Travel documents & entry rules
Avoid delays at the port by ensuring you have the correct travel paperwork for your ferry journey. Learn about required identification, rules for traveling with minors, standard Schengen entry updates (EES), and vehicle export regulations to guarantee smooth boarding.
Certain international ferry routes enforce specific customs declarations or seasonal restrictions for exported vehicles, commercial vans, and freight transport.
Vehicle export & seasonal travel rules:
Export vehicles (MRN): If you are traveling with a vehicle intended for permanent export across international borders, you must present the official Movement Reference Number (MRN) to the port ticket office prior to boarding
Seasonal vehicle restrictions: Select ports enforce seasonal bans or restricted documentation policies on commercial vans, freight transport vehicles, or newly registered cars (for example, peak summer restrictions applied at North African ports like Algiers or Béjaïa). Always verify your vehicle's eligibility prior to booking
Note: Planning to travel with a camper or motorhome? Please check our camping & motorhome travel section for specific garage rules and guidelines.
The Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border control requirement for non-EU/Schengen citizens traveling across international borders into the Schengen Area.
Key EES guidelines for ferry passengers:
Biometric registration: Passengers from non-EU or non-Schengen countries entering the Schengen Area must complete a quick biometric registration - including a facial scan and fingerprint collection - upon their initial entry
Port delay advisory: Because first-time biometric registration takes extra time per passenger, border control queues at international ferry terminals can be longer than usual. Arriving at the port earlier than standard check-in recommendations is strongly advised when entering the Schengen zone
For exact route arrival times, garage policies, and port office check-in locations, please refer to Check-in & embarkation.
International maritime regulations and border control authorities enforce specific documentation requirements for traveling minors depending on their age and accompanying guardians.
Documentation & age rules for minors:
Passengers under 14 years old: Must be accompanied by a parent or official legal guardian at all times during the voyage
Passengers aged 14 to 18: May travel independently, provided they present a signed parental consent form that explicitly releases the ferry operator from liability
Accompanied by a non-parent: If a minor travels with an adult who is not their legal parent (e.g., a relative or tour group leader), an official liability release statement signed by the parents is required
Solo parent international travel: When a minor travels internationally with only one parent, written consent from the absent parent or legal guardian is mandatory to clear border security
All passengers on international ferry routes must present valid, original identification documents at check-in.
Key ID guidelines for international crossings:
Photocopies & digital screenshots: Photostat copies, photos on smartphones, or digital screenshots are strictly not accepted. Every passenger - including infants and minors - must present a physical, original document at check-in
Paper ID restriction: Legacy paper identity cards (such as older paper formats issued in parts of Europe like Italy or Greece) are restricted strictly to domestic travel
Mandatory international IDs: For cross-border crossings (e.g., traveling from Italy to Corsica, France, or Greece), an original electronic ID card (CIE) or a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers