French daytripper ID Scheme extended again

Friday, 9 August 2024 11:56

French daytrippers will continue to be able to come to the Channel Islands on a day trip with just their national ID card until September 2025.

It was introduced last year to boost tourism, after post-Brexit rules that demanded a passport led to a drop in visitors from France.

Officials from Jersey and Guernsey have been in talks with the UK government about extending the arrangement.

Deputy Rob Prow, President of Guernsey's Home Affairs Committee, says the scheme has clearly benefited hospitality and retail businesses: "France is a country where the number of people who hold a passport is relatively low, and so ensuring they can still travel following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU has been very valuable."

However, the ID scheme is unlikely to carry on beyond next summer because the UK is bringing in a new Electronic Travel Authorisation which will demand all non-visa nationals travelling to the Common Travel Area - including the Channel Islands - provide passport details in advance of their journey.

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Jersey's Home Affairs Minister, says she's pleased the tourist industry will get the benefit of the day-trippers ID scheme another 12 months: "Whilst the introduction of the ETA scheme makes further extension potentially problematic it will increase the security of the CTA and consequently our island’s borders.”