From Monday 28 September, HGV drivers travelling between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland will need to carry a valid passport - even if they are British or Irish citizens.
Drivers will no longer be able to rely on a driving licence or other photographic identification when boarding affected Irish Sea ferry services across major ferry routes. Irish citizens can use a valid Irish passport card on Irish Ferries services.
Irish Ferries has confirmed that valid passports will become compulsory for all passengers travelling in either direction - affecting services such as Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke. Stena Line is also introducing the same requirement on its Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard crossings.
Irish Ferries has urged customers planning journeys after the deadline to make sure passports are valid and in date before arriving at the port, warning that otherwise they could face delays or disruption. The maritime transport company says that the change is being introduced to comply with UK Border Force requirements concerning the accuracy and integrity of passenger information provided before boarding – bridging the gap between ferry documentation and aviation checks.
Leading trade associations have criticised the short notice and are calling for a transition period before the new rules are enforced.
The change does not mean that the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland has been abolished - British and Irish citizens will still have the rights to travel, live and work in each other’s countries.
For foreign drivers, separate immigration requirements also remain relevant, with drivers travelling to Britain requiring a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, visa or other permission to enter the country depending on their nationality or immigration status.