Jersey is proposing to extend the UK’s ETA scheme to introduce a “more rigorous approach” to border control by 2026.
Earlier, the UK started rolling out the ETA for different nationalities as indicated in its Nationality and Borders Act 2022.
In particular, the ETA government fee costs £16 and is valid for two years. In addition, it permits multiple entries for short stays up to six months. Despite being a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom, Jersey lags behind in terms of digital border security.
What Jersey Proposes
According to Farnham, there is a “gap” in the Bailiwick of Jersey’s border control. Particularly, this referred to how non-visa nationals visiting Jersey for up to six months go through “limited prior checks.” Moreover, these checks were under the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.
Under Farnham’s proposal, Jersey would adopt section 75 of the UK Act with local modifications. Specifically, this includes requiring visitors to submit their criminal records and immigration details before arrival.
Meanwhile, British and Irish citizens, residents, and visa holders would continue to be exempt. Moreover, the system would be online and accessible, offering quick approvals for most applicants.
A formal proposition will go before the States Assembly in September. If they approve Farnham’s proposal, the system could launch in early or mid-2026. Correspondingly, this would still align Jersey with the UK’s ETA expansion timeline.
Why the Shift Now?
According to Farnham, “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.”
In addition, he remarked, “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.”
He said this in a statement published by Bailiwick Express. In particular, the proposal follows growing concerns about the unchecked flow of non-visa nationals through Jersey’s ports.
As travel rebounds post-pandemic, authorities expect an uptick in short-term visitors annually. Thus, tightening control has become a priority.
Balancing Jersey Access and Control
The ETA proposal arrives just weeks after Jersey expanded its French ID-card scheme. Specifically, this change allows French nationals to visit without a passport for day trips.
While the move boosted tourism, it drew criticism over security risks. Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat warned the French ID plan could be “potentially problematic.”
Nevertheless, UK authorities raised no formal objections to the ID scheme, which formally ends in September 2025.
What’s Next for Jersey
Lawmakers may possibly debate the ETA extension in September, during the State Assembly’s next sitting. If it passes the proposal, planning for technical infrastructure and public outreach would begin immediately.
Jersey seeks to modernise border security by adopting the ETA system used in the UK. With an ETA rollout likely by 2026, the island plans to close loopholes while preserving key tourism links.
Photo by Henry Barnes on Unsplash
