NEW rules for Brits travelling from the UK to Ireland via the ferry have come into force today.
For the first time in over 100 years, passengers are required to carry a valid passport or risk being denied boarding.
Prior to today, passengers were not required to show a passport when taking the crossing.
Instead, they were asked to have another form of photo ID with a photograph like a driving licence or a bus pass.
Now, travellers have been told to carry a valid passport due to the UK Border Force is tightening rules on “accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding”.
Routes affected will be between Britain and the the Republic of Ireland of which Irish Ferries operates two routes.
These go between Holyhead and Dublin, and Pembroke and Rosslare.
Another ferry enforcing these rules is Stena Line which has crossings between Holyhead and Dublin as well as Fishguard and Rosslare.
Irish Ferries explained: “This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from 28 September, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens
“This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.“
Previously, passengers didn’t have to carry their passports with them because of what’s known as The Common Travel Area (CTA).
The CTA is a passport-free zone involving the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands dating back to 1923.
British and Irish citizens don’t legally need a passport to travel between the two destinations.
But carrying passports has since became a requirement by airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus for passengers flying between the two destinations.