31 March 2026
From next month, (April 2026) there will be some changes to Jersey’s border processes for non-visa nationals entering the Island from outside the Common Travel Area.
On 23 April 2026, the three Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man) are joining the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
An ETA is a digital permission that some visitors must obtain before starting their journey. It authorises travel but does not guarantee entry on arrival.
The UK has already introduced ETAs for non-visa nationals travelling directly to the UK, as part of its move toward a fully digital border. This system will now be extended to the Crown Dependencies, with the UK operating the ETA process on their behalf.
Expanding the scheme in this way ensures that border security and requirements are applied consistently across the entire Common Travel Area.
If you hold a British or Irish passport, or have another immigration permission such as a visa, settled status or leave to remain, nothing changes for you. But if you do not fall into one of these categories, you may need an ETA before travelling to Jersey. This requirement applies to all modes of travel, including air or sea services, as well as private aircraft and pleasure craft.
There is no change to travel within the CTA e.g. from Jersey to the UK.
The introduction of ETA will not affect the continuation of the French Identity Card Scheme, which applies to French nationals travelling to Jersey for a daytrip only, on scheduled maritime services.
An ETA must be applied for online, at least three working days before you travel. The digital permission will cost £20, from early April.
It is valid for two years from the date it is issued or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple journeys within its validity period with each stay permitted for up to six months. Each person travelling will require an ETA, including children and babies.
You will be able to apply for an ETA from 9 April 2026, ahead of the scheme’s implementation date of 23 April 2026.
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 the Jersey 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.
Documentation when travelling
If you have immigration permissions to be in Jersey and you are travelling into the UK or islands, it is recommended that you carry any documentation that proves your status, for example letters issued by the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service. If you should experience any problems with the carrier regarding your status, you can request for them to contact the UK’s Carrier Support Hub, which is available 24 hours a day.
More information on ETAs can be found on Visa, ETA and Passport requirements for travel to Jersey
gov.je