A “more rigorous approach” to people traveling to Jersey without a visa could be implemented through an Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, if politicians approve a proposition from the Chief Minister – who has highlighted a “gap” in the island’s border control.
The proposal from Deputy Lyndon Farnham, which could be debated during the States Assembly’s next sitting in September, asks that a request be made to extend section 75 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 to Jersey “with appropriate modifications”.
Section 75 outlines the Electronic Travel Authorisations phased in by the UK over the last two years.
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple visits to the Common Travel Area for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
A “gap” in border control
In the report accompanying his proposition, Deputy Farnham stated that non-visa nationals who are visiting the island for up to six months currently arrive with “limited prior checks” by the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.
He described this as a “gap” in border control and the ability to count people who do not require a visa in and out of the island.
Deputy Farnham stated that the introduction of an ETA scheme would implement “a more rigorous approach to people traveling to Jersey without a visa”.
He continued: “In the same way as for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, before a person travels to Jersey, they will need to apply for permission where aspects of any criminality must be provided through self-declaration.
“This will assist with the ongoing digitisation of Jersey’s border and that of the CTA as a whole.”
Deputy Farnham also cited the island’s “longstanding policy of alignment with UK immigration policy” as part of the CTA.
He added: “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.”
The requirement to obtain an ETA would not apply to individuals granted leave to enter or remain in the island, whose permission to travel to Jersey would be their immigration status – as evidenced by an entry clearance, biometric residence document or other physical document or digital status.
It would also not apply to British and Irish citizens.
Deputy Farnham’s proposition comes just weeks after politicians voted in favour of extending an initiative that allows French nationals to travel to Jersey for day trips using only their national identity cards.
The scheme was first trialled in 2023 after French visitor numbers declined due to post-Brexit rules requiring passports at the border.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat had previously raised concerns that the introduction of an ETA scheme would make further extension of the French ID card initiative “potentially problematic”.
Express has contacted Deputy Farnham for comment.