For almost the entire coronavirus period, calling at the Channel Islands in the English Channel was fraught with hurdles. For a long time, every crew had to go into quarantine on arrival, but later tests and vaccination certificates were mandatory, as was online registration in advance.
However, in line with the easing of restrictions in England, the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey are now taking the big step into the post-pandemic era: from mid-February, both island governments will completely lift the restrictions for visitors and there will no longer be any requirements for entry, except that Germans will need passports instead of ID cards. Only those flying in via the UK, for example to change crew, will need the Passenger Locator Form, which is still required by the mother country; however, those travelling directly to the Channel Islands by sea will not need this.
This was recently announced by the tourist boards of both islands, who hope that this will finally bring tourism back to normal. As the peak of the coronavirus pandemic appears to have been reached in various European countries, a similar easing of restrictions could follow in many areas over the coming months.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
