Travel documents & entry rules

Q: Are there seasonal vehicle restrictions or special export document (MRN) rules?

Export vehicles (MRN): If you are boarding with a vehicle intended for permanent export across international borders, you must provide the MRN (Movement Reference Number) to the port ticket office prior to boardingSeasonal vehicle restrictions: Specific ports enforce seasonal bans or restricted documentation policies on commercial vans, freight transport vehicles or newly registered cars (e.g., summer restrictions applied at North African ports such as Algiers or Béjaïa). Always verify vehicle eligibility prior to bookingPlanning to travel with a camper or motorhome? Please, check Camping και motorhome travel for garage rules.

Q: How do the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks affect ferry travel?

Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES): The EES requires travelers from non-EU/Schengen nations entering the Schengen Area to complete a quick biometric registration upon their first entry (facial scan and fingerprint collection)Port delay advisory: Because first-time biometric registration takes additional time per passenger, border queues at international ferry terminals can be longer than usual. We strongly recommend arriving at the port earlier than standard recommendations if you are entering the Schengen zoneFor exact arrival times by route, garage access policies and port office check-in locations, please check Check-in και embarkation.

Q: What are the rules and required documents for minors traveling on international routes?

Passengers < 14 years old: Must be accompanied by a parent or official legal guardian at all times during the voyagePassengers aged 14–18: May travel independently, provided they present a signed parental consent form that explicitly releases the ferry operator from liabilityAccompanied 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 requiredSolo 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

Q: What valid identity documents are required for international ferry crossings?

Photocopies και digital screenshots: Photostat copies or phone screenshots are generally not accepted. Every passenger must present a valid original identity document at check-inPaper ID restriction: Paper identity cards (such as legacy formats used in parts of Europe like Italy or Greece) are restricted strictly to domestic travel. For international crossings (e.g., traveling from Italy to Corsica or France), an original electronic ID card (CIE) or a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers

Crossing international borders or sailing across regional waters requires the correct travel paperwork and compliance with maritime security regulations. To prevent delays or boarding denial at the port, every passenger, including infants, minors and vehicle drivers, must possess valid, original identification documents.

Explore the categories below to understand identity card requirements, rules for traveling with minors, new Schengen entry updates (EES) and vehicle export regulations before you set sail.

Are there seasonal vehicle restrictions or special export document (MRN) rules?

Export vehicles (MRN): If you are boarding with a vehicle intended for permanent export across international borders, you must provide the MRN (Movement Reference Number) to the port ticket office prior to boarding
Seasonal vehicle restrictions: Specific ports enforce seasonal bans or restricted documentation policies on commercial vans, freight transport vehicles or newly registered cars (e.g., summer restrictions applied at North African ports such as Algiers or Béjaïa). Always verify vehicle eligibility prior to booking

Planning to travel with a camper or motorhome? Please, check Camping & motorhome travel for garage rules.

How do the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric checks affect ferry travel?

Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES): The EES requires travelers from non-EU/Schengen nations entering the Schengen Area to complete a quick biometric registration upon their first entry (facial scan and fingerprint collection)
Port delay advisory: Because first-time biometric registration takes additional time per passenger, border queues at international ferry terminals can be longer than usual. We strongly recommend arriving at the port earlier than standard recommendations if you are entering the Schengen zone

For exact arrival times by route, garage access policies and port office check-in locations, please check Check-in & embarkation.

What are the rules and required documents for minors traveling on international routes?

Passengers < 14 years old: Must be accompanied by a parent or official legal guardian at all times during the voyage
Passengers aged 14–18: 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

What valid identity documents are required for international ferry crossings?

Photocopies & digital screenshots: Photostat copies or phone screenshots are generally not accepted. Every passenger must present a valid original identity document at check-in
Paper ID restriction: Paper identity cards (such as legacy formats used in parts of Europe like Italy or Greece) are restricted strictly to domestic travel. For international crossings (e.g., traveling from Italy to Corsica or France), an original electronic ID card (CIE) or a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers