From Monday 28 September, drivers will no longer be able to rely on a driving licence or other photographic identification when boarding affected Irish Sea ferry services.
Irish Ferries has confirmed directly to freight customers that valid passports will become compulsory for all passengers travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Britain in either direction. The company said the requirement applies to all freight passengers, including British and Irish citizens. Its Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke services will be affected.
Stena Line is introducing the same requirement on its Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Fishguard crossings. From 28 September, passengers travelling through Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard or Rosslare on these services will have to present a valid passport at check-in.
For drivers who regularly work across the Irish Sea, the practical implication is straightforward: a driving licence that may previously have been sufficient will no longer get them onto the ferry.
Irish Ferries has urged customers planning journeys after the deadline to make sure passports are valid and in date before arriving at the port, warning that otherwise they could face delays or disruption.
Irish citizens can also use a valid Irish passport card on Irish Ferries services.
RHA calls for transition period
The Road Haulage Association has criticised the short notice given to the road transport industry and is calling for a transition period before the new requirement is fully enforced. The trade body raised the issue on 2 September, less than four weeks before the new rules are due to take effect.
The timing could be particularly important for operators employing drivers who regularly travel only between Britain and Ireland and therefore may not have maintained a valid passport.
Irish Ferries says the change is being introduced to comply with UK Border Force requirements concerning the accuracy and integrity of passenger information provided before boarding. The company said the measure brings ferry documentation checks closer into line with those already used by many airlines.
Common Travel Area remains in place
The change does not mean that the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland has been abolished. Under the CTA, British and Irish citizens retain extensive rights to travel, live and work in each other’s countries. UK government guidance also continues to state that British and Irish citizens travelling from Ireland to Great Britain are not generally required to present a passport to Border Force and may be able to prove their identity and nationality using other documents.
The distinction is that ferry companies are now imposing a passport requirement as a condition of boarding in order to meet passenger-data requirements. That means a British or Irish driver could theoretically remain entitled to travel under the Common Travel Area while still being unable to board an affected ferry without a valid passport.
For foreign drivers, separate immigration requirements also remain relevant. Depending on nationality and immigration status, drivers travelling to Britain may require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, visa or other permission to enter the country.
Operators using Irish Sea routes after 28 September should therefore check not only that drivers have the necessary freight and customs documentation, but also that every driver has the required personal travel document before dispatch.
More on UK motorway closures and roadworks:
UPDATED: Three years of M5 disruption ahead as new restrictions begin
