Passport Required for Ferry Travel Between Ireland and UK from September

Passengers using Irish Ferries and Stena Line for travel between Ireland and the United Kingdom will soon need to carry their passports. The new requirement will take effect from September 28.

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The change is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.

Irish Ferries announced the change will impact its Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke routes. Stena Line confirmed its passengers on the Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard services will also be subject to the new passport rule.

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From 28 September, driving licences, national identity cards and other forms of photographic identification will no longer be accepted for travel on these routes.

Both ferry operators stated the change is necessary to comply with UK Border Force requirements for accurate and reliable passenger data before boarding. Consequently, from the specified date, alternative forms of photographic identification such as driving licenses or national identity cards will be deemed insufficient for travel on these routes. Irish Ferries noted this aligns ferry travel documentation with the checks already common for air travel. Stena Line clarified that all passengers, irrespective of age or nationality, must present a passport or passport card. Customers with existing bookings will be contacted to assist them with this transition.

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All passengers will have to show their passports or passport cards, regardless of age or nationality.