UK and Ireland ferry routes implement new passport requirements

New travel regulations have taken effect for passengers using ferry services between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. All travelers, including British and Irish citizens, must now present a valid passport to board affected routes. This change replaces previous arrangements under the Common Travel Area that allowed the use of other forms of photo identification.

Ferry operators Irish Ferries and Stena Line confirmed the rules are in force to comply with UK Border Force requirements regarding the accuracy and integrity of passenger data. Driving licenses, national identity cards, student IDs, and work IDs are no longer accepted as valid documentation for these journeys. Passport cards remain an acceptable form of identification.

The specific routes impacted include Irish Ferries' Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke services in both directions. Stena Line's requirements apply to passengers departing from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard, and Rosslare. Notably, ferry crossings between Belfast and Britain are not affected by these new rules.