Since April 2025 travellers need to apply for an ETA to enter England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Those visiting Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are exempted from this requirement. Europeans travelling directly to these islands do not need to apply for an ETA until the end of 2025. This is likely to change as of early 2026.
British autonomous territories
In addition to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are other autonomous territories within the British Crown: the so-called British Crown Dependencies. These include the bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey (also known as the Channel Islands) and the Isle of Man. These autonomous territories are not part of the United Kingdom and have their own entry rules.
Although the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man have their own immigration policies, they try to align with the United Kingdom's approach, so that the security situation in these areas is in line with the UK. Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are preparing their own ETA programmes for this purpose.
Major attraction for European tourists
The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are popular destinations among European tourists. Day trippers from France in particular are an important source of income for the tourism sector in the Channel Islands. A mandatory ETA could be an obstacle for them or other travelers wishing to visit the islands. This is the reason why the introduction of an ETA for Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man has been postponed for now..
Travelers who don't require a visa to travel to the United Kingdom may visit the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man without an ETA until the end of 2025. Yet, those making a transfer in the UK in order to travel to Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do need to apply for the ETA, unless they transfer at London Heathrow or Manchester and do not leave the airport transit zone. The islands have announced that they will introduce their own ETA program in the first quarter of 2026.
Introduction of the ETA for Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
The exact date when the ETA will be introduced for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is not yet known. Lyndon Farnham, Jersey's Chief Minister, submitted in July a proposal to introduce the ETA. This proposal will be discussed in Jersey's States Assembly in September. The ETA for Jersey would cost GBP 16, just like the ETA UK. According to Farnham, the ETA will bridge the gap between the immigration policies of the United Kingdom and Jersey and will enable Jersey to identify and block individuals who might pose a threat to the island.
Exception to the passport requirement
Since October 2021 travellers to the United Kingdom need to bring a passport to visit the country. Stays in Guernsey and Jersey are subject to a special arrangement. Also, French travellers are currently allowed to travel to the Channel Islands with only a valid ID card. Many French citizens do not have a passport and use their ID card to travel within Europe. This exemption will remain in place until September 2025, but the Channel Islands would like to extend this until 2026.
According to the chairman of the Home Affairs Committee in Guernsey, Marc Leadbeater, the exemption for French travellers will be extended at least until the end of 2025. In June, the States Assembly voted in favour of extending the exemption for French ID cards. Introducing an ETA for the Channel Islands could clash with this project, since travellers need a passport to apply for the ETA. It is still unclear whether the exemption for French nationals can be continued after the introduction of the ETA.