Guernsey ETA requirement for non-visa nationals

Monday 30 March 2026

On and after 23rd April 2026 an Electronic Travel Authorisation will become a requirement for non-visa nationals travelling from outside the Common Travel Area direct to the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

The Committee for Home Affairs has agreed the Rules and Regulations to allow for the introduction of ETAs for visitors travelling to the Bailiwick from outside the CTA (UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands).

You will be able to apply for an ETA for this purpose from 9th April 2026.

The introduction of ETA will not affect the continuation of the French Identity Card Scheme. This scheme is for French nationals travelling to the Bailiwick for a daytrip only on scheduled maritime services.

Any commercial maritime carrier operating under the scheme must be approved to do so by Guernsey Customs & Immigration Service (GCIS) and, going forwards, can now work to a Memorandum of Understanding that will be reviewed annually.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel and does not guarantee or permit entry. ETA is already a requirement for those travelling direct into the UK for non-visa nationals. It will be a requirement for all modes of travel including scheduled arrivals by air or sea, private aircraft and pleasure craft.

There is and will be no change to travel within the CTA e.g. from Guernsey to the UK.

An ETA currently costs £16 and is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes soonest. It gives permission for multiple journeys within this period and for stays up to six months. Each person travelling will require an ETA, including children and babies. Please note the cost of an ETA is due to be increased to £20 in the near future.

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 Bailiwick of 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

If you live in Ireland you do not need an ETA if you're both:

·         from a country that would normally need an ETA to travel to the UK

·         Entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

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 Guernsey 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 Guernsey Immigration & Nationality office. 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. Please note that work is on-going in relation to the digitalisation of permissions issued in Guernsey.

More information both on ETA and the French Identity Card Scheme can be found on the GCIS website: www.gov.gg/immigration.