29/09/2026
Irish Ferries and Stena Line are no longer accepting driving licences, national ID cards or any other photo ID at check in. From today, a valid passport or passport card is the only document that gets you on board.
The rule covers Dublin to Holyhead with both operators, Rosslare to Pembroke with Irish Ferries and Rosslare to Fishguard with Stena Line, in both directions.
It applies to every passenger regardless of age or nationality, Irish and British citizens included.
The operators say the change is needed to meet UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy of passenger data before boarding.
Stena Line's routes from Belfast to Liverpool, Cairnryan and Heysham are not affected.
Under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens still have no legal requirement to carry a passport between the 2 countries. At the port, though, the ferry company's rule decides whether you board.
The Irish Passport Card is accepted by both operators and can be ordered online by anyone holding a valid Irish passport book.
