Post
by reabs » Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:24 pm
I assume you are referring to the Birkenhead - Belfast ferry. My experience is not recent however.
You are required to have some form of photo ID. There are no embarkation controls as NI is still part of the UK. The photo ID may be requested by the ferry operators on check-in.
There are police officers stationed at both ends but they are there on anti-terrorism duties not immigration checks. They could and do stop people at random and ask them to identify themselves. This is where the photo ID comes into play. Some may be satisfied with what you present (i provided my UK driving license - I'm non-EU) whereas other officers may ask for your passport if they feel there are sufficient grounds.
A lady a way ahead of me was pointedly asked for her passport. Don't blame them for asking her for it - she was pacing like mad. You will however not be picked out on the basis of your race. HO got burned a few times for doing this and the compensation they paid out must have taught them a lesson. This was on the return leg by the way. I was also able to enter Ireland without showing ID of any description from the NI side.
Its pretty much like playing a game of russian roulette if you have not regularised your stay. I'm guessing this is what you are aiming at.
