Ferry passengers to require passport for UK travel

From next month, passengers traveling from Ireland to the UK via Irish Ferries and Stena Line will be required to present their passports, according to both companies. This new rule will take effect on September 28th for routes between Dublin and Holyhead, and Rosslare and Pembroke. Stena Line passengers will also need to show their passports when crossing from Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.

Previously, passengers were not always asked for a passport, but may have been required to show alternative forms of photo ID, such as driving licenses and national identity cards. However, these forms of identification will no longer be accepted for travel on these specific routes. The change aims to comply with UK Border Force requirements for accurate and reliable passenger data before boarding.

Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line stated that the requirement aligns ferry travel rules with those already implemented by many airlines. All passengers, regardless of age or nationality, will be required to present their passports or passport cards. Both companies assured that customers with existing bookings will be notified to assist them during the transition.

While Irish and British citizens are entitled to travel between Ireland and the UK under the Common Travel Area arrangement without a passport, certain airlines have imposed passport requirements for boarding. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Home Office in the UK, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland, have been approached for comment.

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, Matt Carthy, criticized the decision, stating that it makes little sense to tighten passenger verification requirements on some ferry crossings but not all. He emphasized the need for better passenger information and data on travel to the island of Ireland, including from Britain. Carthy's party also called for progress towards enhanced data sharing on travel within the Common Travel Area.