Passports Needed When Travelling From Rosslare To Britain From Next Month

Stena Line is advising passengers from Rosslare that soon they'll need a valid passport to travel Britain.

From 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling on Stena Line services via Dublin, Holyhead, Fishguard and Rosslare will be required to present a valid passport at check-in.

This change is being introduced to comply with UK Border Force data requirements and no other forms of identification will be accepted.

Currently, passengers are not always asked to show a passport but have sometimes been required to have another form of photo ID such as driving licences and national identity cards.

Stena Line says passengers of all ages and nationalities will require a passport under these new rules including infants.

Irish Ferries are also encouraging "all passengers travelling or planning to travel after 28 September 2026 to check that they have a valid, in-date passport (or Irish passport card) before arriving at the port."

The change has been poorly received by some who say the rules violate European laws.

New Ross Independent Councillor John Dwyer has written to the Minister for Tourism calling it a "shocking development" and a "clear breach of provisions of the Common Travel Area agreement."

He's calling on Minister Peter Burke to intervene and prevent companies from breaking the rules.

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.