UK-Ireland Ferry Travel: Passport Now Required
Stena Line and Irish Ferries enforce new ID rules from Sept 28, 2026, affecting thousands of passengers on Britain-Ireland routes
Passengers on several ferry routes between Britain and Ireland will face stricter ID requirements from September 28, 2026. The new rules will require passengers to show a valid passport before boarding, replacing other forms of photo identification.
The UK Border Force, Stena Line, and Irish Ferries have informed passengers of the changes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding. Stena Line operates crossings from Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare, and will require all passengers to present a passport from September 28, 2026.
Irish Ferries will also require passengers to carry a valid passport on all routes between the Republic of Ireland and Britain. However, there are currently no passport checks in place between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Common Travel Area agreement allows Irish and British citizens to travel between the two nations without a passport. But with the new rules, ferry travel will be brought in line with airline requirements, where passengers are already required to carry a valid passport to travel between Britain and Ireland.
## What it means for passengers The change in rules may affect passengers who are used to traveling with other forms of photo identification. Passengers with existing bookings on Stena Line and Irish Ferries are being notified by the customer service teams to ensure a smooth transition.
## Why it matters The new passport rules are part of a broader effort to ensure the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding. This change brings ferry travel in line with increasingly strict requirements already introduced by airlines, such as Aer Lingus and Ryanair, which already enforce the rule that passengers between Great Britain and Ireland must carry passports to travel between Britain and Ireland.
The change may also have implications for travelers who are not aware of the new requirements, highlighting the need for passengers to check their passport before heading to the port. With the new rules in place, passengers can expect a more streamlined and secure travel experience between Britain and Ireland.
