Jersey has asked the UK Home Office for support after residents were barred from boarding flights to the island – despite being permitted to do so.
The home affairs minister in Jersey’s letter to the UK explained that lawful residents were wrongly denied boarding as a result of new border requirements being misinterpreted.
It comes after the implementation of the new digital ETA e-visa system, which has been confused with Jersey’s physical immigration documents.
You don’t need an ETA if you travel between the Jersey, UK, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Ireland, are British or Irish, or have another exemption as outlined by the GOV.JE website.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat wrote: ‘The Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man) all currently issue physical documents.
‘Some overseas airline staff may not understand these to be valid, as airlines now generally expect digital immigration records following the UK’s introduction of e-visas.
‘As a result, some passengers with valid Jersey-issued status are being wrongly denied travel.
‘We are working hard to resolve this. The UK Home Office and the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) have contacted carriers and handling agents to make clear that Jersey-issued permissions are valid. This includes providing detailed instructions for airline staff and border partners.’
Residents flying back to Jersey have faced border issues despite having the right documents
Residents have reported having to pay £170 for emergency travel documents as a result, the BBC reported.
The home affairs minister has asked the UK Government for assistance in resolving this issue, which she explains has ’caused considerable distress’.
She went on to say: ‘The Home Office has been engaging with carriers for a considerable time in advance of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rollout, and work has been done to make carriers aware that Jersey’s physical travel permissions remain valid.’
It comes after it was earlier this month revealed travellers heading to the Channel Islands may now need to apply for a digital visa to enter.
From April 23, visitors who are not from the UK and Ireland and wish to go to Jersey, the Isle of Man and Guernsey will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
This digital permission allows you travel to Jersey for tourism and visits for up to six months at a time.
It applies to residents of Jersey who are not British or Irish citizens.
ETAs remain valid for two years or until the passport expires, if that works out earlier.
It costs £20 to apply and is linked to the passenger’s travel document.
The new system launched in British airports in February and allows foreign tourists to enter the UK and stay for up to six months for reasons including tourism, business, visiting family or short-term study.
It is set to be linked electronically to passports and after being approved, final permission needs to be sought from a Border Force officer on arrival in the country.
From April 23, visitors who are not from the UK and Ireland and wish to go to Jersey (pictured), the Isle of Man and Guernsey will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
British and Irish citizens will not need an ETA to enter, but travellers from 85 nationalities that do not normally require a visa will. These include USA, Canada, EU nations, Australia.
Travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted from MoneySuperMarket previously warned that tourists need to ‘plan ahead’ for the new system.
She said: ‘With new entry requirements like the ETA coming into force, it’s more important than ever for travellers to plan ahead.
‘Being denied boarding at the airport isn’t covered by travel insurance and can lead to costly fees, re-bookings, or missed experiences.’
To apply for an ETA, simply download the official UK ETA app and fill out your details.
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