Every Holyhead to Dublin ferry passenger now needs a passport or Irish passport card. Accepted ID, children, ETA and refunds explained.
Yes. Since Monday 28 September 2026, every passenger on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry must show a valid passport or an Irish passport card at check-in. This applies in both directions, on both Stena Line and Irish Ferries, to every nationality and every age, babies included. Driving licences and other photo ID are no longer accepted.
Last checked: 14 November 2026, against the Stena Line and Irish Ferries passport pages.
Which Documents Are Accepted?
| Document | Stena Line | Irish Ferries |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (any country) | Yes | Yes |
| Irish passport card | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency passport | Yes | Ask Irish Ferries before you travel |
| Driving licence | No | No |
| National ID card | No | No |
| Birth certificate (children) | No | No |
Check that every passport in your group is in date before you leave home. A passenger without an accepted document can be refused boarding.
Why Do I Need a Passport Now?
Both operators made the change to meet UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy of passenger data collected before boarding. The Common Travel Area has not changed, so British and Irish citizens still do not legally need a passport to travel between the two countries. The ferry companies simply will not board you without one.
Which Ferry Routes Are Affected?
- Holyhead to Dublin and Dublin to Holyhead: Stena Line and Irish Ferries.
- Fishguard to Rosslare and back: Stena Line.
- Pembroke to Rosslare and back: Irish Ferries.
- Not affected: Stena Line routes to Belfast from Cairnryan and Liverpool. British and Irish citizens can still use photo ID such as a driving licence there.
Children and Babies
Every child needs their own valid passport or Irish passport card, including babies. Birth certificates, which used to be enough for British and Irish children, are no longer accepted on this route. Passports can take weeks to arrive, so apply early or move your sailing.
Not British or Irish? You May Also Need an ETA
The ferry passport check is separate from UK entry rules. If you are not a British or Irish citizen and you are sailing from Dublin to Holyhead, you may need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a UK visa, depending on your nationality. Irish Ferries advises applying for your ETA before you travel and using the same passport for the ETA and the ferry. Check your own case on GOV.UK.
Already Booked Without a Passport?
- Stena Line: if you booked before the rule was announced, you can move to another date with no amendment fee or fare difference. If you cannot get a passport in time, you can cancel for a full refund. Bookings made after the announcement follow normal fare rules.
- Irish Ferries: said it would contact customers with existing bookings. If your trip is close and you have not heard, contact Irish Ferries directly.
Neither operator covers hotels or onward travel you booked separately.
Tips for a Smooth Check-in
- Keep passports in the car or your hand luggage, not packed in a suitcase. Stena Line staff swipe each passport at check-in.
- Make sure the names on your booking match each passport exactly. Wrong details can stop you boarding.
- Allow extra time at check-in at busy times. Irish Ferries closes check-in 30 minutes before departure.
- Check your sailing time on our Holyhead to Dublin ferry timetable.
Passport FAQ
Do Irish citizens need a passport for the ferry to Holyhead?
Yes. Irish citizens need a valid passport or an Irish passport card to sail from Dublin to Holyhead. A driving licence is no longer accepted.
Can I use my driving licence on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry?
No, not since 28 September 2026. Neither Stena Line nor Irish Ferries accepts a driving licence on this route.
Do foot passengers need a passport too?
Yes. The rule covers every passenger, whether you travel on foot, in a car or as a freight driver.
Is there any ferry from Britain to Ireland that does not need a passport?
Stena Line’s Belfast routes from Cairnryan and Liverpool still accept photo ID for British and Irish citizens. Other operators set their own rules, so check before you book.