The all-important passport! You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Ireland. As you can imagine, everyone and their mother applied for a passport in 2021 when COVID travel restrictions were lifted. The US Department of State is currently quoting an 8-11 week wait, so plan ahead! There are options to get it expedited, but don’t leave it to the last minute or you might be in trouble.
If you’ve never had a passport or have lost your passport, you’ll have to go apply in person. If you simply need to renew one that’s still in your possession, you may be able to do it by mail. Either way, there are forms you can either fill out online or print out.
To apply for a passport, you’ll need:
- The application form
- A qualifying photo
- Proof of citizenship: either US Passport (expired is okay) or a qualifying birth certificate (you must also have 8.5x11” photocopy of this in black and white for them to keep)
- An ID: either a “primary ID” (usually a physical driver’s license or passport) or two “secondary IDs” (non-photo state ID card, Social Security card, Medicare card, etc.) and again, photocopies of each
- Payment of $130 as of this writing
- An appointment- the good news is that you can go probably just go to a local post office!
