Ferry passengers travelling between the UK and the Republic of Ireland must now present a valid passport or Irish passport card at check-in, following a rule change that took effect on Monday, September 28.
Previously, passengers could show another form of photo ID, such as a driver's licence. The new requirement applies to all passengers on Irish Ferries services between the Republic of Ireland and Britain, regardless of age, and to all passengers travelling from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard and Rosslare ports on Stena Line.
Operators confirm new ID requirements
Irish Ferries and Stena Line have confirmed the change, which is in compliance with UK Border Force requirements for passenger accuracy and integrity. The change applies to both UK and Irish citizens.
In a statement on its website, Irish Ferries said: “From Monday, 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling on Irish Ferries services between the Republic of Ireland and Britain must present a valid passport or Irish passport card before boarding. From this date, no other forms of ID will be accepted for any passengers, including for Irish and UK citizens, regardless of age.”
The ferry operator added that the change is “to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.”
No change on Belfast routes
Stena Line announced the change as well, noting that there is no change to ID requirements on routes to and from Belfast.
Under the Common Travel Area agreement, Irish and British citizens do not legally need a passport to travel between Ireland and the UK. However, certain airlines do require a passport for boarding, and the change for ferries came into effect on Monday, September 28.
Home Office clarifies position
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office told the Express: “No change has been made to the requirements needed to travel to the UK. Requiring a passport to provide this information was a decision made by the ferry companies operating international routes between Ireland and Britain.”
The spokesperson added: “Anyone travelling to the UK, including those within the Common Travel Area, continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration rules. This means information about passengers in advance of travel, such as nationality, is required to ensure the UK’s border security is protected.”
