JERSEY Customs is working to resolve travel issues which have seen some Islanders wrongfully denied boarding in the wake of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements – despite holding valid immigration permission.
The government has stated that the UK Home Office and airlines have been aware of the situation that have impacted “a small number of non‑British and non‑Irish Jersey residents”.
It relates to the Crown Dependencies’ participation in the UK’s ETA scheme, intended to ensure consistent border security across the Common Travel Area.
Those who hold a British or Irish passport – or have another immigration permission, such as a visa, settled status or leave to remain – do not need an ETA.
But the government has said some airlines and ground handlers have “misinterpreted” the requirements or “experienced difficulties verifying Jersey issued permissions within their systems”.
The statement reiterated that valid permissions include visas, leave to remain and settled status – typically evidenced by a passport vignette, wet ink passport stamp or Jersey EUSS status letter.
“These documents are valid for travel and entry to the UK,” the statement continued.
“The current issue is operational, relating to airline systems and document checks, and is not the result of any change to immigration rules or residents’ status.
“Similar issues have been reported across all the Crown Dependencies and, in some cases, the UK.”
