Do you think ferry passengers should have to carry ID?

Consultation opens on proposals to require passengers to carry identification

A consultation has now opened into whether passengers sailing with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company should be required to carry identification when they travel.

It seeks stakeholders’ initial views on the principles and scope of the proposal.

Government says feedback 'will inform further policy work to assess the detailed arrangements required to implement and operate changes in practice'.

Currently, ferry passengers are not required to carry identification as a condition of carriage.

It says the 'proposal aims to enhance security for ferry travel in a proportionate and targeted way and to align with UK law enforcement expectations and data standards while upholding human rights and data protection obligations'. 

It would not introduce routine immigration controls within the Common Travel Area (CTA).

At this stage, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is setting out proposals to implement identification requirements for passengers travelling to and from the Isle of Man on Steam Packet services. 

The core elements are:

• ID at check-in: All passengers - foot passengers and those travelling with vehicles - would be required to carry valid identification at the point of check-in for all sailings. This might be checked by staff as part of a proportionate approach to ID verification, which means that not every passenger would be checked.
• Proportionate exemptions: Exemptions or special arrangements may be considered for certain passenger groups, such as minors, individuals without access to accepted forms of ID, medical evacuation or emergency travel and assisted travel needs.
• Accepted forms of ID: A specified list of acceptable documents would be set out. This could include photo ID as the default and, where appropriate, a combination of alternative documents for those unable to provide photo ID.

The current proposal is that the Steam Packet would implement the requirement as a condition of travel, mirroring the approach commonly used by airlines and some other regional ferry operators. 

It is not anticipated that the Department would introduce new legislation to impose the requirement.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson says: "We are seeking views at this stage to help shape a proportionate proposal that protects the public while keeping travel straightforward.

"Mandatory carriage of ID and proportionate verification checks are practical steps that strengthen our defences against organised crime, support effective policing, and align with the Securing Our Island Strategy, without introducing routine immigration controls within the CTA."

You can complete the consultation:

Online via government's Consultation Hub

• Email: PolicyAndAdmin.DHA@gov.im
• Post: IOMSPC ID Consultation, Executive Office, Department of Home Affairs Headquarters, Tromode Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 5PA

The consultation is open until Monday 8 June 2026.