A significant change to ferry travel requirements between Ireland and Britain will come into effect on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Passengers travelling on affected routes through Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard and Rosslare will be required to present a valid passport at check-in. The requirement applies to every passenger, including children, and schools planning upcoming tours should begin checking passport arrangements now.

The change has been introduced by ferry operators to meet UK Border Force requirements concerning the accuracy of passenger information before boarding.

What Is Changing for Ferry Passengers?

Until now, passengers travelling between Ireland and Britain have not always needed to present a passport when travelling by ferry. Other forms of photographic identification have sometimes been accepted.

From 28 September 2026, that will change on the affected routes.

Ferry operators have confirmed that passengers travelling between Holyhead and Dublin or Fishguard and Rosslarewill be required to present a valid passport before departure. Stena Line has stated that the requirement applies regardless of the passenger’s age or nationality and that other forms of identification will not be accepted under its new check-in requirements.

This means that being an Irish or British citizen does not remove the requirement to have the correct travel document available at check-in.

Children and Students Will Also Need Passports

This is particularly important for school tours.

The requirement applies to all passengers regardless of age, so every student travelling on an affected ferry crossing must have a valid passport.

Schools should not assume that a student can travel using another form of identification simply because they are travelling as part of an organised school group.

For a tour involving 30, 40 or more students, one missing or invalid passport can create a significant issue at departure. Checking documentation well before the travel date is therefore essential.

Why Has the Requirement Changed?

The new procedure is connected with UK Border Force passenger-data requirements.

Ferry operators have said the changes are intended to ensure the accuracy and integrity of passenger information before passengers board.

Although Irish and British citizens generally benefit from the Common Travel Area arrangements between Ireland and the UK, transport operators can still introduce identification requirements as part of their boarding procedures. The newly announced ferry requirement therefore means passengers should not rely on previous travel experiences when preparing for trips after 28 September.

Which Routes Are Affected?

The announcement specifically highlights passengers travelling through:

• Dublin Port
• Holyhead Port
• Rosslare Europort
• Fishguard Port

For school groups travelling from Ireland to Britain, this is especially relevant to the Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare – Fishguard crossings.

Passengers travelling on other ferry routes should continue to check the identification requirements that apply to their specific operator and sailing, as requirements can differ.

Do Not Wait Until the Week of Travel

If anyone in your group does not currently have a valid passport, begin the application or renewal process now.

The new requirement comes into force on 28 September 2026, and passengers who cannot present the required travel document may be unable to travel.

Celtic Horizon Tours will continue to keep everyone informed of important changes that could affect their tours. However, passport and entry requirements can change, so always check the latest official guidance and ferry operator requirements before travelling.