Passport requirements on Holyhead and Fishguard routes

We are making this change to meet the requirements of the UK Border Force in relation to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.

From Monday 28 September 2026 passengers travelling between Holyhead and Dublin or Fishguard and Rosslare will now need to show their passport on departure. 

Stena Line will now require all passengers to present their passport on departure from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard or Rosslare ports.

Yes, everyone, regardless of age or nationality need to present their passport. 

There is no change to the ID requirements for business or leisure passengers travelling with Stena Line from Belfast, Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham. 

Yes, everyone, regardless of age need to have a passport to travel.

Stena Line does not require any additional evidence. However, if your child has a different surname government advice recommends that you carry documentation such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate as evidence. If you do not have parental responsibility for the child it is recommended that you carry a letter from the person with parental responsibility for the child to show you’ve got permission to travel.

Irish citizens when travelling from Stena Line from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard and Rosslare will need to present their passport on departure. No other form of ID will be accepted.

Yes, passport cards are accepted.

Yes, all individuals travelling from Dublin, Holyhead, Fishuard and Rosslare will need a passport.

No, you can only travel with a passport.

No, additional months of validity are required.

Yes, we will accept emergency passports.

No you do not need your passport when booking.

Our Customer Service team will swipe your passport to retrieve all the necessary passenger data requirements.

Our Customer Service team will manually enter your details.

When we swipe your passport it will update our system with your correct passenger details.

Coach groups should continue to follow the established process. Passports can be prepared by the coach group and presented together for processing at the check-in booth.

Unfortunately you will be unable to travel if you cannot present your passport. Please contact our Customer Service team for assistance when checking in.

In certain circumstances we will accept a photograph or photocopy. Please inform our Customer Service team for assistance when checking in.

If you are unable to travel because you do not have a passport, our team will be on hand to help. If you booked to travel from 28 September onwards and before the new passport requirement was communicated, you can move your booking to a different date without paying an amendment fee or any difference in fare.  Alternatively, if you are unable to travel because you cannot meet the new passport requirement, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund.

From 28 September, you will need to present your passport at check-in. If you do not have your passport with you, you will not be able to travel. Normal fare rules will apply if you made your booking after the new passport requirement was communicated.

Please contact the passport office that issued your passport. If your passport has been stolen please also contact the police. 

Stena Line is unable to cover any additional costs resulting from you being unable to travel, such as hotels, onward travel, events or other third-party arrangements. We recommend contacting your travel insurance provider, where applicable, to check whether these costs may be covered under your policy.