Private visiting vessels
Visiting vessels to the Island should present themselves to Customs and Immigration Officers at a “Designated Port”.
Maritime Customs and Immigration Declaration on gov.je
St Helier and Gorey are classed as a “Designated Port” by virtue of both Article 12 of the Customs and Excise (Jersey) Law, 1999 and the Immigration (Designated Ports of Entry and Exit) (Jersey) Act 2011.
Common Travel Area document requirements
Jersey is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), along with the other Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland and the UK. This means Jersey maintains the same standard of immigration control at the Border as the UK.
There are no routine border immigration controls when travelling within the CTA. However, you must travel with photographic identification and be able to prove your identity and nationality.
To make sure you comply, check visa, ETA and passport requirements for travel to Jersey on gov.je.
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to 6 months. It will soon be introduced in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Check visa, ETA and passport requirements for travel to Jersey on gov.je for up to date information.
If you’re unsure if you need an ETA, find more information and guidance on get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK on GOV.UK
When to fly a Q flag
The owner/master of a visiting yacht must fly the yellow ‘Q’ flag as soon as they enter the territorial waters of the Bailiwick of Jersey, if they meet the following criteria:
- from outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
- from within the EEA, but with non EEA nationals on board
- with any goods to declare, including restricted or prohibited goods
The ‘Q’ flag must remain flown until clearance has been received by a Customs and Immigration Officer.
European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals
| Austria | Liechtenstein |
| Belgium | Lithuania |
| Cyprus | Luxembourg |
| Czech Republic | Malta |
| Denmark | Netherlands |
| Estonia | Norway |
| Finland | Poland |
| France | Portugal |
| Germany | Slovakia |
| Greece | Slovenia |
| Hungary | Spain |
| Iceland | Sweden |
| Ireland | Switzerland (international treaty gives Swiss nationals similar rights as EEA nationals within the United Kingdom) |
| Italy | United Kingdom |
| Latvia | |
Duty free
Duty free goods are available to local and visiting craft upon departure from St Helier.
The independent operator Boat Fayre provides a door-to-door ordering and delivery service to yachts. For more information or to place an order, telephone +44 (0) 7797 859 592.
Duty free allowances on gov.je
Pets and animals
Travelling with pets from the UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or the Republic of Ireland
There are no restrictions for pets coming directly into Jersey from the Channel Islands, UK or Isle of Man. Pets traveling from the Republic of Ireland must be accompanied by a valid pet passport.
However, the skipper/master of the vessel must notify Jersey Coastguard (VHF Channel 82) or St Helier VTS (VHF Channel 14) before arriving at a Jersey harbour or anchorage.
Regardless of status or origin, animals are not permitted in St Helier Marina. Vessels with animals on board wishing to berth in St Helier will be directed to Elizabeth Marina (subject to availability) or to the holding pontoons on number 4 and 5 berths outside St Helier Marina.
Pet passport information on gov.je
Boats with animals on board arriving from other territories or countries
Only an approved carrier can bring a pet into Jersey from other territories.
The skipper/master of any vessel with a pet on-board intending to anchor off Jersey must notify Jersey Coastguard (VHF Channel 82) or St Helier VTS (VHF Channel 14) before arrival.
- You will not be permitted to bring the pet into Jersey
- You will not be permitted to use an alongside or drying berth
- You may anchor off the coast but the pet must not be landed ashore
In an emergency, for example to seek shelter, Jersey Coastguard or St Helier VTS should be contacted and advised that a pet is on-board.
A secure and isolated berth or mooring will be allocated, but the animal is not permitted to land, unless under licence issued by the Department of the Environment of the Government of Jersey.
The berth may be observed by CCTV to ensure compliance.