UK-Ireland ferry passport rule could catch thousands of travellers by surprise

Starting from September 28, ferry passengers travelling between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland will be required to present a valid passport, according to Stena Line and Irish Ferries. The new boarding rule comes after updated UK Border Force regulations aimed at improving passenger information accuracy. Both Stena Line’s Holyhead-Dublin and Fishguard-Rosslare services, as well as Irish Ferries services across the two countries, will enforce the passport requirement.

Alternative photo IDs like driving licences will no longer be accepted on these routes. Irish Ferries advises customers to verify their passport validity before reaching the port. This change, despite the existing Common Travel Area rights, is due to ferry operators' ability to set their own identification requirements. The land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland remains unaffected, as does Stena Line’s routes via Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan, and Heysham.

Ferry operators are reaching out to affected customers to ensure they have the necessary travel documents before the new rules take effect.