UK ETA: New Jersey entry requirements for EU citizens explained

As global travel continues to evolve, so do the rules and regulations that govern it. The new UK ETA and Jersey entry requirements are set to change how travelers move between the UK, Jersey, and beyond. In this UK ETA guide, we’ll break down what this means for travelers and how it impacts entry requirements for destinations like Jersey.

Understanding the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital travel permit that will be required for certain travelers entering or transiting through the UK and the Common Travel Area (CTA), which includes Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. The system is being implemented to strengthen border security and regulate the movement of non-visa nationals.

Learn the new Jersey entry requirements for the EU

Here are the 3 new Jersey entry requirements for EU citizens you should know:

1. Jersey entry requirements from UK: If you travel to Jersey via the UK, you must get a UK ETA from April 2025.

2. Jersey entry requirements from EU: If you travel directly from the EU (e.g., France by ferry), no ETA is required until at least Autumn (October) 2025.

3. Jersey entry requirements for short visits: Short visits (under 6 months) remain visa-free for EU travelers. For work, study, or residency, a visa may be required.

Here are all the entry requirements for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals traveling to Jersey, depending on their route and purpose of visit:

A UK ETA allows short visits for tourism, business meetings, short-term study, and certain work engagements, but it does not permit long-term stays, employment, or settlement. For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.

Jersey ETA application

For EU travelers and other UK ETA-eligible visitors heading to Jersey, Global Law offers:

• Expert application support to prevent mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections.

• Legal advice for travelers with past visa refusals or criminal records.

• Priority processing for urgent trips.

• Tailored assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families to ensure a smooth entry into the UK and Jersey.

Travelling to Jersey from the EU with a UK ETA

Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no need to print it.

• At the UK border, you can either:

• Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).

See a Border Force officer for entry clearance. A UK ETA for Jersey does not guarantee entry, and border officers may still ask questions about your travel plans.

Explore who needs ETA for United Kingdom

Countries requiring a UK ETA:

1. Andorra

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Argentina

4. Australia

5. Austria

6. The Bahamas

7. Bahrain

8. Barbados

9. Belgium

10. Belize

11. Botswana

12. Brazil

13. Brunei

14. Bulgaria

15. Canada

16. Chile

17. Costa Rica

18. Croatia

19. Cyprus

20. Czechia

21. Denmark

22. Estonia

23. Finland

24. France

25. Germany

26. Greece

27. Grenada

28. Guatemala

29. Guyana

30. Hong Kong (SAR, including British Nationals Overseas)

31. Hungary

32. Iceland

33. Israel

34. Italy

35. Japan

36. Kiribati

37. Kuwait

38. Latvia

39. Liechtenstein

40. Lithuania

41. Luxembourg

42. Macao (SAR)

43. Malaysia

44. Maldives

45. Malta

46. Marshall Islands

47. Mauritius

48. Mexico

49. Micronesia (Federated States of)

50. Monaco

51. Nauru

52. Netherlands

53. New Zealand

54. Nicaragua

55. Norway

56. Oman

57. Palau

58. Panama

59. Papua New Guinea

60. Paraguay

61. Peru

62. Poland

63. Portugal

64. Qatar

65. Romania

66. Samoa

67. San Marino

68. Saudi Arabia

69. Seychelles

70. Singapore

71. Slovakia

72. Slovenia

73. Solomon Islands

74. South Korea

75. Spain

76. St Kitts and Nevis

77. St Lucia

78. St Vincent and the Grenadines

79. Sweden

80. Switzerland

81. Taiwan (if passport includes ID card number)

82. Tonga

83. Trinidad and Tobago

84. Tuvalu

85. United Arab Emirates

86. United States

87. Uruguay

88. Vatican City