Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, has recently announced that the ETA exemption for French tourists will be extended until 2026. The aim of this exemption is to promote tourism.
No visa needed for French tourists visiting the Channel Islands
As a result of Brexit, European tourists must have a valid passport to visit the Channel Islands. However, in April 2023, an exception was introduced whereby French tourists are allowed to travel to the islands only with their identity card.
Several postponements
This exceptional provision for French citizens was extended in 2023 until 30 September 2024. A second extension was approved that year until 2025. Recently, the provision was extended again, until 2026. It is not yet known if it will also be extended for the other Channel Island, Jersey, although this is expected to be officially confirmed shortly.
French day-trippers are an important source of income
In the second quarter of 2025, around 12,000 French tourists visited Guernsey. This was 13% of the total number of visitors. French day-trippers are therefore an important source of revenue for the tourism sector of the Channel Islands.
Both Guernsey and France welcome the decision
The decision to extend the exemption has been welcomed both on the French side of the Channel and on the island of Guernsey. Adam Oubuih, director of the French tourism agency, ATOUT France, has stated that this is a positive decision for both France and the Channel Islands.
The ETA in the Channel Islands to be introduced in 2026
The digital travel authorisation for the United Kingdom, also known as ETA, came into force in April 2025. It is expected to be introduced in the Channel Islands in the first quarter of 2026. However, it is still uncertain if the ETA will be implemented in the same way. There will probably be a specific application portal for the Channel Islands.
An ETA is mandatory to travel to the United Kingdom
Are you planning to travel to England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland for a holiday, business trip or short course? Would you like to travel to the Channel Islands via the United Kingdom? You must have an ETA to travel to Great Britain. Only travellers with an Irish passport are excepted from this requirement. You also need an ETA if you will be stopping over in the United Kingdom and you will be leaving the check-in area.
Fortunately, you can easily apply for an online ETA through e-Visa.ie. Once you have completed a short application form with clear explanations, you must submit a passport photo and a passport scan. The application process will only take a few minutes and, in most cases, your ETA application will be approved within 3 days on average. You also have the option of submitting an urgent request, which will be approved within an average of 60 minutes. Here you will find more information about the validity and requirements of the ETA.