UK to require passports for all ferry passengers on Ireland routes from September
Passengers traveling by ferry between Ireland and the UK will be required to present a passport or passport card starting Sept. 28, following a UK Border Force policy change. The new rule applies to all travelers, regardless of age or nationality, on routes including Holyhead-Dublin and Fishguard-Rosslare, as confirmed by Stena Line and Irish Ferries .
Stena Line stated that “no other forms of ID will be accepted” and that the change ensures “the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.” Irish Ferries similarly noted that “no other forms of photo ID will be accepted for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens.” Both companies are notifying customers with existing bookings .
The requirement aligns ferry travel with airline document checks, according to Irish Ferries. Stena Line added that routes from Belfast to Britain remain unchanged .
In a separate development, Switzerland’s Federal Council approved the introduction of biometric identity cards starting Nov. 2. The cards will include a chip storing a facial image and two fingerprints, mirroring the existing biometric passport. The amendment to the ordinance takes effect Nov. 1 .
The Federal Council stated the change strengthens protection against misuse and ensures Swiss citizens can continue traveling freely within the EU, as member states have issued only biometric identity cards since 2021. Travelers with valid non-biometric cards may still use them until expiration. The government recommends the biometric version for those renewing or first applying for an ID if they plan to travel in the EU .
Biometric identity cards will be available only from cantonal authorities and Swiss diplomatic missions abroad, while non-biometric cards remain obtainable from local authorities in some cantons. The Federal Council clarified that the new biometric ID is distinct from the electronic identity credential (E-ID), which is not a travel document but used for online identity verification .
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srf.ch · about 1 hour ago
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srf.ch · about 1 hour ago
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thejournal · about 1 hour ago
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swissinfo · about 2 hours ago