Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for the Channel Islands depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for the Channel IslandsEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999 (or 112)
Currency
- Name
- Pound Sterling
- Code
- GBP
- Symbol
- £
Jersey and Guernsey issue their own pound notes (Jersey Pound, Guernsey Pound) at 1:1 to GBP. UK notes also accepted. Channel Islands notes are NOT accepted in the UK — spend them before you leave or exchange them. ATMs throughout both islands. Cards widely accepted.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — BST (UTC+1) in summer
Best Time to Visit
May–September is the best season — Jersey's south coast has more sunshine hours than London and genuine sandy beaches. Jersey's 7km St Brelade's Bay is one of the best beaches in the British Isles. Guernsey's cliff walks and the German Occupation Museum are outstanding. The Channel Islands were the only British territory occupied by Nazi Germany (1940–1945) — the history is extraordinary.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Similar to UK — discretionary; service charge sometimes included |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout — British in character but with a French coastal feel
- Smart casual for St Helier (Jersey) and St Peter Port (Guernsey) restaurants
Social Etiquette
- The Channel Islands are Crown Dependencies — not part of the UK, not part of the EU — with their own parliaments (States of Jersey, States of Guernsey)
- Jersey and Guernsey were under Nazi occupation from 1940–1945 — the only British soil occupied in WWII; the bunkers, tunnels, and museums are sobering and fascinating
- Jersey has a rich Norman-French heritage — many place names are French; Jersey French (Jèrriais) is still spoken by a small community
- Jersey is famous for its Jersey Royal potatoes (the world's most famous early potato, grown only in Jersey) and Jersey cattle
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Crown Dependency — British law broadly applies; LGBTQ+ rights equal to the UK
- Channel Islands notes: remember to spend them or exchange them before returning to the UK mainland
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Jèrriais — Jersey French) | Bouonjour / Bonsouaïr | bwon-ZHOOR / bon-SWAH-yehr |
| Thank you (Jèrriais) | Mèrci | MEHR-see |
| Welcome (Jèrriais) | Bouon v'nu | bwon V'NOO |
| Cheers! (local) | Cheers! / Santé! | sahn-TAY |
| Jersey Royal (local product) | Jersey Royal | The early potato only grown in Jersey, revered by British chefs — in season April–June |
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