Jersey’s Home Affairs Minister has raised concerns with the UK government after islanders were wrongly prevented from boarding flights back to the Common Travel Area.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said she had written to the UK Home Office highlighting the issue, which affects Jersey residents who are not British or Irish citizens.
“I have asked the UK government for assistance in resolving this issue, which I take very seriously, and which I know has caused considerable distress for those who have been affected,” she said.
Deputy Le Hegarat explained that said airlines and ground handling staff overseas had been misinterpreting UK border requirements, resulting in passengers with valid Jersey-issued permissions being incorrectly refused travel.
The problem stems from differences in how immigration permissions are issued. While the UK has introduced digital e-visas, the Crown Dependencies – including Jersey – continue to issue physical documents.
Some airline staff are reportedly unfamiliar with Jersey’s documentation and do not recognise it as valid proof of travel permission.
“As a result, some passengers with valid Jersey-issued status are being wrongly denied travel,” explained Deputy Le Hegarat. “We are working hard to resolve this.”
The UK Home Office and Jersey Customs and Immigration Service have contacted carriers and handling agents to clarify that Jersey-issued permissions remain valid, providing detailed guidance for airline staff and border partners.
Where necessary, further engagement has taken place with specific airlines and agents to offer reassurance, with work ongoing.
A meeting was also held involving Jersey’s Honorary Polish Consul, alongside representatives from Jersey Customs and Immigration Service and External Relations, to assess the impact on affected citizens.
The External Relations team is now contacting honorary consuls more widely to better understand the scale of the issue and target engagement with particular airlines or airports if required.
Deputy Le Hegarat said the situation was “frustrating” but “temporary”.
Plans are already in place to introduce digital immigration permissions in Jersey, in line with wider changes linked to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system. These are expected to be rolled out in phases between June 2026 and early 2027.
In the meantime, updated guidance has been issued to carriers, emphasising that Jersey’s permissions are physical documents and that staff should not expect digital records or share codes.
Airlines have been advised to review passengers’ physical immigration endorsements and, if necessary, contact the UK Border Force Carrier Support Hub to verify their right to travel.
Travellers who are wrongly denied boarding are also being advised to request that carriers contact the support hub to confirm their status.