Tighter immigration checks proposed for Jersey

Deputy Lyndon Farnham said it would address the gap in the security of Jersey's borders

Immigration checks for people hoping to visit Jersey could be tightened if a proposition is approved.

Currently non-visa nationals including those from within the European Economic Area and EU do not need visas and can visit for up to six months without additional checks.

The chief minister's proposition suggests following the UK, where it has a system of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETAS) for people who want to visit from some countries with their passport.

A scheme for French visitors was renewed in June to allow people to come to Jersey with an ID card for up to 24 hours - if the proposition is approved, French visitors will need to have a passport because of the ETA attached to it.

Deputy Lyndon Farnham said it would address the gap in the security of Jersey's borders and it would "implement a more rigorous approach to people traveling to Jersey without a visa".

He said: "In the same way as for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, before a person travels to Jersey, they will need to apply for permission where aspects of any criminality must be provided through self- declaration."