The new credit-card sized passports in Ireland will be valid for a maximum of five years and will not be valid for use beyond the EU and European Economic Area borders. The cards can therefore be used to travel throughout the 28-nation European Union as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The card has a number of security features including signature, kinegram overlay, a machine readable zone and faded printing around the edge of the photograph.
The card is aimed to be more convenient and useful for those who dont want to carry an older style passport booklet when travelling within the EU. The design of the card is reported to be based on the passport cards available in the US for travelling over land between the US, Mexico and Canada.
However, the Irish passport is set to be a world first due to the fact that it is available for international air travel. The new card will be accepted online or through a new smartphone app, which will allow applicants to take their own passport photograph.
As experts in European travel, Europe EHIC Services Ltd takes a keen interest in relevant industry news. A spokesperson from the company made the following statement: The creation of credit-card like passports for moving around within the EU and the EEA is certainly set to be popular. Before flying, many of us find it a challenge to remember the correct travel documents. Having a credit-card shaped passport for European travel means that tourists can keep their passport in their wallets and purses along with their European Health Insurance Cards.
