Travel problems persist for some Jersey residents

Jersey's Home Affairs Minister says the government is continuing to press for action to prevent some passengers being denied boarding following the introduction of the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme.

Since April, numerous non-British or non-Irish Jersey residents have been refused carriage, despite having the correct permissions.

It follows the introduction of the ETA, digital travel permissions that were extended to the Channel Islands in the spring for so-called non-visa nationals entering the islands from outside the Common Travel (UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands). These are people who do not hold a British or Irish passport, visa, leave to remain or settled status.

Weeks later, following examples of Jersey-bound passengers trying to get home being denied boarding, the government said the issue was with airlines and ground handlers misinterpreting the ETA requirements, or their systems not correctly verifying the physical Jersey immigration permissions.

Work ongoing to prevent Jersey residents being wrongly denied travel

Jersey, like the other Crown Dependencies, issues its own immigration permissions, which differ from those issued by the United Kingdom.

Around 22,000 islanders rely on an immigration permission to live in Jersey.

The previous Home Affairs Minister wrote to the UK Home Office and issued advice and documentation to people encountering problems.

Months on, and the situation is still persisting for many people.

New Home Affairs Minister Senator Helen Miles says it is unacceptable, and that she is treating the issue as a priority.

"I have written to the honorary consuls and the consuls, and I have asked them to make contact with their national carriers to make sure that the national carriers are aware that Jersey immigration permissions are valid.

"I have also written to the national carriers of airlines where we know there have been problems to point out again that the Jersey immigration permissions are valid, and to give advice how to deal with passengers travelling on to Jersey.

"I know that this is causing people real problems, and it is an absolute priority for me, and we are working hard with the appropriate authorities to try and avoid this situation occurring.

Senator Miles added: "The introduction of a full eVisa programme across the UK and Crown Dependencies will help resolve many of these challenges. Work is underway to finalise arrangements for rollout in the Crown Dependencies over the next 12 to 24 months.

Islanders who experience travel difficulties are encouraged to contact Jersey Customs and Immigration Service for advice and support.

Before you travel:

If they apply to you, make sure you’ve got these documents with you. They’re valid for travel.

Visa vignette or,

Work permit or,

Supporting official documents (including EUSS letters)

The latest guidance can be checked here: 

Islanders are encouraged to print off this useful document from gov.je before they travel: