Passports needed for ferry passengers travelling between UK and Ireland

Previously, passengers were able to use other forms of ID, such as driving licences and national identity cards.

Passports needed for ferry passengers travelling between UK and Ireland
Liberal News
Publish: 29.09.2026
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Passengers on UK-Ireland ferries must show passports from Monday

Passengers travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland will be required to present a passport from Monday under new requirements introduced to comply with UK Border Force rules.

Irish Ferries said the requirement applies in both directions on its Dublin-Holyhead and Rosslare-Pembroke routes.

Stena Line said passengers travelling from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard or Rosslare ports will also need to present a valid passport when checking in.

Previously, passengers could travel using other forms of identification, including driving licences and national identity cards. The change is being introduced to meet UK Border Force requirements concerning the accuracy and integrity of passenger information before boarding.

Stena Line said the new procedure was being implemented to comply with UK Border Force requirements “in relation to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding”.

Irish Ferries said the passport requirement applies to all passengers, including British and Irish citizens. From Monday, driving licences, national identity cards and other forms of photographic identification will no longer be accepted on the two affected routes.

Passengers who are neither British nor Irish citizens and are visiting the UK for a short stay of up to six months may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA. The authorisation allows eligible travellers to visit the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to six months.

Both ferry operators will also accept passport cards.

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