Ferry passengers travelling between Britain and the Republic of Ireland will soon need to show a valid passport before boarding, following new UK Border Force requirements.
The change, which comes into effect on Monday 28 September 2026, will apply to all passengers travelling on certain ferry routes, including British and Irish citizens.
What is changing?
Stena Line and Irish Ferries have informed customers that passengers will need to present a valid passport when departing on routes between Britain and Ireland.
The requirement is being introduced to improve the “accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding”, according to the ferry operators.
At present, passengers are not always asked to show a passport when travelling between the two countries. In some cases, another form of photographic identification may have been accepted. That will no longer be the case on the affected routes.
Stena Line has confirmed that no alternative forms of ID will be accepted for passengers using its Holyhead–Dublin and Fishguard–Rosslare services.
Which ferry routes are affected?
The new passport requirement applies to Stena Line passengers travelling on the following services:
- Holyhead to Dublin.
- Fishguard to Rosslare.
- Dublin to Holyhead.
- Rosslare to Fishguard.
The rule applies to every passenger, regardless of age or nationality. Children and babies will also need to travel with a valid passport.
Irish Ferries has said that all passengers travelling between Britain and the Republic of Ireland in either direction must carry a valid passport.
The operator has encouraged customers to check their travel documents before arriving at the port, particularly those with existing bookings.
Are any ferry routes excluded?
Stena Line says there is no change to identification requirements for business or leisure passengers travelling from:
- Belfast.
- Liverpool.
- Cairnryan.
- Heysham.
Passengers using these routes should continue to check the latest travel-document guidance provided by their ferry operator before travelling, as requirements can vary depending on the route and destination.
What the Common Travel Area means
The announcement may come as a surprise because British and Irish citizens generally do not legally need a passport to travel between Britain and Ireland under the long-standing Common Travel Area agreement.
The arrangement allows eligible British and Irish citizens to move freely between the two countries without routine immigration controls. However, transport companies can still set their own boarding and identification procedures.
Airlines have already required passengers to show passports on some routes. The new ferry rules mean that travellers on affected services will also need to prepare their passports before departure.
What passengers need to do
Anyone booked to travel after 28 September should:
- Check that their passport is valid and in date.
- Make sure every passenger, including children, has the required document.
- Bring the passport to the port for boarding.
- Avoid relying on driving licences or other forms of photographic ID.
- Check directly with the ferry operator if their booking or route is unclear.
Stena Line said customers with existing bookings are being contacted by its customer service team to help them prepare for the operational change.
Irish Ferries has also advised passengers to check that they have an in-date passport or passport card before arriving at the port. However, travellers should confirm which documents are accepted for their specific sailing, as the wording of operator guidance may differ between routes.
