concession for travel. 

 

In addition: 

• Travelers holding a single-entry visa and a prior landing stamp will require a re-entry visa before travelling back to Ireland. 

• Travelers holding a valid multiple-entry visa may continue to travel as normal. 

 

Who Is Affected? 

These temporary arrangements apply to non-nationals legally resident in Ireland who are travelling internationally between 13 July 2026 and 31 August 2026 and who have submitted a renewal application for their immigration registration before the expiry of their current IRP card. 

 

What Does This Mean for Travelers? 

Eligible individuals who need to travel during this period may be able to do so using their expired IRP card, provided they can demonstrate that a renewal application was submitted on time. 

 

To minimize the risk of travel disruption, travelers should ensure they carry all required supporting documentation and verify their visa requirements before departure. 

Recommended Actions 

Individuals intending to travel under these temporary arrangements should: 

• Print and carry the official Travel Confirmation Notice issued by the Department of Justice; 

• Carry their expired IRP card; 

• Carry proof of their renewal application, including the application receipt and OREG number; and 

• Present these documents to airline carriers and immigration authorities if requested. 

 

Further information is available on the Department of Justice’s Irish Immigration website: Irish Immigration Service. 

 

How We Can Help 

T&S Global Immigration Practice can advise on eligibility under these temporary arrangements, review travel plans and documentation, and assist with immigration registration renewals and re-entry requirements. 

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a specific case, please contact your usual T&S adviser.