FAQs: Embassy Services
News
25 June 2020
This page has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about consular services at the Embassy of Ireland in Brussels.
In order to provide a safe environment for our staff and our visitors, and adhere to public health guidelines, the Embassy is currently operating at reduced capacity. Appointments are currently only available for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Irish Passports
-
Foreign Birth Registration
-
Visas for Ireland
-
Other Questions
1. Irish Passports
Q: How can I apply for my Irish passport?
A: At present, it is only possible to apply for your passport from Belgium using Passport Online.
Passport Online is the fastest and cheapest way to apply for a passport for adults or children, and can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Passport Online can be used for first time applications and renewals.
We are currently unable to process applications using the APS2 paper passport application form.
Q: What is the status of my passport application, and when will my passport be delivered?
A: You can track the progress of your passport application on the Passport Tracking website by entering your application number.
When your new passport has been dispatched by the Passport Office a postal tracking code will appear on the Passport Tracking website. This code can be used to track the delivery of your passport. The tracking code can be used on the An Post website, and following arrival in Belgium on the B Post Track Your Shipment website.
Your new passport and/or passport card will be sent via registered post to the address you provide in the online application form. The online application has the option of entering a home address AND a dispatch address (if you are not at home to sign for it during the day).
Q: I submitted my passport application to the Embassy using the paper APS2 form in February/March/April/May. When will my passport be ready?
A: Please bear with us as we work through the backlog of applications that have been received in recent months while the Passport Office has been closed.
You can track the progress of your passport application on the Passport Tracking website by entering your application number.
When we receive your passport in Brussels, we will forward it to you via registered post.
Q. Where can I find out more about Passport Online and the documents I need to submit in order to apply for an Irish passport?
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Passport Online can be found here.
Q. Who can I contact if I have further questions about Passport Online?
Contact details for the Passport Office Customer Service Hub are available here.
2. Foreign Birth Registration
Please note that since February 2020 applications for Foreign Birth Registration are submitted directly to the Passport Office in Ireland. The processing of Foreign Birth Registrations is postponed until later in the summer.
You are automatically an Irish citizen if one of your parents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, and was born on the island of Ireland. You don't need to apply to become an Irish citizen in this case and can apply for a passport using Passport Online.
Q: What is the status of my application for Foreign Birth Registration?
A: The processing of Foreign Birth Registrations is postponed until later in the summer. If you have already sent in an application, your application is safe and will be processed in due course.
Q. I submitted an application for Foreign Birth Registration to the Embassy prior to February 2020. What is the status of my application?
Please bear with us as we work through the remaining application we have to hand. We hope to complete processing of these applications in the coming months.
If you have a query regarding an application submitted at Embassy Brussels, you can contact us by email and we will respond as soon as possible.
Q. I am interested in applying for Foreign Birth Registration. Where can I find out more about eligibility and the requirements?
More information on Foreign Birth Registration is available here.
3. Visas for Ireland
Q: Is the Visa Office open? Are you accepting new visa applications?
A: Our Visa Office remains closed to the public.
From Monday 29 June, we will begin accepting applications for Long Stay 'D' visas, by registered post only. Please do not visit the Irish Embassy as it will not be possible to submit your application.
Processing of short stay 'C' visa applications outside this category is currently suspended.
Applications for certain emergency or priority categories will continue to be processed.
Q. How can I track the progress of my visa application?
A. We strongly recommend that you send your visa application to us by registered post. You will be provided with a tracking number that can be used on the B Post Track Your Shipment website.
Q: When will you begin accepting short stay visit visa applications (e.g. tourist visas)?
A. We are currently not accepting Short-stay Visas (‘C’ categories), for visits of less than 90 days, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland.
As soon as an update is available, we will update our homepage.
4. Other Questions (certified copy of passport, witnessing)
Q. I have been asked to provide a certified copy of my Irish passport. Can this be done at the Embassy?
A. We regret that we cannot offer this service at present.
This service is widely available from the offices of a Notary Public or Lawyer in Belgium. Details of how to find an English speaking notary or lawyer in Belgium can be found on our New to Belgium page.
Q. I have applied online for a ‘Certificat de Coutume’ / Freedom to Marry Certificate. I need to have the statutory declaration witnessed. Can this be done at the Embassy?
Please note that, other than in genuine, documented emergency, the Embassy of Ireland in Brussels no longer witnesses statutory declarations or affidavits.
This service is readily available at the offices of a notary public in Belgium.
