Travellers heading to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man will soon need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), as the UK expands the system beyond mainland Britain.

According to the official ETA portal, the requirement will apply to Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man from April 23, 2026. Applications are already open, giving travellers time to prepare before the rule comes into force.

This marks another step in the UK’s wider move toward a digital travel permission system for visa-exempt visitors.

ETA Now Required for the Channel Islands and Isle of Man

Until recently, the ETA was mainly linked to trips to the United Kingdom. Now, the system is being extended to include Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, meaning most visa-free travellers will need approval before arriving.

From April 23, 2026:

• Travellers must hold an approved ETA before departure
• The ETA will be valid for two years
• The fee has increased from £16 to £20
• Applications can already be submitted online

Authorities have also updated the application form to reflect the expansion.

New ETA Question About Main Travel Destination

A small but important update has been added to the application process. Travellers are now asked where they expect to spend most of their time.

Four options are available:

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Jersey
• Guernsey
• Isle of Man

This does not lock travellers into a fixed itinerary. Plans can still change after approval. The purpose is to understand the main destination within the UK and its associated territories.

Importantly, ETAs that have already been approved are expected to remain valid for entry to the three territories once the rule takes effect.

Special Exemption for Some French Travellers

One small exception applies to French nationals visiting the Channel Islands.

French citizens travelling to Jersey or Guernsey for a same-day return trip will not need an ETA if they use a valid national ID card under existing local arrangements.

However, the exemption is very limited:

• It applies only to direct day trips
• Overnight stays require an ETA
• One-way journeys require an ETA
• Trips involving stopovers require an ETA
• A passport is required when an ETA is needed

The Isle of Man is not included in this exemption. Travellers visiting the island will need an ETA regardless of trip length.

What This Means for Travellers

The expansion of the ETA system means that almost all visa-exempt visitors heading to the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man will need to apply online before departure.

For frequent travellers, the two-year validity makes the process easier, as one approval can cover multiple trips.

With applications already open, travellers planning trips after April 23, 2026, should apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

Key Takeaway

From April 23, 2026, travel to Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man will require an ETA for most visa-free visitors. The application is already available, costs £20, and remains valid for two years.