Irish Ferries & Stena Line Advise Passengers on New Passport Rules for RoI-UK Crossings

Leading ferry operators Irish Ferries and Stena Line have advised passengers to be aware of the new identification requirements due to come into force next month regarding trips between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.

From September 28, all ferry passengers – including Irish and British citizens – travelling between the Republic and Britain must carry a valid passport or Irish passport card. No other forms of photographic identification – other than valid passports – will be accepted after this date.

Irish Ferries said: "This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from 28 September, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens.

"This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.

"This aligns ferry travel requirements with the document checks already carried out by many airlines.

Irish Ferries is encouraging Irish and UK citizens travelling or planning to travel after 28 September 2026 to check that they have a valid, in-date passport (or Irish passport card) before arriving at the port to avoid delays or disruption to their journey.

"Irish Ferries operates two routes between the Republic of Ireland and Britain:

• Dublin - Holyhead - Dublin

• Rosslare - Pembroke - Rosslare

"Customers with existing bookings are being notified by Irish Ferries’ Customer Service Team to support them with this new requirement."

Stena Line said: "From Monday 28 September 2026, passengers travelling between Holyhead and Dublin or Fishguard and Rosslare will now need to show their passport on departure. No other forms of ID will be accepted.

"All passengers will be required to show their passport or passport card, regardless of age or nationality. This change is being introduced to meet the requirements of the UK Border Force in relation to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding. 

"Customers with existing bookings are currently being notified by the Customer Service Team to ensure customers are fully supported during this change of operations.

Stena Line added that there will be no change to ID requirements on its Belfast-UK routes.