CONDOR Ferries has welcomed a decision to allow French tourists to visit the Island using ID cards this summer.
Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles announced this week that French nationals would be able to use their carte d’identité to enter Jersey – for a day trip only – during the summer season in an attempt to maintain cultural links and tackle a major drop in tourism.
The number of French visitors plummeted following Brexit, after which anyone entering the Island from France was required to show a passport.
Previously, visitors could enter the Island with just a carte d’identité.
A Condor Ferries’ spokesperson said: ‘Condor welcomes the news of the pilot scheme being introduced in Jersey that will allow French day-trippers from St Malo to travel with only their ID cards.
‘We look forward to discussing the operational requirements needed from us as an operator.’
The president of La Manche region, Jean Morin, also welcomed the news.
‘It’s something we and Jersey’s government had been talking about for almost two years already,’ he said, adding that they were still waiting for a similar arrangement in Guernsey.
About half of French citizens hold a passport, with many others relying on the identity card.
