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SELFIES! The new passport cards allow you to upload your OWN pic

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Say goodbye to having to dig out your passport for every jaunt abroad: you can now get your hands on the brand-new, WAY more convenient passport cards, which are valid for travel within Europe. 

And there's further good news for anyone who's had to endure the decade-long horror of a pharmacy-taken snap: you can upload an image of your own choosing (so long as it meets standard criteria).

Applications can be made right now online on the Department Of Foreign Affairs website or via the specially-developed smartphone app. 

All you need to kick-off the process is your standard passport number and the date it expires; a suitable (read: a 'gorgeous') photo that you can upload, and the €35 fee.

However, to ensure you're eligible, it's important to also note the following:

  • You must be aged 18 or over.
  • The personal details you provide online must match the details exactly as they appear on your Passport Book.
  • Your Passport Book must have a minimum of 30 days validity remaining.
  • If your current Passport Book is lost, stolen or damaged you must apply for a new Passport Book before applying for a Passport Card.
  • Payment is by credit/debit card only; €35 will be deducted from your card. There will be an additional €5 postal fee if you reside outside Ireland.
  • Your Passport Card will have a maximum validity of 5 years or the remaining validity of your current Passport Book i.e its expiry date cannot exceed that of your Passport Book.
  • The image you submit will be reproduced in black and white.

Meanwhile, before you start overloading your passport profile picture with excessive filters and soft shading, you should furthermore take heed of the below:

  • Plain background: Which means white or pale grey – no red-carpets, certainly. 
  • Head centred: A front pose – you can't tilt your head to capture your 'good' side.
  • Neutral expression: Mouth closed, no smiling, smirking, smizing or duck-faces. 
  • No shadowing: On the face or around the eyes – aka subtle contouring.
  • Eyes must be clearly visible: No sunglasses, and no hair around your face either. 
  • Photo must be in focus: So put down the filter.
  • Natural colouring: The photo can't be too bright or too dark – even if you think you need a bit of a tan.

 

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