Irish citizens are being urged to review their passport expiry dates ahead of any overseas travel planned for the new year.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, has launched the Passport Service’s 2026 public information and awareness campaign, titled *Don’t Be That Person*, reports RTE.
The initiative encourages people to confirm their passport is valid before finalising travel arrangements and to submit passport applications online well in advance of departure.
The department said the online portal, Passport Online, continues to be the fastest, simplest and most affordable option for Irish citizens at home and abroad when applying for a passport, reports RTE.
The service facilitates renewals, first-time passport applications, as well as applications for new-borns and children.
During this year, 93% of all passport applicants used Passport Online to submit their application, reports RTE.
The 2026 *Don’t Be That Person* digital campaign places particular emphasis on informing parents that both first-time and renewal passport applications for babies and children can be completed online.
Minister McEntee said: “As people begin planning holidays, family trips, and work travel for the year ahead, it’s vital to check the validity of your passport as you make your preparations,” reports RTE.
“As a parent of young children myself, I know the organisation that goes into planning a family holiday. For parents planning to travel with children, particularly their first holiday, applying online and early is key,” reports RTE.
For more information or to apply for a passport online, visit [www.Ireland.ie/PassportOnline](http://www.Ireland.ie/PassportOnline), reports RTE.
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