Starting September 28, all passengers travelling by ferry to the Republic of Ireland from Great Britain will be required to present a valid passport before boarding. This new rule marks a change from current procedures, where travellers can use other forms of photographic identification, such as driving licences or bus passes, to confirm their identity.

The updated requirement has been communicated by major ferry operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries, who have begun notifying customers with existing bookings about the upcoming change. According to Irish Ferries, the measure is intended to comply with UK Border Force regulations aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of passenger data ahead of departure.

These passport checks are expected to apply to ferry routes between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, but sailings to and from Belfast will remain unaffected and will continue under the existing identification rules.

Ferry companies anticipate that the stricter documentation requirements will enhance border security and streamline passenger processing, though they advise travellers to prepare accordingly to avoid delays at boarding. Passengers without a valid passport may be denied boarding starting from the specified date.

This adjustment comes amid ongoing efforts by UK authorities to tighten border controls and verify passenger information more thoroughly before departure, reflecting broader changes in travel regulations affecting routes between the UK and EU member states.