Passengers travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland will need a valid passport from September 28, in line with UK Border Force guidance. While travellers are not legally required to show a passport to border agents during the journey, two ferry operators have decided to enforce the requirement from next month.
Operators announce the change
Stena Line and Irish Ferries warned customers of the upcoming change on Wednesday, linking it to concerns around the "accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding". Stena Line, which operates connections from Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare, said passengers will be turned away if they do not produce a passport upon departure.
The rules remain unchanged for the company's services via Liverpool, Belfast, Cairnryan and Heysham.
Booking and cost implications
A spokesperson said: "Customers with existing bookings are currently being notified by the customer service team to ensure customers are fully supported during this change of operations." Stena Line said it will not cover any additional costs incurred to passengers as a result of the new system, including hotels and onwards travel.
It confirmed that passengers who made their booking before the change was announced can move it to a different date without paying a fee or fare difference.
Irish Ferries requirements
A spokesperson for Irish Ferries also said passengers must show a passport or Irish passport card upon request when the change comes into effect. "This requirement applies to all passengers, including Irish and UK citizens," they added.
"From September 28, driving licences, national identity cards and other forms of photographic identification will no longer be accepted for travel on these routes." The ferry chain warned that non-Irish or British citizens may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), with non-EU travellers additionally having to meet visa requirements.
