The visa situation in the Channel Islands is more nuanced than many expect. As Crown Dependencies of the British Crown – not part of the UK itself – Jersey and Guernsey run their own immigration systems, although these are closely aligned with UK rules and administered through UK processes.
Visit visas for the Channel Islands
EU, EEA and UK nationals can access visa-free entry into Jersey and Guernsey, but other nationalities will need to apply for a visit visa ahead of time. This can be done online via the UK government visa application portal. A visitor visa allows a stay of up to six months and cannot be switched from within the Channel Islands. During this period, visitors cannot work on any of the islands.
From April 2026, visa-exempt nationals will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling directly to the Channel Islands. Those transiting via the UK already need one.
Useful links
Work permits for the Channel Islands
The employer is responsible for applying for the initial work permit in the Channel Islands. Once the permit is granted, the employee must apply for a visa to enter the country.
Jersey
Work permits for Jersey fall under one of two categories: long-term or temporary.
- Long-term work permits require that the holder fills a local skills shortage and are initially valid for up to three years.
- Temporary work permits are for shorter periods in specific industries – valid for up to 12 months for construction workers, or up to nine months for hospitality, fishing and agricultural workers.
Permit holders who meet long-term work permit conditions may switch from a temporary permit to a long-term one without leaving the island.
Guernsey
In Guernsey, an Employment Permit is required to take up work. The system has three tiers:
- a Short-Term Employment Permit (STEP), which is valid for up to one year and renewable for a maximum of three consecutive years
- a Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP), which covers nine months, followed by a mandatory three-month break
- a Long-Term Employment Permit (LTEP), which is issued to roles where skills are genuinely scarce, is valid for up to eight years and is the only route that can lead to permanent residency