Travel To Guernsey: What You Need To Know

As of August 2024, Guernsey's travel rules have been further eased, allowing fully vaccinated adults to visit without being tested for coronavirus or having to isolate. This rule change applies to people arriving from the Common Travel Area, which includes the UK and Jersey, who have received their second vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination and set up a Travel Tracker account. Those who are unvaccinated will have testing and self-isolation requirements, depending on their origin country. Guernsey's Head of Ports, Colin Le Ray, has described this as some sort of return to a degree of normality.

Travel rules to Guernsey from the Common Travel Area

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an open borders agreement between the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands (including Guernsey). The CTA allows British and Irish citizens to move freely and reside in either jurisdiction, with associated rights and privileges, including the right to work, study, and vote in certain elections.

When travelling to Guernsey from another jurisdiction within the Common Travel Area, such as the UK or Ireland, there are no routine passport controls in place. However, some form of identification is required to board a ferry or an airplane, and certain airlines and sea carriers only accept passports as valid identification. It is recommended to carry a passport, as an immigration officer may ask you to prove your citizenship. Other accepted forms of identification include an Irish passport card or other proof of Irish citizenship.

It is important to note that family members who are not citizens of the Common Travel Area countries (UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands) may need a visa to enter Guernsey. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be self-isolation requirements or other travel restrictions in place. It is recommended to check the latest government advice before travelling.

Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, which means it is not fully a part of the UK or the European Union. However, it maintains strong ties with the UK and is included in the Common Travel Area agreement. This allows for easy travel between Guernsey and other jurisdictions within the CTA, with minimal border controls.

In summary, travel from the Common Travel Area to Guernsey is permitted with some identification requirements and potential visa needs for non-CTA family members. It is important to stay informed about the latest travel advice, as rules may change due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors.

Guernsey's Covid-19 travel rules

Guernseys Covid-19 travel rules

As of May 2020, Guernsey had not implemented any entry restrictions but did impose a requirement for all travellers arriving in the Bailiwick from anywhere in the world (including Jersey and the UK) to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. This was a legal requirement, and failure to comply was a criminal offence.

By June 2022, Guernsey was open for tourism from the UK, with no special entry requirements.

As of February 2024, there are no active Covid-19 travel restrictions for Guernsey.

Guernsey's travel rules for dog owners

Guernseys Travel Rules for Dog Owners

If you're travelling to Guernsey with your dog, there are some important rules and requirements you need to know. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth journey for you and your furry friend:

Documentation and Vaccinations:

• Pet Passport: When travelling to Guernsey with your dog from the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man), or the other Channel Islands, a pet passport is not required. However, if you are entering Guernsey from a "Part 1" listed country, which includes EU member states, your dog will need a valid pet passport.
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC): If you are returning to Guernsey from the EU, your dog must have either a valid Pet Passport or an AHC issued in the Bailiwick, which can be used up to four months from the date of issue.
• Vaccinations: There are no specific vaccination requirements when travelling with your dog between the Bailiwick, the UK, the Crown Dependencies, or the other Channel Islands. However, the UK requires all dogs older than 8 weeks to be microchipped, so ensure your dog is microchipped and registered on an approved database before travelling. Additionally, when travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your dog will need a valid rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment (if required).

Mode of Transport:

• By Ferry: Condor Ferries, the approved carrier for entry to Guernsey by harbour, offers a hassle-free way to travel with your dog. There is no charge for dogs travelling in your vehicle, and no need for a dog passport. However, your dog must stay in your car during the sailing, with windows slightly open and water provided. You can visit your car deck when safe, accompanied by a crew member. From October 2023, the new "Islander" ferry will provide pet-friendly cabins, allowing your dog to travel in your cabin. You must provide bedding, bowls, leads, and a muzzle for your dog.
• As a Foot Passenger: If you are travelling without a car, your dog must travel in an RSPCA-approved carrier. There is a £10 charge each way for your pet, and they will be kept in a dedicated pet area on the car deck.
• By Air: Your dog may travel to Guernsey by air, but you will need to check with individual airline or ferry operators to ensure they agree to carry your pet.

Accommodation and Beach Rules:

Guernsey is a dog-friendly destination, offering open spaces, sea swims, and cliff walks. Many pubs and cafes cater to dogs, providing water bowls and treats. There are also several dog-friendly accommodation options available. When visiting beaches in Guernsey, please note the following rules:

• Between 1st October and 30th April, dogs can be exercised off-leash at any time.
• Between 1st May and 30th September, dogs must be kept on a lead between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm on all beaches.
• Always prevent your dog from chasing or disturbing wildlife.
• Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately. Fines of up to £500 may be imposed for non-compliance.

Banned Dog Breeds:

Please note that certain dog breeds are banned in Guernsey, including the Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliera, Japanese Tosa (or Tosa), and Pit Bull Terrier. Additionally, specific breeds, such as the American Bully and American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, cannot be imported without a licence.

Guernsey's travel rules for those not fully vaccinated

As of July 1, 2021, Guernsey introduced a new Blue travel category, which allows fully vaccinated travellers from the UK or other parts of the Common Travel Area (which includes the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK) to enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey without needing to test or self-isolate. However, those who are not fully vaccinated will have testing and self-isolation requirements, depending on their origin.

Previously, Guernsey required all travellers to have a permit to enter the island. This was part of a ban on all non-essential travel, with only certain reasons permissible for entering the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark. Exceptions were made for travellers entering the island for compassionate purposes, such as supporting a dependent relative, accompanying a child or vulnerable person, essential business activity that cannot be done remotely, meeting legal obligations, attending or returning to education, and returning residents who travelled off the island before a specified date.

As of May 2020, Guernsey had allowed non-essential travel, but with a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for all incoming travellers. The Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) chairman at the time, Gavin St Pier, acknowledged the challenges posed by the quarantine requirement, stating that "although non-essential travel is permitted, it's not terribly attractive with that requirement to self-isolate on return." He also mentioned the possibility of creating travel corridors with destinations that have low infection rates and robust border controls, such as Latvia and Germany.

With the introduction of the Blue travel category, Guernsey is taking a cautious approach to reopening its borders while prioritizing the safety of its residents and visitors. The island's authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially with regards to new variants, and make adjustments to travel restrictions as necessary.

Guernsey's travel rules for those who are fully vaccinated

As of 1 July 2024, fully vaccinated visitors from the Common Travel Area (CTA)—which includes the UK, Jersey, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland—can enter Guernsey with no testing or isolation requirements. To be considered fully vaccinated, the second vaccine dose must be administered at least 14 days before travelling. Proof of vaccination is required, and this may vary depending on the traveller's origin.

For travellers from Jersey, an observed lateral flow test must be presented upon arrival, taken within two days of travel. Additionally, travellers from Jersey are required to purchase a pack of five tests on the island. From 16 August 2024, Guernsey will also accept vaccination certificates from European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association member states. This includes countries like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Those who are not fully vaccinated, including children between 12 and 17 years old, must follow the existing category requirements based on the rate of prevalence in the country or region from which they are travelling. These travel rules are reviewed every two weeks.

It is important to note that Guernsey's travel rules have undergone changes in the past. In February 2022, the Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) relaxed border restrictions, removing testing and isolation requirements for passengers arriving from within the CTA. At that time, fully vaccinated travellers from outside the CTA were exempt from PCR testing at the border.

Frequently asked questions