A number of Irish students spending the summer in the US have been arrested for attempting to modify the date of birth on their passports to make themselves appear older, the Union of Students in Ireland has said.
The union said that some students had been placing laminates on their passports in order to change their dates of birth so they could enter pubs and nightclubs.
Tampering with or falsifying a passport is a criminal offence in Ireland but is a federal offence in the US and can result in culprits being fined, imprisoned or refused future access to the country.
Union of Students in Ireland president Gary Redmond said the union had been made aware of several students who were arrested for engaging in the activity.
“I would strongly urge all students to cease using the modified documents immediately and have their passport replaced without delay,” he said.
“I would also encourage anyone with family and friends abroad to make sure that they are aware of this potentially serious issue and to ensure that they take appropriate action without delay.”
Any student, who has placed a laminate on their passport or modified their travel documents in any manner, should contact their nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate immediately to arrange a replacement, the union advised.