Coming into Jersey is pretty straight forward. If you are travelling from the UK, no passport is required to travel to Jersey but you will need some form of photo ID.
If you are travelling to Jersey directly from the EU or EEA, in most cases you will require a passport and non-British and non-Irish passport holders will also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), this is also required at the UK border when travelling to Jersey via the UK.
Read below to find out if you need a passport, visa, ETA or just an identification card. We can’t wait to welcome you to our shores.
Travelling from the UK and the Common Travel Area (CTA)
Travelling to Jersey is refreshingly hassle-free. It’s part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) which includes the UK, Ireland, Guernsey and Isle of Man. There are no formal immigration controls at Jersey when arriving from within the CTA. On arrival in Jersey, you won’t need to show your passport for immigration purposes, but customs and immigration officers may ask for photo ID and proof of your UK immigration permissions – so it’s always good to have them handy. European passport holders travelling to Jersey via the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before reaching the UK border.
Before you set off, check with your airline or ferry company to confirm what ID they require, as policies can vary.
Travelling from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA)
If you’re coming from outside the Common Travel Area (the UK, Ireland, Guernsey and Isle of Man) you’ll need a valid passport. Most non-British and non-Irish nationals travelling to Jersey directly or via the UK from outside the CTA will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This is a digital permission to travel – not a visa.
However, French nationals making a same-day trip via an approved ferry service may use a French national identity card when travelling directly from France only.
Need to double check your travel requirements? Get the latest passport and visa advice below.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel – not a visa. It allows multiple trips to Jersey and the Common Travel Area (CTA) for stays of up to six months at a time, valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The CTA is defined as an open-border zone comprising the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
Most non-British and non-Irish nationals travelling to Jersey from outside the CTA will need one. Check GOV.UK to confirm whether this applies to you before you travel.
Exceptions – you won’t need an ETA if you:
- Are a French national making a same-day trip via an approved ferry service, using a French national identity card (travelling directly from France only)
- Are a French student under 19 travelling as part of an organised school group
Applying is simple. It costs £20 per person (including children and babies), takes around 10 minutes, and you’ll usually receive a decision by email within three working days.
For an ETA for travel to Jersey, apply via the UK Government website, GOV.UK, using the UK ETA app or the online form. Make sure you apply before you travel.
More useful information to help plan your Jersey trip
