Travelling on the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry route? Before you travel between Ireland and France, it's important to ensure you have the correct passport, ID, and visa documentation. Requirements vary depending on your nationality, so check the guidance below before your journey.
EU Citizens: Passport and ID Requirements for Ireland and France
All EU citizens, including infants and children, must travel with their own valid passport or an officially recognised European Union national identity card when travelling between Ireland and France.
Do EU Citizens Need a Visa for France or Ireland?
No. Irish, French, and other EU citizens do not require a visa for short leisure trips between Ireland and France.
Passport and ID Requirements
When travelling on the Dublin–Cherbourg route, EU citizens must carry:
- A valid passport, or
- An officially recognised EU national ID card
Travel documents should remain valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Travelling for Work or Study
If you are travelling to France or Ireland for work, study, or a long-term stay, additional entry requirements may apply. Please refer to the French Government Visa Checker and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date guidance before travelling.
British Citizens: Passport and Visa Requirements for France
British citizens travelling from Ireland to France must travel with a valid UK passport that meets Schengen Area entry requirements.
UK Passport Validity Requirements
Your passport must:
- Be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter France.
- Be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave France.
We recommend checking both the issue date and expiry date before travelling.
Do British Citizens Need a Visa for France?
British citizens do not require a visa for tourist or leisure travel to France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You may require a visa, permit, or other authorisation if you:
- Plan to stay longer than 90 days
- Intend to work in France
- Are studying in France
- Are travelling for certain business activities
Use the French Government Visa Checker to confirm your requirements before travelling.
Non-EU Nationals: Travel Documents and Visa Requirements
Non-EU nationals travelling between Ireland and France should check entry requirements before departure, as both a passport and visa may be required.
Documents Required for Non-EU Citizens
Depending on your nationality, you may need:
- A valid passport
- A French visa
- An Irish visa
- Additional supporting travel documentation
Apply for Visas Early
Visa applications can take several weeks to process. To avoid travel disruption, passengers should make all visa arrangements well in advance of their travel date. For further information:
- Check the French Government Visa Checker for travel to France.
- Visit the French government website for travel to France and the Irish Government Department of Foreign Affairs website for travel to Ireland for non-EU citizens.