Identity Cards for French Nationals on Day Trips to The Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Until the end of September 2025, French nationals will be able to travel to the Bailiwick of Guernsey on a day trip using their National Identity Cards on one of the direct ferry services Manche Iles Express and Condor Ferries.
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union a requirement was introduced for travellers arriving into the Common Travel Area[1] to carry a valid passport as a travel document, other than a few exceptions listed here Entering the UK: Before you leave for the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Bailiwick of Guernsey and The Bailiwick Jersey are currently serviced by two ferry operators operating directly to each Island:
- Condor Ferries operating from Cherbourg and St Malo
- Manche Iles Express operating from Carteret, Dielette and Granville
The pilot scheme will only be available on scheduled maritime services and will not extend to:
- ferries transiting from another jurisdiction i.e. UK or Jersey
- private marine
- general aviation
- commercial aviation
- RIB tour and freight operators
The GBA will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with participating sea carriers; here are the key points:
- The scheme is only available to French nationals
- The national identity card used by the French national is within the validity dates printed on the identity card
- The scheme is not extended to other nationalities, even if they are travelling with a French national
- The scheme is only for direct sailings from Normandy or Brittany to St Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey or Braye Harbour, Alderney (after arrival, people can explore the Bailiwick of Guernsey, but must depart on the return sailing later that day).
- The scheme does not allow passengers to transit through the Bailiwick onwards to the United Kingdom, Jersey or the Isle of Man
- Carriers will only take bookings for French nationals travelling on day trips where a return ticket has been booked for return on the same day
The scheme will operate until the end of September 2025 and will be reviewed regularly by the Guernsey Border Agency to ensure compliance with the MoU.
[1] Common Travel Area consists of the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey but for these purposes excludes the Republic of Ireland.
