Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are not a single border jurisdiction. They primarily comprise the Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey, both self-governing Crown Dependencies outside the United Kingdom. The Guernsey bailiwick also includes Alderney, Herm and Sark. Common Travel Area arrangements do not create a shared customs or yacht-entry procedure. Jersey is administered by the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, while Guernsey has its own border/customs authorities. Before sailing, identify the destination island and jurisdiction and check its yacht declarations, visa/ETA and customs requirements separately.

Private-vessel arrival points in Jersey

Only Jersey rules have been verified here; they cannot be extended to Guernsey, Alderney or Sark. Travellers whose Jersey private maritime declaration has been approved may land in accordance with that approval. Government guidance requires those who have not declared in advance to land at St Helier, display the yellow Q flag and make a declaration; passengers must remain aboard until permission is given. This is not a complete Channel Islands entry-port list.

Official source: Jersey Government private-vessel entry guidance

Handle declarations separately for each destination jurisdiction. Jersey: submit a Private Maritime Declaration if carrying declarable goods or goods above duty-free allowances, or if arriving from outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or Guernsey with anyone aboard who is neither British nor Irish. The government recommends submission about one week ahead; processing normally takes 48 hours. Without advance declaration, proceed to St Helier, fly the yellow Q flag and declare; everyone must remain aboard until authorised. Guernsey bailiwick: Guernsey Marinas guidance says every private-vessel master must complete a GC27 arrival declaration and submit it as soon as possible before anyone lands. Fly the Q flag for non-local vessels or where there is anything to declare. It lists St Peter Port, Beaucette Marina or Alderney's Braye Harbour as first-arrival ports and says not to proceed directly to Herm or Sark first. These Guernsey details come from port-operator guidance linking to the government vessel declaration form; they are not Jersey rules. Before sailing, confirm current requirements and passenger visas/ETAs with the relevant authorities.

Immigration (Jersey rules)

This section does not summarise rules for all Channel Islands; the following is Jersey Government guidance only. Private-vessel arrivals must meet the relevant visa, ETA and immigration-permission requirements. A private maritime declaration is required for vessels arriving from outside the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or Guernsey if anyone aboard is neither a British nor an Irish citizen. Arrivals from outside the CTA normally require a valid passport. Visa or ETA requirements depend on individual circumstances.

Official sources: Jersey private-vessel entry guidance; Jersey travel-document requirements

Vessel and goods customs declarations (Jersey rules)

This section has official support for Jersey only. A private maritime declaration is required when carrying customs-declarable goods, goods above duty-free allowances, or persons meeting the government's specified conditions. Passengers must remain aboard until approval. This does not describe customs formalities for Guernsey, Alderney or Sark. Check individual goods duties, taxes and restrictions under current Jersey customs rules.

Official source: Jersey Government private-vessel entry guidance

Jersey only; confirm separately for Guernsey and other Channel Islands jurisdictions: when carrying pets, the master must contact Jersey Coastguard (VHF 82) or St Helier VTS (VHF 14) before arrival. Vessels from other countries or territories must not take pets ashore without authorisation. Local authorities arrange permitted berthing conditions and available berths. Designated marina restrictions apply even to pets eligible for entry. Check food, animal products and other biological products against current Jersey import rules and confirm with local authorities before the voyage.

Jersey only; check other Channel Islands jurisdictions separately: many categories require a licence or permission before import, including firearms, ammunition and other weapons, explosives and fireworks, illegal drugs, endangered species and their products, certain chemicals, flick/gravity knives and tear-gas sprays, liquid milk and obscene materials. This list is not a complete legal inventory of restrictions. Confirm licensing requirements with Jersey Customs before carrying such items.

Arrival formalities (Jersey rules)

Only Jersey has been verified in this section. Submit the private maritime declaration about one week before departure; the government page says most applications are processed within 48 hours. If the declaration has not been completed on arrival, land at St Helier, fly the yellow Q flag and complete formalities. Passengers must remain aboard until authorised. These are not Guernsey or other islands' procedures.

Official source: Jersey Government private-vessel entry guidance

Jersey only; Guernsey and other jurisdictions have different tariffs: Ports of Jersey's published 2026 visitor berth/mooring charges depend on vessel length, berth and stay. From January 1, 2026, daily visitor rates at La Collette, Elizabeth, St Helier and Albert Pier are: ≤7.99 m £37.85; 8–9.99 m £41.30; 10–11.99 m £44.75; 12–13.99 m £54.20; 14–15.99 m £63.75; 16–19.99 m £93.75; and 20–29.99 m £8.50 per metre. St Aubin and Gorey have separate daily visitor rates: ≤5.99 m £16.35; 6–9.99 m £18.45; 10–11.99 m £22.50; 12–13.99 m £24.55; 14–19.99 m £28.70; and 20–25 m £36.90. The weekly rate when paid in advance is six times the daily rate. These are berthing/mooring charges, not customs or immigration clearance fees. Electricity, pilotage, agents and other services may cost extra; consult the latest port tariffs.