It is compulsory for all passengers (including babies) to have their own valid passport or officially recognised European Union I.D. card when travelling to and from Britain or France. In some cases, a visa may also be required. If you are driving a vehicle you will also need a valid driving licence.

Yes, you absolutely need a valid passport to travel by ferry from the UK to France in 2026. Following Brexit, British citizens are no longer able to travel to the EU using only a driving license or other forms of ID; a full passport is required for all passengers, including children. Furthermore, your passport must meet two strict criteria: it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter France and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. In 2026, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, meaning that upon arrival at French ports like Calais or Dunkirk, non-EU nationals will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded. While you do not currently need a visa for short tourist stays (under 90 days), you must ensure your passport is stamped or digitally recorded to avoid overstaying. Always check that your passport is in good condition, as ferry operators are legally required to deny boarding to anyone without the correct documentation.