Editorial credit: RogerMechan / Shutterstock.com
Ireland-Wales ferry passengers must have passports from September 28. Irish Ferries and Stena Line have confirmed that driving licences and other photo ID will no longer be accepted on sailings between Ireland and Wales.
The change applies to passengers travelling on the Dublin-Holyhead, Rosslare-Pembroke and Rosslare-Fishguard routes. If you are booked on one of these services, check that every traveller has a valid passport before heading for the port. A driving licence that worked for a previous crossing will no longer do the job.
The passport requirement covers the main direct ferry links between the Republic of Ireland and Wales:
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate services on these routes. The policy brings ferry document rules closer to the passport checks airline passengers already know when travelling between Ireland and the UK.
Travel Extra first reported the operators’ confirmation that passports will be required for all passengers from September 28.
Passengers have previously been able to use a driving licence or another accepted form of photo ID for some Ireland-Wales ferry journeys. From September 28, that flexibility ends on the affected crossings.
Bring the physical passport used as travel documentation, even if the ferry booking was made using a driving licence number or another form of ID. A photo of a passport on your phone is not a sensible substitute at check-in, and a missing document can turn a fairly straightforward sailing into a very expensive bit of admin.
Check passports as soon as you can, especially for family bookings, where one child’s expired passport can hold up the whole group. Ferry operators can apply their own boarding requirements, so review the instructions attached to your specific booking too. Keep passports somewhere dry and easy to reach: Ireland was 58F with overcast skies and 88% humidity in September 2026, which is fairly standard proof that loose papers and rainy ports are not a great pairing. Our guide to weather in Ireland in September may also help with the less document-related side of packing.
Passengers planning a longer break should build document checks into the rest of their preparation. Our Ireland trip packing essentials cover the less dramatic, but still useful, parts of getting ready for travel.
Ferry travel is often chosen by families, motorists and passengers carrying more luggage than they would take on a flight. That can make the crossing feel a bit like a domestic journey, particularly for regular travellers. From September 28, though, a passport is essential for every passenger on the Ireland-Wales routes covered by the new rule.
Car passengers should not assume the driver’s documents cover everyone else in the vehicle. Each traveller needs their own passport, including children. Give yourself time before departure to find the documents and compare them with the booking confirmation. If you are weighing up ferries alongside trains, buses or a rental car, our guide to getting around Ireland is a practical place to start.
For broader planning help, see our practical advice for first-time visitors to Ireland, including preparation points that are easy enough to miss when a trip is still weeks away.
Yes. From September 28, passengers travelling between Dublin and Holyhead must have a passport. Driving licences and alternative photo ID will no longer be accepted for the crossing.
No. Irish Ferries and Stena Line have confirmed that driving licences will no longer be accepted as travel identification on the affected Ireland-Wales routes from September 28.
Yes. The new requirement applies to all ferry passengers, so parents and guardians should ensure that each child travelling has a valid passport before arriving at the terminal.
Yes. Check the travel-document guidance supplied with your booking and contact the operator directly if anything is unclear. Requirements can affect whether a passenger is allowed to board.
Matt Hook is a Canadian writer of Scottish and Irish heritage. He built his writing career creating detailed gaming guides, turning complex mechanics, history and lore into useful information for readers. Matt brings that same research-focused approach to Ireland Wide, where he writes about Irish travel, heritage, history and culture. He also holds CMA and CPA designations as a professional accountant, giving him a strong background in research, accuracy and attention to detail.
At Ireland Wide, our aim is to bring authentically Irish insights to you, wherever you are.
Whether you have some feedback or would like to offer some of your own insights for everyone else to explore, don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
