New government rules in Ireland mean every ferry passenger travelling between Ireland and the UK must show a valid passport or passport card at check-in. The requirement applies from 28 September 2026 and covers Irish, UK, EU and non-EU citizens, including adults, children and babies.
The change is particularly important for passengers who previously expected to use a driving licence, birth certificate or another form of photo identification. Those documents are not accepted as substitutes for a passport or passport card on these ferry routes.
What the new ferry passport rule means
Under the updated travel requirement, passengers must present one of the following at ferry check-in:
- A valid passport; or
- A valid passport card.
No other form of identification can be used for this purpose. That includes a driving licence, birth certificate or other photo ID.
The rule applies to journeys travelling by ferry between Ireland and the UK. It is therefore relevant to passengers departing from Irish ports for destinations in the UK, as well as those travelling in the opposite direction.
Who is affected by the Ireland-UK ferry change?
The requirement applies broadly, regardless of nationality or age. The affected groups include:
- Irish citizens
- UK citizens
- Citizens of EU countries
- Non-EU citizens
- Adults
- Children
- Babies
Families should take particular care when checking travel documents. Every passenger, including an infant, must have an accepted passport or passport card available at check-in.
Can I use a driving licence?
No. A driving licence is not accepted for ferry travel between Ireland and the UK under the new requirement. The same applies to a birth certificate and other forms of photo identification.
Passengers who arrive without the required document may be unable to complete check-in or board their sailing. The exact procedures may vary between operators, so travellers should confirm the requirements directly with the ferry company before departure.
What non-EU citizens should know about UK travel
Passport requirements are not the only issue for some travellers. Non-Irish and non-UK citizens may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly known as an ETA, when travelling to the UK for a short stay of up to six months.
An ETA is a separate travel permission. Having a passport does not automatically mean that a non-EU traveller has met every UK entry requirement. Whether an ETA is needed depends on the traveller’s nationality and the purpose and circumstances of the visit.
Travellers should check the latest UK entry rules before booking or starting their journey. They should also allow time to complete any required application before travelling, rather than relying on arrangements made at the port.
How to prepare before travelling by ferry
These practical steps can help avoid problems at check-in:
- Check every passenger’s document. Confirm that each adult, child and baby has a valid passport or passport card.
- Check expiry dates. Make sure the document remains valid for the journey and meets any additional requirements that may apply to the traveller.
- Contact the ferry operator. Operators may provide specific instructions about check-in, document checks and boarding.
- Review UK entry requirements. Non-EU citizens should establish whether an ETA or another form of permission is required.
- Keep documents accessible. Do not pack passports in checked luggage or somewhere that cannot be reached at the port.
Checking the requirements in advance is especially important during busy travel periods, when replacing a missing document or changing a booking may be difficult.
Why the latest Citizens Information updates matter
Citizens Information provides practical information about changes affecting people living in and travelling from Ireland. This update makes clear that the passport requirement applies to all passengers on ferry journeys between Ireland and the UK, rather than only to certain nationalities.
The change also highlights the difference between identification and travel documentation. A document may prove someone’s identity in everyday situations but still not be accepted for international travel. Passengers should therefore rely on the specific requirements issued by their ferry operator and the relevant authorities.
Official government guidance for ferry passengers
Passengers should check the Department of Foreign Affairs for information about passport requirements and travel between Ireland and the UK. The ferry operator should also be contacted before departure because it is responsible for communicating its check-in and boarding procedures.
For travellers who may need an ETA, the relevant UK government guidance should be checked directly. Requirements can depend on nationality, travel purpose and immigration status, so general assumptions may not be sufficient.
Key points at a glance
- The new requirement began on 28 September 2026.
- A valid passport or passport card must be shown at ferry check-in.
- The rule applies to Irish, UK, EU and non-EU citizens.
- Adults, children and babies are included.
- Driving licences, birth certificates and other photo ID are not accepted instead.
- Some non-EU citizens may also need an ETA for a short UK visit of up to six months.
- Passengers should confirm requirements with their ferry operator before travelling.
What happens if a passenger arrives without a passport?
The published guidance states that a passport or passport card must be shown at check-in. Travellers should not assume that another document will be accepted simply because it contains a photograph or confirms their identity.
Anyone who does not have the required document should contact the ferry operator as soon as possible. The operator can explain whether the booking can be changed or whether any other arrangements are available. Passengers should not wait until arriving at the port to resolve a documentation problem.
Frequently asked questions
Do Irish citizens need a passport for an Ireland-UK ferry?
Yes. Irish citizens must show a valid passport or passport card at check-in when travelling by ferry between Ireland and the UK under the requirement in force from 28 September 2026.
Does a UK citizen need a passport for the ferry?
Yes. UK citizens are included in the requirement and must show a valid passport or passport card at ferry check-in.
Do children and babies need their own documents?
Yes. The requirement applies to all passengers, including children and babies. Each passenger should have an accepted passport or passport card.
Can I travel with a birth certificate?
No. A birth certificate cannot be used instead of a passport or passport card for ferry travel between Ireland and the UK.
Do EU citizens need an ETA?
Some non-Irish and non-UK travellers may need an ETA to enter the UK for a short stay. Requirements depend on the traveller’s nationality and circumstances, so passengers should check current UK guidance before travelling.
Where can I find official government guidance?
Information is available through Citizens Information and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Travellers should also check directly with their ferry operator for route-specific identification and check-in instructions.
Read more
Travellers can consult Citizens Information, the Department of Foreign Affairs and their ferry company for the most current instructions. These sources should be treated as the reference point if travel requirements or operator procedures change.
Conclusion
The new government rules in Ireland create a clear document requirement for ferry travel between Ireland and the UK: every passenger must show a valid passport or passport card at check-in. Driving licences, birth certificates and other photo ID cannot be used instead.
Before leaving home, check every traveller’s documents, review whether an ETA is required and confirm the ferry operator’s instructions. Preparing in advance is the simplest way to avoid delays or being refused boarding at the port.
