Visas for Channel Islands

The difficulty of applying for and obtaining a visa for the Channel Islands will vary depending on one's nationality and reason for entering the country. Due to the ties between the Channel Islands and the UK, visitor visas are applied for and processed through the UK visa systems.

Visit visas for Channel Islands

EU, EEA and UK nationals can access visa-free entry into Jersey and Guernsey, while 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.

Work permits for Channel Islands

Jersey work permits fall under one of two categories: skilled or temporary. Skilled work permits require that the holder fills a local skills shortage and are valid for up to three years. Temporary work permits are for shorter periods in specific industries. These permits are valid for up to 12 months for construction workers or up to nine months for hospitality, fishing and agricultural workers. Permit holders that meet skilled work permit conditions may switch from a temporary work permit to a skilled work permit.

An Employment Permit (also known as a Right To Work document) is required to take up work in Guernsey. Depending on the position, the Employment Permit ranges in validity from one to five years.

The employer is responsible for applying for the initial permit in both Jersey and Guernsey. Once the permit is granted, the employee must apply for a visa to enter the country.