On Stena Line's routes to and from the continent On the routes between Germany and Sweden, Poland and Sweden, passport with MRZ code, national identity card of EU Standard, containing MRZ code or chip, issued by a national authority within the EU/EEA is needed to be able to check-in and travel.

In 2026, the ability to travel on Stena Line without a passport depends entirely on your nationality and the specific route. For British and Irish citizens traveling between Britain and Ireland (e.g., Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare), Stena Line still permits travel using other forms of valid photo ID, such as a photographic driving license, a government-issued ID card, or an international student card. However, children under 16 can often travel with just a birth certificate if traveling with a parent. For all other nationalities, or for routes traveling to continental Europe (like Harwich to Hook of Holland), a valid passport is mandatory. In 2026, with the full rollout of the UK's ETA system and the EU's EES (Entry/Exit System), Stena Line recommends that even CTA citizens carry a passport or passport card, as it is the most widely recognized document and helps prevent delays during the increasingly digital-focused check-in process.