New passport rules for Britain-Ireland ferries to be enforced

Published on

31/08/2026 - 12:18 GMT+2

Planning a ferry trip between Great Britain and Ireland? You might want to check your passport before you head to the port.

From 28 September 2026, passengers on some ferry routes will need to show a valid passport before boarding, bringing ferry travel in line with increasingly strict requirements already introduced by airlines.

The UK Border Force, as well as ferry operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries, have informed passengers of the changes, saying the rules are coming into force to ensure the "accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding".