The new passport rule for ferry crossings comes from strict UK Border Force guidelines about accurate passenger data before boarding
Irish Ferries advises Irish and UK citizens who are travelling after 28 September 2026 to make sure they have a valid passport or Irish passport card before arriving at the port(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Two major changes begin today on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route. From Monday, September 28, passengers travelling between Wales and the Republic of Ireland must carry a valid passport.
This travel update changes the types of ID accepted and could affect Brits who already have travel booked. From Monday, major ferry companies such as Stena Line and Irish Ferries have announced they will only accept passports as photo ID for all passengers, including Irish and UK citizens.
The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement means British and Irish citizens do not legally need a passport to travel between the two countries. However, more travel companies now require passports to meet border processing rules.
The new passport rule for ferry crossings comes from strict UK Border Force guidelines about accurate passenger data before boarding.
This change brings ferry travel in line with the document checks many airlines already use, but there are calls to delay implementation to give passengers more time to get passports if they don’t already have one.
This rule applies to ferry routes between Holyhead and Dublin and between Fishguard and Rosslare, and it affects everyone, regardless of age or nationality. Alternative photo IDs, such as driving licences, will not be accepted for British and Irish citizens on these routes.
These restrictions do not apply to ferry routes that travel via Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan, or Heysham.
Irish Ferries advises Irish and UK citizens who are travelling after September 28 to make sure they have a valid passport or Irish passport card before arriving at the port. This will help avoid delays or problems with their journey.
The Irish Ferries Customer Service Team is contacting customers with existing bookings to help them with this new requirement.
Next week, another change will take effect at Holyhead Port. From October 1 2026, Holyhead Port will no longer accept cash. You can now only pay by debit or credit card.
For more information on travel requirements to Ireland, check the UK Foreign Office website.
