Seagoers travelling between the UK and Ireland are now required to present a valid passport or Irish passport card to board a ferry, effective from Monday 28 September 2026. This change means that previously accepted forms of photo identification, such as driving licences and national identity cards, are no longer valid for these journeys.
The new passport rules apply to all routes, including popular services like Irish Ferries' Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke routes, and Stena Line's Fishguard routes. The requirement applies to all passengers, including citizens of the UK and Ireland.
Ferry companies are complying with the latest UK Border Force requirements for monitoring passenger data. However, ID requirements for travel between the UK and Northern Ireland remain unchanged.
Stena Line has stated that if passengers booked to travel from 28 September onwards, before the new passport requirement was communicated, they can move their booking to a different date without an amendment fee or fare difference. Alternatively, those unable to meet the new passport requirement can cancel their booking for a full refund.