Since 28 September 2026, passengers on the main ferry routes between Britain and the Republic of Ireland must show a valid passport at check-in. The rule applies to Stena Line and Irish Ferries crossings between Dublin and Holyhead, Fishguard and Rosslare, and Pembroke and Rosslare, whatever the passenger’s age or nationality, including British and Irish travellers. Visitors who are neither British nor Irish may also need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Britain.

What the Rules Were Before

Before 28 September 2026, ferry passengers were not always asked to show a passport and could sometimes travel with other photo ID, such as a driving licence. That flexibility reflected the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland, under which British and Irish citizens don’t generally need a passport as an immigration requirement when crossing between the two countries.

What the Rules Are Now

Irish Ferries and Stena Line told customers about the change in late August, and it began on Monday 28 September. The main points:

• A passport is required at check-in. Stena Line says other forms of ID will not be accepted, and the rule applies to all passengers regardless of age or nationality.
• Passport cards are accepted. Both operators accept a passport card as well as a full passport.
• Driving licences and national ID cards no longer work. Irish Ferries has said these forms of photographic ID are no longer accepted on the affected routes.
• The reason given is Border Force data rules. Stena Line says the change meets UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.
• It is a boarding condition, not a change in immigration law. British and Irish citizens still don’t need a passport for immigration purposes under the Common Travel Area. The requirement is imposed by the ferry companies, and Stena Line says passengers without their passport will not be allowed to board.

Which Routes Are Affected

Operator	Routes affected (both directions)
Irish Ferries	Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Pembroke
Stena Line	Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Fishguard

Stena Line says there is no change to ID requirements on its Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan and Heysham routes. Routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not affected.

Tips for British Travellers Going to Ireland

1. Check your passport before you book. Make sure it is in date. Irish Ferries encourages passengers to confirm they hold an in-date passport or passport card before arriving at the port.
2. Don’t rely on your driving licence. It was often enough before. It isn’t now.
3. Everyone travelling needs their own passport, children and babies included. The rule applies regardless of age, so a family of four needs four passports.
4. Allow time if you don’t have one. If anyone in your party has no passport, apply through GOV.UK and check current processing times before choosing your dates. Don’t assume a last-minute fix.
5. Keep passports in your hand luggage. If you’re driving on, don’t leave them in the boot. Have them ready at check-in.
6. Match names to your booking. The stated purpose of the change is passenger data accuracy, so a booking name that differs from your passport is a risk worth avoiding.
7. Check group and coach bookings. If you’re travelling with a coach or tour group, confirm with the organiser that everyone has a passport.

Tips for EU and Other Visitors Travelling to England

Ireland isn’t part of the UK’s border system, so the ferry passport rule and the UK’s ETA are separate requirements. You may need both.

1. Irish citizens don’t need an ETA. British and Irish citizens are exempt, including dual nationals.
2. Other EU citizens generally need an ETA to enter Britain. EU nationals other than Irish citizens have needed one since 2 April 2025, and the fee is £20 per person. Children and babies each need their own.
3. Check the Irish-resident exemption. Legal residents of Ireland whose nationality doesn’t normally need a UK visa, such as EU and US nationals, don’t need an ETA when travelling within the Common Travel Area. You may be asked for proof of residence, such as an Irish residence permit.
4. Apply through official channels only. The UK ETA app and GOV.UK are the official routes. The Home Office warns that other application services may charge a higher fee.
5. Travel on the passport you applied with. The ETA is linked electronically to it.
6. Dual British or Irish citizens can’t get an ETA. They should travel on their British or Irish passport.
7. Check Ireland’s own entry rules too. You don’t need a UK ETA to visit the Republic of Ireland, but entry rules for your nationality still apply.

Onward Travel From the Port

Holyhead’s railway station sits beside the port, and rail is the usual way to continue by land. Check current times and fares on National Rail before you book, since services vary by day. For more practical planning across Wales and beyond, see our Plan Your Trip guides and our Wales guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport to take the ferry between the UK and Ireland?

Yes. Since 28 September 2026, Irish Ferries and Stena Line require every passenger to show a passport or passport card on their Britain–Republic of Ireland routes.

Can I still use my driving licence on the ferry?

No. Driving licences, national ID cards and other photo ID are no longer accepted on the affected routes.

Do British citizens legally need a passport to travel to Ireland?

Not for immigration purposes, because of the Common Travel Area, but the ferry companies now require one to board. It is a company condition, not a change in the law.

Do children and babies need their own passport?

Yes. The requirement applies regardless of age.

Are passport cards accepted?

Yes. Both operators accept a passport card as well as a passport.

Do EU citizens need an ETA to travel from Ireland to England?

Most do, unless they are Irish citizens or legal residents of Ireland who can prove it. The ETA fee is £20 per person.

Does the rule apply to ferries to Northern Ireland?

No. Routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not affected.

Rules last verified: September 2026. ETA fee last checked: September 2026.