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A scheme allowing French people to enjoy a day trip to Jersey using only their ID card has been extended until September 2025 – but its longer-term future remains in peril.
The scheme, which has been praised by the tourism and hospitality sector, was introduced in April 2023 and was originally due to expire this September.
Amid calls for the scheme to be extended, including by the current Interim CEO of Condor Christophe Mathieu, there were concerns for its long-term future due to post-Brexit border regulations.
The UK government recently launched the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is a new requirement for non-visa nationals visiting the country.
While some countries need to apply for this digital permission already, the ETA is due to be rolled out to the rest of the world, including EU countries, later this year – and applicants will need a valid biometric passport to travel to the Common Travel Area, which includes Jersey.
Pictured: Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat.
The Home Affairs Minister confirmed today that the scheme would be extended, but that whether it could continue beyond September 2025 remains uncertain, given the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
"I'm pleased to be able to extend the scheme for another year and so benefit the local tourist industry. Whilst the introduction of the ETA scheme makes further extension potentially problematic it will increase the security of the CTA and consequently our island's borders," Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said.
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