Digital travel permissions extended to Channel Islands this month

Some visitors to the Channel Islands will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation from later this month.

The digital permission, called an ETA , has already been introduced in the UK and is being extended to the Crown Dependencies from 23 April.

It will apply to so called non-visa nationals entering the islands from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The CTA is the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

Non-visa nationals are people who do not hold a British or Irish passport or have another immigration permission such as a visa, settled status or leave to remain.

Officials say expanding the scheme ensures border security and requirements are applied consistently across the CTA.

The requirement for an ETA applies to all modes of travel, by air and sea - including private planes and boats.

An ETA must be applied for online, at least three working days before you travel.

The digital permission will cost £20 and be valid for two years or until your passport expires.

It allows multiple journeys within its validity period with each stay permitted for up to six months

Applications will be possible from 9 April.

For more information on ETA’s and travel advice visit gov.je/eta

The introduction of ETA will not affect the continuation of the French Identity Card Scheme, which applies to French nationals travelling to Jersey or Guernsey for a daytrip only, on scheduled maritime services

Who needs an ETA? 

Non-visa nationals looking to visit for up to six months 

Non-visa nationals entering for the purpose of employment and holding a work permit for a period of six months or less. 

You do not need an ETA if you are: 

A British citizen or Irish citizen  

A British citizen or Irish citizen who holds dual nationality is not eligible for an ETA and must travel on their British or Irish passports or a valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement  

A person who already has a visa or valid Immigration permissions to live, work or study within the CTA 

A person who holds settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme 

A French national travelling to Jersey/Guernsey for a daytrip on a French national identity card  

A child travelling as part of an organised French school trip 

Travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport

Travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport 

How do you apply for an ETA? 

On www.gov.uk/eta/apply or you can use the official UK ETA app. 

If you are refused an ETA, and still want to visit, you must apply for a visit visa.