Useful Information

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION/PASSPORTS

Passports are not required for citizens of Britain and the Irish Republic, however, photographic ID is required for travel to Alderney (e.g. driver’s licence or passport). However, if you plan to visit France during your stay in Alderney, you will need your passport.

Visitors from EU countries need valid passports - from the 1st October, National ID cards are no longer accepted.

Nationals of other Western European countries and North America require valid passports, but not visas. 

For further details on immigration, please contact the Guernsey Border Agency Office on +44 (0) 1481 741420 or e-mail: immigration@gba.gov.gg

Day Trip scheme launched for French Travellers - travelling with a National Identity Card

From Wednesday 26th April, 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 with Manche Iles Express.

From 23 April 2026, some visitors sailing to Alderney (Bailiwick of Guernsey) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA's) for arrival in Alderney

From 23 April 2026, some visitors sailing to Alderney (Bailiwick of Guernsey) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.

Who needs an ETA?

You will need an ETA before travelling if you are:

  • A non-visa national

  • Arriving from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA)
    (CTA = UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Ireland)

  • Visiting for up to 6 months (including leisure sailing trips)

This applies to all arrivals, including:

  • Pleasure craft / private yachts

  • Private aircraft

  • Scheduled ferries and flights

Who does NOT need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you are:

  • A British or Irish citizen

  • Travelling within the CTA (e.g. UK ⇄ Channel Islands or between other Channel Islands)

  • A resident of the CTA with valid immigration status

  • A visa holder for the CTA

  • Covered under specific schemes (e.g. French day-trip ID card scheme on approved ferries)

Key things to know

  • ETA is a digital travel permission (not a guarantee of entry)

  • Cost: £16 (rising to £20)

  • Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry

  • Allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each

  • Each person needs one, including children

How to apply

Apply online via:

  • GOV.UK website

  • Official UK ETA app

Applications open from 9 April 2026.

Important for sailors

  • Ensure your ETA is approved before departure

  • Carry supporting documents if you have any immigration status in the CTA

  • Border checks still apply on arrival in Alderney

HEALTHCARE AND TREATMENT

All visitors to Alderney are strongly advised to take out full travel insurance which is valid in the Channel Islands, for the duration of their visit, to cover the cost of any medical treatment they may require and repatriation costs.

Medical insurance is strongly recommended.


Healthcare in Alderney is provided by the Health and Social Services Department and is outside the UK National Health Service. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the Bailiwick of Guernsey (Guernsey, Alderney, Sark & Herm).

Policies should be checked to ensure that cover is provided for travel to the Channel Islands, and for stays in the kind of accommodation you have chosen, including staying with friends and family. 

For further information, please contact the Health and Social Services Departments on +44 (0) 1481 72524 or visit the website.

 

Reciprocal Health Agreement 

A new Reciprocal Health Agreement came into force from 1st January 2023. It enables residents from each jurisdiction to access medically necessary healthcare free of charge, whilst they are visiting the other jurisdiction, if that treatment cannot wait until the individual returns to their home jurisdiction.

This means that UK visitors are able to access healthcare required during a trip to the Bailiwick (including Alderney), whichever island they visit. It also means that all Bailiwick of Guernsey residents can benefit from the RHA when visiting the UK. 

USEFUL NUMBERS

The Island Medical Centre, Le Val
t: 01481 822077
DOCTOR ON CALL 24 HOURS

Alderney Dental Surgey, Les Venelles
t: 01481 823131

Boardman’s Pharmacy & Perfumery, Victoria Street
t: 01481 822126

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is strongly advised to cover you for any unforeseen expenses incurred in case of delays, diversions or cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.


VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX)

There is no VAT in Alderney. The island also has its own duty-free facilities where visitors (except travellers within the Bailiwick of Guernsey) can purchase tobacco and spirits at exceptionally low prices prior to departure, from the Aviator Café (airport) or Mainbrayce (harbour).

 

MOBILE PHONES

Certain mobile networks require a roaming facility plus international dialling code. Please check with your provider.


MONEY MATTERS

Sterling is the currency of Alderney, which as part of the Baliwick of Guernsey has its own notes and coins - your pound in the UK is worth the same when you spend in Alderney. UK and Jersey currency can also be used within the Islands, but Channel Island sterling is not accepted in the UK. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Island. Some businesses will accept euros, although change will generally be given in sterling. An ATM machine is available in Victoria Street in St. Anne.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Public holidays are the same as England except for August Bank Holiday which in Alderney is on the first Monday of August when the island celebrates 'Cavalcade Day' and ‘Homecoming Day’ (Saturday 15 December) is also a public holiday which celebrates the islanders’ return on 15 December 1945 after WWII.

 

TELEPHONES 

The code for Alderney is 01481 from the UK and +44 1481 internationally. Mobile networks require a roaming facility plus international dialling codes. Please note roaming charges will apply if you use your UK mobile phone in Alderney. Please check with your provider if in doubt. 

 

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PET

Alderney is rabies-free and some hotels, guest houses and self-catering establishments on the island welcome pets. Aurigny Air Services will accept dogs on their inter-island and UK flights to Alderney. However, please note only dogs (**) originating from the British Isles or legally imported into the UK may be landed in Alderney once they have been cleared by Guernsey’s Customs Authorities.

Under the Pet Travel Scheme, cats and dogs may also be imported from St. Malo, via Guernsey or Jersey, with Brittany ferries. Otherwise a 6-month quarantine applies. For details and conditions please contact the respective airline or ferry company prior to making any travel arrangements.

 

(**) Please note: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa or any other type of dog which appears to have been bred for fighting may not be imported.

For details, conditions and exceptions regarding the Pet Travel Scheme and any queries relating to the importation of animals, please click here