Irish Ferries and Stena Line introduce mandatory passport or passport-card checks on Ireland–UK routes
UK–Ireland Common Travel Area under scrutiny as 49 arrested in cross-border people-smuggling sting
UK–Ireland Common Travel Area under spotlight as 49 arrests made in Irish-border people-smuggling sting
Latest News
Employment-permit processing times published for 29 September 2026 show fastest ICT approvals but backlog elsewhere
DETE’s 29 September 2026 update shows Intra-Company Transfer permits are being processed on the day of receipt, but Critical Skills applications are one week behind and General Employment Permits five weeks behind. Renewals and appeals remain significantly backlogged. The figures help multinationals forecast onboarding timelines and underscore the value of Trusted Partner status.
Irish employment-permit processing dates refreshed: ICT permits now up-to-date but GEP backlog widens
DETE’s 29 September dashboard shows same-day processing for new Intra-Company Transfer permits but a five-week queue for General Employment Permits. Critical Skills cases are one week in arrears, while renewals and appeals date back to July and April. Employers must adjust start dates, consider ICTs to beat delays, and track weekly updates as staffing levels at DETE fluctuate.
Met Éireann issues Status Yellow gale warning for all Irish coasts—ferry and flight schedules at risk
Met Éireann’s Status Yellow gale warning on 29–30 September signals winds up to Force 8 around the Irish coast, threatening ferry crossings and prompting airlines to offer free date changes. Employers should expect potential delays for sea and air travellers and review cargo safety measures.
Civil-service work-to-rule from 30 September may slow EU-presidency travel and cross-border diplomacy
From 30 September Irish civil servants will begin a work-to-rule, limiting overtime and travel outside contracted hours. The move threatens to complicate Ireland’s EU Council presidency logistics and could spill over into passport and visa processing, creating headaches for corporate travel and relocation programmes.
Irish Ferries and Stena Line Begin Enforcing Passport-Only Travel Between Ireland and Britain
Effective 28 September 2026, Irish Ferries and Stena Line now require all passengers on Ireland–Britain ferry routes to present a passport or Irish passport card. The change, linked to forthcoming UK ETA carrier-liability rules, ends the long-standing practice of accepting driving licences or other photo-ID on CTA sea crossings. Companies moving staff or goods by ferry must update travel policies immediately to prevent boarding denials and schedule delays.
Icelandair Debuts Airbus A320 Service on Reykjavik–Dublin Route
Icelandair introduced the Airbus A320 on its Reykjavik–Dublin route today, expanding seat and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency. The move supports tourism growth, offers a more competitive business-class cabin, and demonstrates Dublin Airport’s attractiveness for next-generation narrow-body aircraft.
New ETIAS Data-Management Rules Take Effect, Triggering Carrier Compliance Work for Irish Airports
A new EU implementing decision governing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) takes legal effect today. Irish-based airlines must now adapt their IT and check-in processes to interface with the ETIAS Central System, while employers should start collecting authorisation details from non-EU staff who will travel onward from Ireland to the Schengen Area.