French day tripper scheme intended for this summer
Guernsey’s tourism industry could receive a boost this summer
07 March 2023
The Committee for Home Affairs has confirmed their intention is to introduce a short stay scheme for French nationals, allowing them to visit the Island on day trips using only a national identity card, in time for the summer season.
A similar scheme was announced today by counterparts in Jersey.
The number of French visitors has been hit hard following Brexit, which saw anyone visiting the Channel Islands from France required to show a passport. Previously visitors could enter the Island after producing a carte d’identité.
Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee for Home Affairs said:
‘We have been in discussion for some time with colleagues in Jersey at a political and officer level and the UK Home Office, regarding the issue of French nationals’ preference for using identity cards, and the impact on travel numbers by sea from France to the Channel Islands as a result of the requirement for EU nationals to use passports rather than identity cards since Brexit. As I have stated previously, the islands are intrinsically linked by the commercial ferry network so we have been keen to explore any options that may assist this situation whilst being respectful of our position in the Common Travel Area.
‘I welcome the announcement from Jersey today and can confirm that it is our intention to introduce a similar short stay scheme in time for the summer season. We have some further work to do with the UK on this and will seek to provide an update as soon as possible.’
There are currently 61 scheduled day trips from France due to take place in 2023. 17 scheduled with Condor Ferries from France to Guernsey and at least a further 44 sailings with Manche Iles Express, with direct routes from Dielette, and additional sailings from Carteret and Granville which go via Jersey.
