The Crown Dependencies’ participation in the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme has been subject to “operational issues” that have seen some islanders wrongfully denied boarding while travelling.
The change, which is intended to ensure consistent border security across the Common Travel Area, came into force last month.
Those who hold a British or Irish passport – or have another immigration permission, such as a visa, settled status or leave to remain – do not need an ETA.
However, the government yesterday revealed that: “A small number of non‑British and non‑Irish Jersey residents have been wrongly denied boarding when travelling, despite holding valid immigration permission to travel.
The current issue is operational, relating to airline systems and document checks, and is not the result of any change to immigration rules or residents’ status
government statement
“This has occurred because some airlines and ground handlers have misinterpreted ETA requirements or experienced difficulties verifying Jersey-issued permissions within their systems.”
The statement reiterated that valid permissions include visas, leave to remain and settled status – typically evidenced by a passport vignette, wet-ink passport stamp or Jersey EUSS status letter.
“These documents are valid for travel and entry to the UK,” the statement continued.
“The current issue is operational, relating to airline systems and document checks, and is not the result of any change to immigration rules or residents’ status.
“Similar issues have been reported across all the Crown Dependencies and, in some cases, the UK.”
The government explained that Jersey Customs is working with the UK Home Office and airlines to resolve the problem.
