International Ferry Travel: Customs Information
International Ferry Travel: Customs Information
Catching a ferry across the border? We’re here to make the experience smooth sailing! Our guide covers everything you need to know - from the documents you’ll need to bring to the items you may have to declare – so you can avoid delays and any unnecessary surprises on your way. After all, the journey is all part of the adventure, and we want to make it as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
In our ferry customs guide, we’ll cover:
If you’re travelling internationally, there are a few documents you’ll need to bring along with you too. You’ll be asked to present these at the port before boarding your ferry, and you won’t be allowed to travel without them, so it’s important to make sure you have everything you need.
The exact documents required depend on the destination you’re visiting and the length of your stay. If you’re unsure, we’d recommend contacting the embassy of the country you’re travelling to.
* Information is subject to change, please check with the relevant Government/Embassy/Travel Boards mentioned in our guide to receive the most up-to-date information.
First, let’s talk passports. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as straight-forward as just remembering to bring your passport along with you.
If you’re travelling to the EU, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan on leaving the EU. It also needs to have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter.
Travelling from the EU to the UK? Unless you are exempt, from the 1st October 2021, the UK no longer accepts national ID cards for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. Therefore, you’ll also need to show your passport at border control.
Other countries, such as Asia and the UAE, require you to have at least 6 months left on your passport from the date you enter the country.
Wherever you’re travelling to, just search for your destination on the GOV website to find out the requirements.
Next up, visas. Whether you need a visa depends on the country you’re travelling from and the country you’re travelling to.
If you’re visiting the UK on a short trip, you might not need a visa. For example, citizens from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. This also applies for US citizens.
Although you don't need a visa, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. You can apply for an ETA online at gov.uk/eta/apply.
You do not need an ETA if:
However, there are also many countries, such as those in Africa, Asia and South America, that do require you to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK, regardless of how long you’re staying for.
If you’re a British citizen and you’re planning on staying for less than 90 days, then you don’t need to worry about a visa. British citizens are restricted to staying for up to 90 days in the EU Schengen Area in a 180-day period.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) however is expected to come into place at the end of 2026. This is a pre-travel authorization system, and you will have to apply for this before travelling to the EU. It will allow you to stay for up to 90 days.
If you’re planning on staying for longer than 90 days during a 180-day period or you’re wanting to work or study in the country, then you will need to apply for a visa.
There are two general rules when it comes to short stays in the US. If you’re a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, then you can travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa. These countries include the UK, Australia and most countries within Western Europe. You will, however, need to apply for an ESTA online before you travel to the US.
If you’re a citizen of a country not part of the VWP, then you will require a visa to enter the US.
The visa requirements in Asia vary depending on the country you’re visiting and the length of your stay. Some countries don’t require a visa whilst others have visa-on-arrival or e-visa systems in place. For example:
Depending on the country you’re visiting, other travel documents may also be required. These might include:
When crossing the border, there are certain things that you can and cannot bring into a country. If you ignore the rules, you may face a hefty fine, so it’s best to get clued up on what’s allowed.
At most ports, there’s a red and green channel. The green channel is for travellers who have nothing to declare, and the red channel is for those who have goods to declare, so make sure you exit through the right channel.
There are certain items that are generally prohibited when crossing the border, such as firearms, weapons and illegal drugs. Each country also has their own specific rules too.
You can bring some goods into the UK without having to pay tax, such as those purchased from a duty-free shop, however there are duty-free limits.
Prohibited items:
To declare:
Prohibited items:
To declare:
Prohibited items:
To declare:
The rules in Asia differ by country, so we’d recommend looking at the specific country’s custom rules before you travel.
Prohibited items:
To declare:
Prohibited items:
To declare:
Prohibited items:
To declare:
Crossing the border with a car? Whether that’s your own car or a rental car, there are a few procedures in place to prevent stolen or incorrectly documented vehicles from entering another country.
If you’re travelling from the UK and you have a GB sticker on your car, it must either be covered or removed entirely. You will still need to identify that your vehicle is from the UK when you’re driving abroad though, but you’ll need a UK sticker instead. If you’re driving in France and your number plate includes the UK identifier, then a sticker isn’t necessary.
Wherever you’re travelling to or from, here are some of the documents you may need to show:
Once you’re through Border Control, you may still be stopped, and your vehicle may be searched. This is just a security measure to check for any prohibited goods.
Bringing your furry friend along too? We don’t blame you. Here’s everything you need to know about crossing the border with your cuddly companion.
Depending on where you’re travelling to, you’ll either need a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Pet passports are no longer valid for travel from the UK to the EU or Northern Ireland. However, if you’re travelling within the EU, you may be able to use a pet passport. Non-EU countries will often require you to show an Animal Health Certificate. It is usually valid for 10 days after the issue date.
Your pet will need to meet the health requirements for the country you’re visiting. They’ll need to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and some countries such as Ireland, Finland and Norway, also require tapeworm treatments. We’d recommend speaking to a vet well in advance of your trip and checking the entry requirements on the relevant GOV website, so your furry friend isn’t detained by border control.
For more information, you can also check out our blog post on ferry travel with pets.
Travel documents information
New rules for travelling to Europe
Gov.uk/eta/apply
gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area
gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
european-union.europa.eu/live-work-study/travelling-eu_en
Ready for your cross-border adventure? You can find out more information about specific requirements at the government or local embassy website.
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