travel to ireland

[Skreecheeboy]

anybody know if you need a passport to travel to ireland if you're going by ferry? think it might be possible but not sure if they've got a check point on the border between north and south. can't find it anywhere and can't really afford a new one...

[Buenchico]

(2-part answer):

The UK and Ireland have an 'open border' agreement which permits a citizen of one country to travel to the other without any border formalities. That applies just as much to travel by air and by ferry as it does to simply crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic.

All airlines require some form of ID for security purposes. Ryanair will only accept a passport but all other airlines accept an EU driving licence for domestic travel and for travel between the UK and Ireland. (Some airlines also accept things like bus passes).

Ferry companies are generally less strict about security requirements than the airlines are. Here's what Irish Ferries state:
"Irish Ferries recommend all passengers bring a passport with them. Irish and British citizens do not strictly require a passport to travel between the two countries - some form of identification is however required.

Photo ID, Bank Cards or bills for house utilities addressed to you are all acceptable and useful means of identification.

Please note that all nationalities except Irish or British require passports. Non-EU nationals should check with the British or Irish embassy before travelling as they may also need a visa. Passengers who turn up at our ports without valid documentation may not be allowed to enter either Ireland or Britain. "

[Buenchico]

P&O seem to be unaware that Dublin isn't in the UK! Their website states
A passport for all passengers (including children and infants), valid beyond the date of return, is required for all trips outside the United Kingdom"
but then says
"Photographic identification must be carried and shown when required for all trips between Dublin and Liverpool"
which seems to indicate that you don't need a passport after all!

Here's what StenaLine says:
"British or Irish citizens travelling on our Irish Sea routes with Stena Line do not need a passport to travel to Britain or Ireland but are advised to take a form of identity."

Chris

[Buenchico]

I forgot to provide NorflokLine's policy. It's this:
"All passengers aged 18 or over must produce photographic identification in either the form of a valid passport, valid photographic EU national identity card, valid photographic driving license or valid police warrant card/badge, Citizen Card or a valid Government-issued identity card at Norfolkline check-in."

[Awkward]

Hiya Skreech, long time no see. The last time we spoke, you were " gonnae take wee Barry Ferguson" in Edinburgh. With hindsight, you should have done it there and then, might have been in SA now!