Are you planning a cruise to Jersey and Guernsey aboard a sailboat? Whether you own your own boat or rent a sailboat in Brittany, a trip to the Channel Islands promises a change of scenery and a little adventure at sea. Although these islands are only a few miles off the French coast, they are not part of the European Union. And when you cross a border, you have to comply with formalities.
In this article, we provide you with a clear, up-to-date (as of June 2025) summary of the steps you need to take before setting sail for Jersey, Les Minquiers, Les Écréhous or Guernsey, Serq, Alderney or Herm. A must if you want to sail with peace of mind!
Please note: Jersey and Guernsey have two different administrative formalities for entering their territories.
Cruise to Jersey and Guernsey: passports required, ETA not required at present.
Let's start with the good news: for the time being, you don't need a visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to sail to Jersey or Guernsey. This applies whether you're setting sail with your own boat or chartering one from North Brittany.
On the other hand, passports are mandatory for all crew members, without exception. Since the Brexit, an identity card is no longer sufficient.
Don't be confused: until September 30, 2025, a valid identity card is sufficient (no 5-year renewal), but only for a round trip by ferry lasting less than 24 hours.
Sailing to Jersey or its dependencies (Ecréhous, Minquiers)
Jersey has set up a simple and efficient online declaration system. All you need to do is fill in a form at least 24 hours before your arrival, mentioning :
- Your sailing intentions (port of departure, port of arrival, date, time...)
- Information about the boat (type, length, registration, home port, etc.)
- Crew list
- Skipper's contact details
Access the customs and immigration form for Jersey.
Please note: this form is required even if you don't intend to dock in Jersey, but simply anchor at Écréhous or Les Minquiers.
Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney: different entry systems
The Bailiwick of Guernsey has its own system. Here, no online declaration is required. On arrival, you must :
- Hoist flag Q (yellow flag) as soon as you enter Bailliage waters.
- Fill in form GC27, available online or sometimes supplied at the port.
- Deposit the white copy of the form in an official letterbox, often yellow, located in validated ports (such as St Peter Port or Braye - or directly at the harbor master's office during opening hours).
- Keep the pink copy on board, in case of inspection.
- Display the Q flag once the form has been submitted.
Download customs form GC27 and print it out in duplicate.
⚠️ Important: it is forbidden to disembark directly at Herm or Sercq/Sark without first passing through a validated port (and completing the declaration). Be sure to plan ahead.
Whether you're renting or cruising for yourself, plan your vacation to the Channel Islands in advance.
If you're planning a cruise to Jersey and Guernsey, be sure to inform your charter company of your plans to sail to the Channel Islands. He'll make sure you have the necessary charts on board (electronic cartography is always on board) and the Q flag if you're sailing to Guernsey.
At Loc Voile Armor, we regularly accompany customers to the Channel Islands. Whether you're a seasoned skipper or a one-off skipper, we'll help you choose a suitable sailboat and prepare the documentation.
An unforgettable cruise at the gateway to Brittany
Jersey, Guernsey and their dependencies are ideal destinations for a sailing cruise in the English Channel. Wild landscapes, protected anchorages, welcoming harbors, powerful tides and technical currents... a fascinating playground for any experienced sailor.
Just a few hours' sail from Saint-Quay-Portrieux, they offer a real change of scenery... with a British flavour.
Further information: Sailing tips for Jersey and Guernsey
Looking for practical advice on how to get to Jersey from North Brittany?
Take a look at our destinations page Jersey: the Anglo-Norman jewel within sailing distance of North Brittany.
And if you want to prepare your sailing cruise legally, don't forget :
- Up-to-date passports for all crew
- Declaration form (Jersey and/or Guernsey)
- Informed crew
- Rental company notified (in the case of sailboat rental in Brittany)
- Flexible route plan, depending on weather and tide
- A sailboat with the equipment you consider necessary (AIS, navigation tablet, VHF DSC...)
Fair winds to the Channel Islands!
Do you have any questions? Planning your summer cruise? Don't hesitate to contact us or drop by the office for a chat over a nautical chart.