Travel pass issues causing 'significant hardship'

Some passengers are still being prevented from boarding flights to Jersey after the introduction of a digital travel system, a minister has said.

The Government of Jersey said some carriers still did not recognise Jersey-issued immigration documents after the UK introduced electronic travel authorisation (ETA) in February, which is a digital permission people need to travel to the country.

It should not affect those with British or Irish passports or those with settled status but some islanders have found airlines have not accepted Jersey documentation.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles said it had caused "significant hardship for people seeking to return to their homes in Jersey".

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Islanders have reported spending up to £170 for emergency ETAs to be allowed to fly.

Senator Miles said this was "clearly unacceptable" and she had written to airlines and consular representatives seeking help to prevent further cases.

She added she had "asked consular representatives to use their influence to help address the issue".

About 22,000 islanders rely on an immigration permission to live in Jersey, said the government.

Officials urged islanders who experience difficulties while travelling to contact Jersey Customs and Immigration Service for advice and support.

A full eVisa programme is expected to be rolled out across the crown dependencies within the next two years, with ministers hoping it will help prevent similar issues in future.

The BBC has contacted the UK Home Office for comment.

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