What ID do I need to travel to Belfast by ferry?

Passengers who arrive at our ports without current valid documentation may not be allowed to enter either Ireland or Britain. Useful means of identification when travelling on these routes include: Valid passport. Photographic Driving License.



Traveling from Great Britain to Belfast by ferry in 2026 still falls under the Common Travel Area (CTA) rules, which technically allow for travel without a passport for British and Irish citizens. However, most major ferry operators (like Stena Line and P&O) and airlines have tightened their requirements for "operational certainty." You will need a valid form of photographic ID; while a passport is the "gold standard" and most recommended, a valid UK or Irish driving license is generally accepted for ferry travel. Note that as of February 25, 2026, some carriers like Aer Lingus have made passports mandatory for flights, but ferries remain a primary alternative for those traveling with alternative photo ID, provided it is current and matches the name on the booking.

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Closed-Loop Cruises If you are a U.S. citizen planning a closed-loop cruise, you can travel without a passport. A closed-loop cruise means that you board a cruise ship in a U.S. port, only travel in the Western Hemisphere and then return to the same U.S. port where you started your journey.

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Visit the Embassy of Ireland's website for the most current visa information. You must have a valid passport to enter Ireland. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.

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The form of ID you'll need to travel on a ferry depends on the route and your nationality. On most international routes, you will need your passport to check-in. However, there are exceptions to this.

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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.

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Travelling in the European Union. As Ireland is not a party to the Schengen Agreement, Irish citizens must present a passport when entering other EU Member States. Similarly, all EU citizens entering Ireland will be required to present a passport or a valid national identity card.

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In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

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Acceptable Identification Note: To travel between Ireland and Britain with photo identification other than a passport, you must be a citizen of either country. The following forms of photo identification are acceptable once they are in date: Valid passport or Irish passport card. Driver's licence with photo.

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Check-in Easily and Conveniently on a Ferry A printout is not required. Otherwise, you can always check-in at a port office or port kiosk. You'll need to present your booking confirmation email as well as a passport or national identity card for both, and where required, a valid visa.

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