- All ferry passengers travelling between the Ireland and Britain must present a passport or Irish passport card from 28 September 2026
- Driving licences and alternative photo identification will no longer be accepted on Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Pembroke and Rosslare-Fishguard routes
- Aer Lingus implemented passport-only travel on 25 February 2026, while Ryanair has enforced this policy since 1 October 2009
- Domestic routes including Belfast-Liverpool and Cairnryan remain exempt from the new identification requirements
- Non-British and non-Irish nationals must also secure a valid ETA or eVisa before travel
Passports will be required for all ferry passengers between Ireland and Wales from September 28, aligning maritime documentation with airline rules.
Ferry operators Irish Ferries and Stena Line have confirmed driving licences and alternative photo identification will no longer be accepted for passengers on the Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Pembroke and Rosslare-Fishguard routes. Alternative ID will be accepted on Belfast routes to Scotland and England.
Britain’s Border Force has required these changes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding, closing a documentation loophole that previously permitted different identification standards between air and sea travel. Domestic routes such as Belfast-Liverpool and Cairnryan remain unaffected by the new stipulations.
The ferry industry adjustment means all maritime passengers, regardless of age or nationality, must present a valid passport or Irish passport card from 28 September 2026. Non-British and non-Irish nationals must additionally hold a valid English Electronic Travel Authorisation or eVisa prior to transit. Customer service teams from both ferry operators have commenced notifying existing booking holders about these operational changes.
Aer Lingus introduced its passport-only policy on 25 February 2026, ending the acceptance of driving licences for flights between the Ireland and Britain. Ryanair has enforced a strict passport-only policy on these routes since 1 October 2009.
Irish Ferries shared: “Passengers travelling between Holyhead and Dublin or Fishguard and Rosslare will now need to show their passport on departure, with no other forms of ID accepted regardless of age or nationality. This change is being introduced to meet the requirements of the Border Force in relation to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding. From 28 September, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and citizens”
Stena Line shared in a written statement: 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 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.
Irish Sea crossing options
- Belfast to Cairnryan (Scotland): 6 sailings per day. Operated by Stena Line taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Belfast to Liverpool Birkenhead (England): Approximately 2 sailings per day (typically one day and one overnight crossing taking around 8 hours).
- Dublin to Holyhead (Wales): Up to 8–10 sailings per day. It is the busiest route, taking around 3 hours and 15 minutes. Services are shared by Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
- Dublin to Liverpool (England): Up to 2 sailings per day. Operated by P&O Ferries, though passenger travel on this specific route is occasionally restricted or freight-focused depending on the season.
- Larne to Cairnryan (Scotland): 6 sailings per day. Operated by P&O Irish Sea taking about 2 hours.
- Rosslare to Fishguard (Wales): 2 sailings per day. Operated by Stena Line with a crossing time of roughly 3.5 hours
- Rosslare to Pembroke (Wales): 2 sailings per day. Operated by Irish Ferries with a crossing time of about 4 hours.
