Which passports are affected by the recall?

Passports printed in Ireland between 23 December and 6 January are affected. A software update omitted the “IRL” country code, which can cause automated gates to flag documents. Holders in this window will receive replacements. If you travel soon, be ready for manual checks at UK borders until you receive a corrected passport.

Will I still be able to travel to or through the UK?

Most travellers can still travel, but affected holders may face extra checks at eGates and be sent to staffed lanes. Build in more time at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester. Monitor official messages about your replacement and carry your boarding pass ready. If you are unsure, contact the passport service before departure.

What should airlines and airports in GB prepare for?

Expect a short-term rise in document queries, call volumes, and customer service support at gates. Prepare contingency staffing at help points and be ready to guide travellers to manual lanes. Review rebooking and flexibility policies where a reissue overlaps with imminent trips. Communicate proactively on websites and apps to reduce uncertainty.

How long will the disruption last?

Authorities are prioritising replacements, and border agencies have been notified, which should limit disruption. A short window of manual checks is possible until corrected booklets arrive and systems recognise them. Monitor official updates and travel advisories. As the reissue completes, delays should ease and automated processing should return to normal.

Law and Government

January 11: Irish Passport Recall Risks Border Delays, Travel Disruption

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

On 11 January, irish passports recalled became a headline issue as Ireland confirmed 12,904 documents printed between 23 December and 6 January will be reissued after the “IRL” country code was missing. This glitch could trigger eGate mismatches and manual checks at UK borders. For GB travellers, it means possible queues and itinerary changes. For investors, near-term operational costs may rise for airlines and airports while replacements roll out and systems recognise the corrected documents.