The Channel Islands will be introducing the ETA in April 2026. It remains uncertain how this travel authorisation will be implemented from a technical perspective.
When will the Channel Islands introduce the ETA?
The Government of the island of Jersey has published on its website that an ETA will be also be required for the British Channel Islands as of 9 April 2026. Travellers visiting the Channel Islands as of 23 April 2026 will have to apply for an ETA. However, the details of the introduction are not yet known. It is still uncertain if a separate portal will be created for the Channel Islands or if travellers will have to apply for their ETA via the general website. It is expected that the British government will announce the details of the application procedure shortly.
Apply for an ETA easily
At e-Visa.ie you can easily apply for an ETA. The application procedure involves filling in an application form and submitting some documents. You must provide an ID photo and passport scan. The information you provide and the documents you submit will be checked for common errors. This way, we minimise the chances of your application being rejected due to a typing error or a document that does not meet the requirements.
Applications are usually approved within 3 days. Urgent applications are approved within 6 hours on average. The UK ETA has a validity of up to 2 years for multiple stays in the United Kingdom. Each stay may last up to 6 months. You can use the ETA for a holiday, a business trip or transit. If you want to know more about the UK ETA, read the article about the requirements and the validity.
Why is the ETA being introduced in the Channel Islands?
According to the government of the island of Jersey, the ETA's main purpose is to enhance security at the borders of the Common Travel Area, which comprises Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the British Channel Islands. Travellers can usually travel without visa or passport checks within this area. Until now, the British Channel Islands have been an exception within the Common Travel Area, as European travellers could travel to the Channel Islands without an ETA, but this will change shortly.
Mandatory ETA for the Channel Islands when transiting via the UK
Travellers flying to the British Channel Islands via the United Kingdom must already apply for an ETA. Only those travelling directly from the European mainland to the Channel Islands will be able travel without a travel authorisation until the ETA is introduced.
Travellers who can travel without an ETA
Travellers holding a passport from one of the nations within the Common Travel Area can travel to the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands without an ETA. Permanent residents of this area are also exempt. A special exception applies to day trippers from France. They can continue to visit the British Channel Islands with their French ID card until the end of 2026 and do not need a passport or ETA. It is expected that further details regarding this arrangement will be announced shortly.
The following travellers do not require an ETA for travel to the United Kingdom:
- Travellers holding a British or Irish passport
- Travellers living in Ireland (including those with a residence permit) travelling from Ireland to the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands
- Travellers holding a visa or residence permit from the United Kingdom
- Day-trippers holding a French passport or ID card, provided they are travelling directly from France (this will only be valid until the end of 2026).