Identity Cards for French Nationals on day trips to the Bailiwick of Guernsey
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union a requirement was introduced for travellers arriving into the Common Travel Area* 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)
Until the end of 2025, French nationals are able to travel to the Bailiwick of Guernsey for a day trip using their National Identity Cards, on one of the direct ferry services.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is currently serviced by two ferry operators operating directly between the Bailiwick and France:
- Brittany Ferries operates from Cherbourg and St Malo
- Manche Iles Express operates from Carteret, Dielette and Granville
The scheme is only available on scheduled maritime services and does not extend to:
- ferries transiting from another jurisdiction i.e. UK or Jersey
- private marine
- general aviation
- commercial aviation
- RIB tour and freight operators
Passengers must return the same day.
The Guernsey Border Agency (GBA) has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 must be 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 the Bailiwick on the return sailing to France 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 States of Guernsey Home Affairs department are currently reviewing the option to extend the French Identity Card scheme beyond 31 December 2025.
*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.
