Between late 2025 and early 2026, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man plan to introduce their own electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, which will be legally distinct from the UK’s system.
Introduced in stages since 2023, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is now in place for entry into the United Kingdom.
The ETA is now mandatory for nationals of countries exempt from UK visas, including travelers from the European Union, for all short stays for tourism, business, or family or friends visits. The ETA, valid for two years and authorizing a stay of 180 days, costs £16 (approximately €19) and must be obtained before travel.
While this system is now well established for entry into the United Kingdom, the British Crown Dependencies, namely the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man, are preparing to introduce their own ETA system.
“Each Crown Dependency will be launching its own legally distinct ETA scheme”
While the UK ETA is now required for all travel to the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies are preparing their own transition.
“Each Crown Dependency will be launching its own legally distinct ETA scheme in due course,” the UK Home Office recently announced.
In line with this statement, the Jersey Government has clarified that “the Crown Dependencies will be introducing ETAs for travel to the Islands from late 2025 or early 2026. Anyone travelling directly to Jersey before the introduction of the Jersey ETA will not require an ETA.”
For Jersey’s Chief Minister, Lyndon Farnham, this development is a logical step forward: “Through the Jersey Government’s longstanding policy of alignment with UK immigration policy as part of the CTA, this section as extended to Jersey will provide for the creation of an ETA scheme to close the current gap in advance permissions, enhance Jersey’s ability to screen people in advance of arrival and prevent the travel of those who pose a threat to Jersey.”
On the Isle of Man, local authorities also confirm that “the Isle of Man will be introducing ETAs for travel to the Island from late 2025. The Isle of Man’s ETA scheme will be administered on behalf of the Isle of Man by the UK.”
According to Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee for Home Affairs of Guernsey, “the ETA scheme will strengthen border security with checks undertaken prior to travel and will prevent those who may pose a risk from even boarding. This, in turn, will strengthen our position as a member of the Common Travel Area, a membership which is vital to the Bailiwick and which we must take the obligations of seriously.”
However, Rob Prow explains that the introduction of ETAs will most likely end the scheme allowing French day-trippers to visit Guernsey without a passport. “While beneficial to the tourism industry, this scheme was always an interim measure ahead of the UK rolling out ETAs and would not align with our CTA obligations after that point. Fortunately, the dates allowed us to extend the scheme through next summer, ending in September 2025,” said the MP.
ETA, passport, national identity card: what are the current rules for traveling to the British Crown Dependencies?
Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, the rules for entering British territory have changed. For travelers wishing to visit Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, it is important to distinguish between the general conditions of access and certain specific exemptions.
No ETA for Europeans, except those coming from the United Kingdom
European Union nationals do not need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel to these islands provided they are traveling directly, without passing through “mainland” British territory (England, Scotland, etc.).
However, if the journey includes a stopover in the United Kingdom, an ETA is required.
Passports are becoming the norm… well, almost
Since Brexit, passports are required to enter the United Kingdom, including Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
However, there is a significant exception for French citizens traveling to Jersey or Guernsey for a day trip.
Under a specific agreement between the Bailiwicks of Jersey, Guernsey, and France, French citizens traveling by ferry directly from France (via Norman ports such as Granville or Barneville-Carteret) may still present their national identity card if they are only visiting for the day.
This facility, in place until September 30, 2025, does not apply to stays with accommodation, arrivals by plane, or to the Isle of Man, where a passport remains essential regardless of the mode or duration of travel.
