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Condor has raised fears that a hard Brexit will lead to a devastating drop in visitors from Europe – because they’ll only be able to travel if they spend €85 on a passport.
European travellers are currently able to come to Guernsey using only an EU ID card, however that is set to change next year.
When the UK leaves the EU in January, the cards will no longer be valid for travel and only those holding a passport will be able to visit the Channel Islands.
It’s feared that certain visitors may be reluctant to spend on a new passport, and that the impending ID invalidation could “wipe out” the daytrip market, which has already been severely impacted this year due to the corona virus pandemic.
“We estimate that 30% to 40% of our continental passengers only possess ID cards and discovered last year that a hard Brexit could means everyone arriving will need a passport as an ID card is not considered a valid travel document," said Condor CEO Paul Luxon.
Pictured: Condor CEO Paul Luxon doubted the appetite of many continental travellers to buy a passport just to come to the Channel Islands.
"It is unlikely every visitor will want to spend €85 on a passport just to come to Jersey or Guernsey so the impact in terms of falling tourism numbers may be felt across the islands and the UK too.
“We have been engaging with the States in both islands and making representations at UK government level as this is a very serious matter and certainly not the news we would want after such a difficult and challenging 2020.”
The Channel Islands operator is also talking to the States in both islands about any changes that could be made to entry restrictions.
"The company is also proactively seeking support from Guernsey and Jersey on border restrictions, given the likelihood that all inbound visitors from France will be required to carry passports, rather than the more widely used ID cards, following the UK’s exit in January 2021."
Pictured: The Channel Islands has strong travel links with France, however that is somewhat dependent on those travellers being able to use their ID cards to the visit the islands.
The ferry firm has responded to recent suggestions that food and other goods may be air dropped into the islands after the UK’s exit in a worst-case scenario.
"For the past three years, we have been liaising with the UK, Channel Islands’ and French authorities on the implications of the British withdrawal and through the UK Chamber of Shipping’s working party on Brexit," he said.
"Condor is recognised by the States in both islands as customs clearance agents after developing very streamlined procedures and documentation covering manifest declarations, safety and security and entry permits.
"We have therefore received assurances that our slots in Portsmouth are safeguarded for our twice daily departures so remain confident that the just-in-time freight supply chain of food, medical and other consignments will continue well into the future."
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