UK to Europe by Ferry: Passport, ETA & Border Checklist

UK ↔ EU ferry travel documents & border checklist (2026)
Last updated: 13 February 2026

In a nutshell: quick checklist (60 seconds)

• Passport checked (issue date + validity requirements for your destination).
• Travelling to the UK? Check whether you need a UK ETA and apply early if required.
• Travelling to the EU/Schengen? Check the 90/180 rule if you travel often.
• Driving? V5C (or hire/lease proof where relevant) + insurance/breakdown details saved offline.
• Pets? Microchip + rabies + Animal Health Certificate within the correct time window.
• Car-deck grab bag: meds, chargers, snacks, kids’ essentials, you may not be able to access your car mid-crossing.

Important: avoid unnecessary fees (third-party ‘ETA/visa assistance’ sites)

Official links (bookmark these)

This is the ‘one source of truth’ section. If something changes, update it here – and link to this page from every route page.

• UK ETA overview: https://www.gov.uk/eta
• Apply for UK ETA (official): https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
• Check your ETA (official): https://www.gov.uk/check-eta
• UK: report suspicious emails/websites (phishing): https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing
• EU short-stay calculator (90/180 rule): EU short-stay calculator
• EU visa calculator tool (official): EU visa calculator
• EES (Entry/Exit System): Official EES portal
• EES launch press release (Commission): European Commission press corner
• ETIAS (official site): Official ETIAS portal
• Driving abroad (UK): https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
• Taking vehicles out of the UK (docs): Vehicle documents guidance
• Taking your pet abroad (UK): https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
• Ireland (official entry documents from EU): gov.ie entry documents
• Ireland: visa requirements (official): gov.ie visa requirements
• Travel vaccinations (UK official): NHS travel vaccinations · TravelHealthPro

UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): practical rules

What it is: a digital travel permission linked to your passport. If you need one, each traveller needs their own ETA (including children). Apply only via the official channels: GOV.UK or the UK ETA app.

• Official fee: £16. (See: gov.uk/eta/apply)
• Processing: usually within a day, but allow up to 3 working days.
• Important: applying via a third-party website won’t make the decision faster – it typically just adds a service fee.
• Check status: use the official checker here: gov.uk/check-eta

Use the UK ETA app from the official app stores via GOV.UK

EU / Schengen rules (UK → France / Netherlands / Spain etc.)

If you’re travelling from the UK into the Schengen Area, the two big things to get right are passport validity and the 90/180 short-stay rule. If you do multiple trips (or long road trips), use the official calculator:

EES & ETIAS: what changes at the border (and what NOT to do)

Vehicle documents (V5C, hire cars, insurance): what you may be asked for

• Keep handy at check-in: passport(s), booking reference, and vehicle details.
• Own car: bring your V5C (log book) on international trips.
• Hire/lease/company car: you may need written permission or specific documents (check official guidance): taking vehicles out of the UK.
• Insurance/breakdown: save policy numbers and phone numbers offline (screenshots help when reception is poor).

Pets: the short version (timing-sensitive)

Pet rules are strict, and the paperwork windows matter. Start with the official GOV.UK guidance and your vet’s schedule.

• Microchip + rabies vaccination (allow enough time).
• Animal Health Certificate issued within the valid window.
• Check route/operator pet check-in rules (operators can be stricter on timings).
• Official starting point: GOV.UK taking your pet abroad

Port & boarding reality (what catches people out)

Keep passports accessible until you’re fully through border control.

• Check-in closes before departure (varies by operator/route). Your booking confirmation is the source of truth.
• Car deck access: usually you cannot return to your vehicle during the crossing. Pack an onboard bag.
• Grab bag rule: meds, chargers, wipes, snacks, warm layer, kids’ entertainment, and anything you’d hate to be without for 6–12 hours.
• If you’re travelling with children: build in ‘buffer time’ – queues are unpredictable.

Connectivity: roaming at sea, Wi-Fi expectations & downloads

Mobile networks at sea can behave differently (maritime networks can be expensive). Best practice: download maps/films/podcasts on land, and consider switching data roaming off once you’ve sailed if you’re unsure.

Real-life lesson (Saint-Malo → Portsmouth): why prep + Flexi matters

Copy to phone (day-before checklist)

Copy/paste this into Notes (or screenshot it). Tick items the day before you sail.

DOCUMENTS
[ ] Passport(s) checked (issue date + validity rules)
[ ] Booking confirmation + check-in close time saved offline
[ ] Travel insurance details saved offline

TO THE UK
[ ] UK ETA checked/applied (if required) - applied via GOV.UK / UK ETA app only
[ ] Same passport (ETA is linked to the passport used)

TO THE EU / SCHENGEN
[ ] 90/180 checked if you travel often (use the official calculator if unsure)
[ ] EES / ETIAS status checked on the official EU portal (watch out for third-party ‘application’ sites adding fees)

DRIVING / VEHICLE
[ ] Driving licence
[ ] V5C (or hire/lease permission where relevant) + insurance/breakdown numbers saved

PETS (IF APPLICABLE)
[ ] Microchip + rabies vaccination timelines confirmed
[ ] Animal Health Certificate within valid window
[ ] Operator pet check-in rules checked

ONBOARD ‘GRAB BAG’
[ ] Meds + chargers + snacks + warm layer
[ ] Kids’ essentials + entertainment
[ ] Offline maps + downloads done (films/podcasts)

Printable checklist (PDF)

Download the printable checklist (PDF) before boarding

Related Ferrygogo guides (recommended guides)

Some of the most relevant guides on ferrygogo to read before booking a ferry, cabin or upgrade

• Ferry with children (comfort tips): how to travel comfortably with children on the ferry
• Saint-Malo ↔ Portsmouth (real-life report): our experience & visual impression
• UK → France hub: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/france/ferry-to-france-from-the-uk/
• UK → Netherlands hub: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/netherlands/ferry-to-netherlands-from-uk/
• UK → Ireland hub: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/ireland/ferry-to-ireland-from-uk/
• UK → Spain hub: https://ferrygogo.co.uk/ireland/ferry-to-ireland-from-uk/
• Cabin guides: ‘cabins & upgrades’ guide
• Travelling with a pet: Ferry travel with your dog

Common mistakes (the expensive ones)

• Paying an unnecessary ‘service fee’ to a third-party ETA/visa application site (you can usually apply directly for the official price via the authority links).
• Arriving after check-in closes (rules vary; carriers can be strict).
• Leaving essentials in the car, then discovering you cannot access the car deck.
• Starting pet paperwork too late (AHC windows are strict).
• Roaming bill shock at sea (download on land; consider switching roaming off once you’ve sailed).

If you used a third-party ETA/visa service (or think you did)

If you think you paid more than the official fee for an ETA/visa, it may simply have been a third-party ‘assistance’ service adding a convenience fee. If you suspect it was an outright scam/phishing site, follow the steps below.

• Check your confirmation email/receipt: who did you pay, and what exactly did they promise (service fee vs official fee)?
• If you still need the ETA/visa, apply (or re-apply) via the official service (see Official links).
• If you entered passport details on a suspicious domain: change passwords, monitor bank/card statements, and consider cancelling/replacing the card if needed.
• Report phishing/scams here: GOV.UK scam reporting

FAQ

Do I need a passport?
In most UK ↔ EU ferry scenarios: yes. Always verify entry requirements for your nationality and destination.

Do I need a UK ETA?
It depends on your nationality/status. Use GOV.UK to check and apply only via the official channels: gov.uk/eta/apply.

Can I apply through another website to speed up processing?
Using a third-party site won’t speed things up, it typically just adds a service fee. Apply via GOV.UK (or the official UK ETA app) if required.

How early should I arrive at the port?
Check-in cut-offs vary by operator/route. Follow your booking confirmation and aim to arrive with time to spare.

Can I go back to my car during the crossing?
Usually not. Pack an onboard bag with essentials.

What are EES and ETIAS – do I need to do anything now?
EES is rolling out progressively. ETIAS is a future authorisation and you should only use the official portal when applications open. Start here: EES · ETIAS.