From 28 September 2026, all passengers on ferries between the Republic of Ireland and Britain must carry a valid passport or passport card, whatever their age or nationality, under new UK Border Force rules announced by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. No other form of ID will be accepted. Routes to and from Northern Ireland are not affected.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED From 28 September 2026, all passengers on ferries between the Republic of Ireland and Britain must carry a valid passport or passport card, whatever their age or nationality, under new UK Border Force rules announced by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. No other form of ID will be accepted. Routes to and from Northern Ireland are not affected.
- From 28 September 2026, passengers on Republic of Ireland to Britain ferries (both directions) must show a valid passport or passport card.
- The rule applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality, and no other form of ID will be accepted.
- It was announced on 26 August 2026 by Stena Line and Irish Ferries, following UK Border Force requirements on passenger data.
- Affected routes include Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare; check with your operator for others.
- There is no change for Stena Line services from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham.
- Under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens do not legally need a passport to travel, but operators now require one to board.
KEY FACTS
- From 28 September 2026, passengers on Republic of Ireland to Britain ferries (both directions) must show a valid passport or passport card.
- The rule applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality, and no other form of ID will be accepted.
- It was announced on 26 August 2026 by Stena Line and Irish Ferries, following UK Border Force requirements on passenger data.
- Affected routes include Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare; check with your operator for others.
- There is no change for Stena Line services from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham.
- Under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens do not legally need a passport to travel, but operators now require one to board.
What is changing and when
From Monday 28 September 2026, ferry passengers travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Britain in both directions must carry a valid passport or passport card. No other form of identification will be accepted by ferry operators, regardless of the passenger's age or nationality.
The new requirement was announced on 26 August 2026 by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. It follows UK Border Force requirements on passenger data and applies to all sailings between the Republic of Ireland and Britain. Travellers who do not hold a valid passport or passport card will not be able to board.
Which routes and passengers are affected
The rule covers all Republic of Ireland to Britain crossings, including Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare. It applies to every passenger regardless of age or nationality, and no other form of ID will be accepted.
Passengers should check with their individual operator to confirm whether their specific route is affected. The requirement applies in both directions of travel. There is no change for Stena Line services from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham, which operate to and from Northern Ireland and are not covered by the new rule.
Why it is being introduced
Stena Line and Irish Ferries say the change meets UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.
The operators have stated that the new documentation rules are necessary to comply with these requirements. The change means that ferry companies will be able to verify the identity of every passenger against a valid travel document before departure, rather than accepting other forms of identification.
The Common Travel Area context
Irish and British citizens do not legally need a passport to travel between Ireland and Britain under the Common Travel Area, but ferry operators are now requiring one to board, so a passport card or passport is essential.
The Common Travel Area is a long-standing arrangement between the United Kingdom and Ireland that allows freedom of movement for British and Irish citizens. While the legal position on travel documentation has not changed, the new operator requirements mean that a valid passport or passport card is now a practical necessity for anyone taking a ferry between the Republic of Ireland and Britain.
What to do before you travel
Check your passport or passport card is in date well before your sailing, make sure everyone in your group including children has valid documents, and contact your operator if you have questions.
- Check the expiry date on your passport or passport card before booking or travelling
- Ensure every passenger in your group, including infants and children, has their own valid document
- Allow extra time at the port for document checks
- Contact your ferry operator directly if you have any questions about your specific booking or route
- If your passport is expired or due to expire, apply for a renewal well in advance of your travel date
Do I need a passport for the ferry to Ireland?
From 28 September 2026, yes. All passengers on Republic of Ireland to Britain ferries must carry a valid passport or passport card; no other ID is accepted.
Does the rule apply to children?
Yes. It applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality, so every child also needs a valid passport or passport card.
Are Northern Ireland ferry routes affected?
No. Stena Line says there is no change for services from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham.
Why is a passport now required?
Ferry operators say it is to meet UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.
Can I use a driving licence instead?
No. Operators have said no other form of ID will be accepted; you need a valid passport or passport card.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for the ferry to Ireland?
From 28 September 2026, yes. All passengers on Republic of Ireland to Britain ferries must carry a valid passport or passport card; no other ID is accepted.
Does the rule apply to children?
Yes. It applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality, so every child also needs a valid passport or passport card.
Are Northern Ireland ferry routes affected?
No. Stena Line says there is no change for services from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham.
Why is a passport now required?
Ferry operators say it is to meet UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.
Can I use a driving licence instead?
No. Operators have said no other form of ID will be accepted; you need a valid passport or passport card.
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