Is the new passport card any use?

xabi_a · 10-03-2023 8:54pm #1

I just renewed my passport and got the card version too. But does it work in the new automated passport control stations, which are being used more and more in Dublin airport? And do Ryanair and Aer Lingus accept these?

I'd be nervous traveling without my book passport! What experience have others had?

10-03-2023 9:02pm

Yes. Yes. Yes. They're accepted for travel anywhere within and between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

They're not accepted for travel outside the European Union or United Kingdom.

xabi_a · 10-03-2023 9:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120342355#Comment_120342355

OK but can you use the card to go through the automated passport check controls? (Not that it's the end of the world if you can't, I'm just wondering). It seems to me that more and more we're being directed to these automated gates.

Nigel Fairservice · 10-03-2023 9:22pm

I used mine at the gates once in Dublin. It's hard to pick the card up off the glass plate. There's never been too much of a queue when I've gone through immigration in Dublin so mostly go to the desk. I never take my book anymore for trips to Europe or the UK. It's just less hassle using the card.

Del2005 · 10-03-2023 9:23pm

September last year I used it to travel to Estonia and it wasn't working at any of the auto gates. In Estonia I wasn't allowed to try the auto gates and in Dublin I could try the auto gate but the card didn't work, the E Gate was only configured for the book at the time.

Waste of money if you still can't use the E Gate.

10-03-2023 9:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120342377#Comment_120342377

That was my first "yes"

HeidiHeidi · 10-03-2023 9:37pm

Bear in mind that you can't check in online with Aer Lingus with the passport card (or couldn't up until last year anyway, I haven't travelled this year yet but I assume it hasn't changed).

I nearly got caught rotten abroad with a two leg flight home, with a very tight connection, I had no idea that you couldn't check in online with it. AL when they eventually answered a phone just said "oh yeah, you can't check in online, you'll have to go out and check in at the desk" 😱

Having said that, the card is fierce handy, and I wouldn't be without it.

Aurelian · 10-03-2023 9:39pm

Got it a while ago to make going to Spain easier. Aer Lingus don't accept them for self check in so I had to go to the desk. Then they don't work in the Spanish automated immigration machines, so I had to queue for the immigration police like a common Brit!

In future I'll bring my full passport and keep the card in my wallet as back up ID.

Mr rebel · 11-03-2023 2:14am

I use my passport card as an extra to my passport when travelling, in that i lock up my passport in the hotel safe and carry my passport card around with me as my ID.

ted1 · 11-03-2023 2:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058287760/is-the-new-passport-card-any-use

You need your book, the card accompanies it, not replaces it.

HeidiHeidi · 11-03-2023 2:22am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120343562#Comment_120343562

It does replace the book within the EU and UK

11-03-2023 11:46am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120343562#Comment_120343562

Poppycock.

WishUWereHere · 11-03-2023 12:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344227#Comment_120344227

Any need for such an inappropriate comment?

Im not saying You are right or wrong, but please furnish information to back up your ‘one word’ response.

11-03-2023 12:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344356#Comment_120344356

What's inappropriate about it? I just called out absolute nonsense being posted here as truth. As for how I know? Personal experience amongst others, I've travelled all over Europe with just a passport card. It does not ever need to be accompanied by a passport book.

Also...

https://www.dfa.ie/passportcard/

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/passports/irish_passport_card.html

L1011 · 11-03-2023 12:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120343562#Comment_120343562

You don't.

Why would it even exist if it was just an accompaniment?

SuperBowserWorld · 11-03-2023 12:55pm

You can get it cheaper when getting a new passport but it is for 5 years not 10 like the passport, so you need to get a new one in 5 years (if I recall correctly)

blade1 · 11-03-2023 12:56pm

I need to renew my passport and this is the first I've heard of a card.

Does the card automatically come with passport or must I order one separately?

HeidiHeidi · 11-03-2023 12:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344502#Comment_120344502

This is correct.

I just got both last week, passport valid for 10 years, card for 5. €100 for the two together.

Jafin · 11-03-2023 1:03pm

I travelled to Paris last year using my passport card and when I got to passport control at the airport in Paris the gentleman there asked me what my passport card was and when I explained it to him he looked at me like I had three heads, he had never seen or heard of one before. The automatic scanner thing at the gates wouldn't pick up my card at all so I had to use the book, which I had luckily brought with me just in case there was an issue. Similar thing coming back into Dublin, but only at the scanner, again I couldn't get the scanner to detect the card at all so had to use my book again.

That's the only travelling I've done since I got it, so it's only a sample size of one trip, but that was my own personal experience anyway.

hynesie08 · 11-03-2023 4:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120343562#Comment_120343562

Not for the UK and the EU you don't, it's the whole point of the card.....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120343560#Comment_120343560

Yeah, the relief of not having to carry my passport in my pocket when I'm in the States is worth the 30 quid alone.

hynesie08 · 11-03-2023 4:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344510#Comment_120344510

If renewing online you'll be given the option to add the card, you can order it separately if you already have a passport, it's good for 5 years or the expiry of the passport, whichever comes first.

WishUWereHere · 11-03-2023 5:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120345871#Comment_120345871

Mods, can anything be done about replies like this? And from a first time poster too.

Jim_Hodge · 11-03-2023 5:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120345881#Comment_120345881

🤡 The fool is the one using Vladimir Putin, in Russian, as his username. Childish.

WishUWereHere · 11-03-2023 5:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120345907#Comment_120345907

Very true. This ‘person’s’ first post they call a poster moron. Second a poster is called a fool.

FYI, I have flagged and reported this poster.

Jim2007 · 11-03-2023 5:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120342355#Comment_120342355

EU identity cards are no longer acceptable in the UK, EU/EEA/CH citizens, with the exception of Ireland, now require a passport to enter the UK and in addition to this EU/EEA/CH resident permits are no longer accepted either. Since most people on mainland Europe only bother with an ID card, this has had an impact. The three schools in my town here in Switzerland have decided to go to Ireland this summer because of this.

Jim2007 · 11-03-2023 5:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058287760/is-the-new-passport-card-any-use

There is nothing stopping you from carrying both, if that makes you feel more comfortable, but most Europeans don't even have a passport so if it works for them, it will work for you.

It depend on what you mean by useful.... within the Schengen Area everyone including citizens and residents must be able to do two things if challenged by the authorities:

Identify yourself using one of the accepted documents, for Ireland that is a passport for ID card
Justify your presence in the Area, that is you are a resident within the area, a job seeker and in your first three months within the Area [can be extended with agreement to six months] or a tourist in compliance with the 90 day rule. Normally for EU/EEA/CH citizens they just accept the passport/id card and that is it.

If you can't do this then the authorities are entitled to detain you until such time as they are satisfied of you presence. They are not required to accept photo copies of your documents, take you to your hotel or where every you left them etc.... As a passport is very bulky to have to carry around having a credit card size ID in you wallet is much handier.

And yes it does happen that there are spot checks within the Schengen Area and depending on the situation, it may cause you to miss out on part of your holiday etc. I live in Switzerland and have been checked a few times now over the past few years. And on one occasion where my Swiss colleague did not have his ID card we had to get off the train and go to the police station where he sat in a cell until his wife turned up three hours later with his ID card. It was obvious, at least for me, that the guy was Swiss, since he spoke dialect and had several other forms of ID, but the police officers were having none of it, we had to wait.

Jim2007 · 11-03-2023 5:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120345898#Comment_120345898

You mean like that fact that your information is also out of date!!!!!!!!!

Anyone can google, but it seems you need a bit of talent to pick the right link when you do....

Everlong1 · 11-03-2023 6:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344551#Comment_120344551

What airport was this? I travel to Paris at least once a year, usually through Beauvais with Ryanair but have used the other airports on occasion. Astonished to read that, you'd expect airport staff to be up to date on these things.

beachhead · 11-03-2023 10:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058287760/is-the-new-passport-card-any-use

Place it in the top right corner of the automated reader and take your hand away,place your feet on foot sign and look straight at the camera.Away you go.no queues to speak of.Also,saves poking around for your hardcopy passport.

beachhead · 11-03-2023 10:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120346184#Comment_120346184

Not exactly a new invention but somebody being satirical here

beachhead · 11-03-2023 10:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344510#Comment_120344510

It was advertised on the site as an option when ordering a new passport

SNNUS · 11-03-2023 11:04pm

I travel all over Europe and UK with just the card, you do not need both! The card is so handy as it just fits in the wallet, I don't bother with E gates anyway so just go up to the immigration booths.

Jafin · 13-03-2023 3:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120346184#Comment_120346184

It was at Charles de Gaulle airport.

xabi_a · 13-03-2023 3:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120347344#Comment_120347344

Are you placing the card photo down, or photo up? I just tried it quickly this morning on arrival at Dublin airport, and it didn't even recognise anything - it just displayed "Place your passport on the glass". I tried both sides quickly but I had to rush as I was holding people up. I used the book and it worked straight away.

ohnonotgmail · 13-03-2023 3:28pm

The passport card should work in the eGates at dublin airport

https://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/news-room/releases/minister_flanagan_officially_opens_new_egates_in_dublin_airport.html

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has today officially opened new eGates for passport control in Dublin Airport. The eGates are up and running in Terminal 1 and will shortly be operational in Terminal 2. The new eGates feature flatbed scanners which allow for the use of the Passport Card for the first time.

VG31 · 13-03-2023 9:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120353604#Comment_120353604

I've used my passport card loads of times at the e-gates at Dublin Airport. You have to put the card photo side up at the rear left corner of the reader. Last year a staff member saw me with the passport card and tried to send it me to the booths instead, insisting it wouldn't work. I just ignored them and went through anyway. Obviously the standard of staff training isn't great.

I don't think they work at e-gates at any other airports. I haven't bothered trying for years.

VG31 · 13-03-2023 9:15pm

The passport card can also be used to the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway) and Switzerland. I've also used it in Gibraltar.

The only time I've had a slight issue with the passport card was from Madrid to London this year. Most EU citizens cannot use national ID cards to enter the UK anymore. The passport card does look like a national ID card. A gate agent asked me if I had a passport and I just said it was an Irish passport card and she was satisfied (and impressed!) with that.

It's worth having this page handy just in case if flying to the UK from Europe: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk It explicitly mentions the Irish passport card.

Nigel Fairservice · 13-03-2023 9:27pm

I used mine to enter Albania strangely enough even though it isn't in the EU or EEA. I had my book on me as well but didn't show as they didnt look for it. I think it was more a case of the lads at the immigration desk not being too bothered.

Nigel Fairservice · 13-03-2023 9:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120355125#Comment_120355125

I tried the egates in Vienna recently out of curiosity with the card and it didn't work.

finbarrk · 14-03-2023 9:11am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120342524#Comment_120342524

Same here.

munchkin_utd · 14-03-2023 11:18am

I do it the other way, have the card as the primary ID at checkin/ manned border points/ final ID check at the gate but have the book passport in the rucksack should I need it for one of those automatic gates for Schengen <-> non schengen journeys.

The card is also useful to have just as an ID if youre in a country where 100% of local adults have an actual ID so its built into their day to day life, for instance picking up a parcel or using rail tickets requires a passport or ID - and a drivers licence, gun licence or any other random card you may have with your name on it is simply not "an ID" so liable to be not accepted.

beachhead · 14-03-2023 6:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120353604#Comment_120353604

Down with metal up

beachhead · 14-03-2023 6:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120356278#Comment_120356278

Worked in Las Palmas airport last October

VG31 · 14-03-2023 8:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120342524#Comment_120342524

There's nothing to stop you using your passport book details for online check-in and using the card for the flight. The gate agents only check your name matches the boarding pass and that the document hasn't expired. They aren't checking the passport number.

VG31 · 14-03-2023 8:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120358551#Comment_120358551

You have to put the card photo side up at the rear left corner of the reader.

Economics101 · 14-03-2023 9:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120344551#Comment_120344551

If I were in that position, I would have said that it was Ireland's form of a National Identity Card (which it is, in effect). He would have understood that as most EU nationals have to carry one.

Having both the Passpost Book and Card is a great enhancement to personal security providing they are stowed appropriately and separately. I know there are problems at e-gates, but on aoocaion I have found issues with the Passport Book as well.

L1011 · 14-03-2023 9:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120359189#Comment_120359189

The security thing is the reason I usually still bring both - one can stay in the hotel "safe" (they are far from safe, but often just enough to stop a light-fingered cleaner. Anyone who wants in to them can get in to them. Most have a pathetically insecure backup key slot behind the logo sticker, for instance) in case I'm mugged; meaning I can still get back to Ireland on my original flight.

Quick night away somewhere and I'll just use the card. Have a thing of making sure to use my driving licence when going to the UK on proper airlines (I don't want that to suddenly be disallowed with a dodgy stat claiming everyone is using passports), but considering its in the same wallet as the passport card it doesn't actually reduce complexity.

Aurelian · 14-03-2023 9:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120359137#Comment_120359137

Bit of a risk travelling on a different document though. Also it doesn't work in the eGates when you land.

ohnonotgmail · 14-03-2023 9:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120359227#Comment_120359227

The passport cards do work in the eGates at Dub.

yagan · 14-03-2023 9:26pm

The only time I had a problem with the card was arriving into Britain from Spain. It didn't take long for a supervisor to verify it as an accepted document.

Interestingly the last time I arrived in Spain we guided towards the new E gates where there was a very slow queue of Brits, but anyone with an Irish Passport Card could go to a passport booth. It was much quicker.

SNNUS · 14-03-2023 11:17pm

I don't understand why you would travel in Europe with both a card and passport, defeats the purpose. You should take a picture of your main passport and email it to yourself should you ever lose your card or passport, least you have that for the authorities also.

Is the new passport card any use?

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