Crown Dependencies to introduce ETA for direct travel from April 2026

Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man will require an ETA for direct arrivals, while transit via the UK already requires one

The British Crown Dependencies plan to introduce the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for direct travel from April 2026. According to the Government of Jersey website, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man anticipate launching the requirement around that time.

The Crown Dependencies are not part of the United Kingdom but are members of the Common Travel Area (CTA) alongside the UK and Ireland.

What this means for travelers

Until April 2026, direct travel to Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man remains possible without an ETA.

However, travelers transiting through the UK to reach the islands already need an ETA before travel. As of February 25, 2026, anyone who is not a British or Irish citizen needs either a visa or an ETA to enter the United Kingdom.

French day-trippers may continue under a separate arrangement

Since 2023, a special arrangement has allowed French nationals to make same-day visits to Jersey and Guernsey using a national identity card instead of a passport, provided they travel with an approved carrier and do not stay overnight.

Initially, the introduction of ETAs appeared likely to end this arrangement. However, when announcing the extension of the scheme through 2026, Deputy Marc Leadbeater, President of Guernsey's Committee for Home Affairs, suggested it could continue alongside the ETA system.

"It is also of note that we can continue this scheme after the introduction of ETAs, which did not look likely at first, but will continue to allow French tourists to easily access the island when they travel with a carrier that works with the Guernsey Border Agency."

The exact terms of how this arrangement will work alongside the planned ETA introduction have not yet been announced.