What you need to know before travelling

Before setting off for Ireland, make sure you have met all the necessary requirements to ensure your trip goes smoothly. There are several things you need to plan for: administrative and customs formalities, cargo documentation, pets and security.

Identity documents:
National identity card or passport required

  • EU nationals: A valid passport or national identity card for drivers and accompanying persons.
  • Non-EU nationals: A passport is required for drivers and accompanying persons.

EES (Entry & Exit System) border controls

Travellers who are not nationals of European Union member states will be subject to the EES checks. This is an automated system for the digital collection of personal data through the capture of biometric data at points of entry and exit from the Schengen area.
It applies to citizens of non-EU countries, subject to ETIAS and short-stay visas or not, who are staying for a short period (maximum 90 days in any 180-day period) in the territory of a Member State of the Schengen area.

When you visit the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, your biometric data (photograph and/or fingerprint) will be recorded. This digital control replaces the manual stamping of the current passport.

Pets

  • Please inform the company that you are bringing a pet when you make your booking.
  • Please ensure you strictly comply with the current Irish regulations regarding entry into the country.


View the official regulations

 

Port safety and security

Certain items are subject to restrictions or must be declared upon registration.

  • Prohibitions: Knives, firearms and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
  • Penalties: Any unauthorised and undeclared items will be confiscated and destroyed.

Any unauthorised and undeclared items will be confiscated and destroyed.
We recommend that you consult the Department for Transport website.

See the regulations on the carrying and transport of weapons:
Document for the carrying and transport of weapons

See the list of prohibited or restricted items and those subject to declaration: Document on prohibited or restricted items and those subject to declaration

Check-in & formalities

To ensure a smooth boarding process, please follow these instructions on the day of your departure:

Presentation at the port

Please drive your vehicle directly to the Hibernia Line check-in counters.

Registration

Check-in opens at 4.30 pm.

Documents

Please have your travel documents (ID and vehicle documents) and cargo documents ready for inspection before boarding

Book your crossing

Hibernia Line operates one daily departure at 10.00 pm (French time) from Monday to Saturday, departing from the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The company carries both accompanied freight and unaccompanied trailers. Its ships feature single and double cabins, as well as bars and restaurants.

Bookings can be made on the company’s website

Access to the ferry terminal

Terminal ferry – 62480 Le Portel

GPS coordinates:
Latitude: 50.71793783535354 – Longitude: 1.5724611282348635

I’m going

Disembark at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer

As the Republic of Ireland is part of the European Customs Union, goods benefit from free movement.

Upon disembarking at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, you can take the exit directly and access the road and motorway networks in the immediate vicinity of the port (A16).

NEW - STARTING 06/2026
Ireland, just a ferry ride away.
Set sail from Boulogne-sur-Mer and discover Cork, the gateway to the Emerald Isle.
Ferry Line : Hibernia Line
Departures : 6x weekly
Explore the offer