Responding yesterday, President of the Manche Département, Jean Morin, said: "I was happy to welcome this news, it's something we and Jersey's government had been talking about for almost two years already.” 

M. Morin says that he is still waiting for a similar arrangement in Guernsey. And despite raising concerns that officials in France don’t have “an answer from Guernsey on the passport question” the President of Home Affairs in Guernsey has today confirmed that work is ongoing to sort it out. 

“We have been in discussion for some time with colleagues in Jersey at a political and officer level and the UK Home Office, regarding the issue of French nationals’ preference for using identity cards, and the impact on travel numbers by sea from France to the Channel Islands as a result of the requirement for EU nationals to use passports rather than identity cards since Brexit,” said Deputy Rob Prow. 

He said work is ongoing with UK authorities to make sure Guernsey launches a similar short stay scheme in time for the summer season. 

“As I have stated previously, the islands are intrinsically linked by the commercial ferry network so we have been keen to explore any options that may assist this situation whilst being respectful of our position in the Common Travel Area."

Pictured: Jean Morin, President of the Manche Département, welcomed the arrangement. 

Before Brexit, French citizens were able to enter the island using only their CNI. Since Brexit, they have had to use their passports – but only half of the passengers coming from France own a passport, says M. Morin. 

Since the introduction of passport controls, ferries from France went from being 80% full to 40%. 

Manche Îles Express, which provides ferries between Jersey, Guernsey and France, previously warned that they might stop their service to the islands if no solution was found.  

M. Morin said he hadn’t spoken to Manche Îles Express yet, but that funding the ferries is becoming increasingly expensive - particularly when boats aren’t full enough. 

Manche Îles Express is funded by the local authority, which spends €2 million a year on the ships. At its current occupancy, Manche Îles Express receives €200 from the Département per passenger, on top of the €70 cost of a return ticket. 

“We need to make a decision by June. But it’s a strong encouragement,” he said. 

“I had warned our friends in Jersey's Government that we couldn’t do this by ourselves. So I am meeting [Economic Development Minister] Kirsten Morel in April, who is very conscious of the difficulties we’re facing. 

“There is work to do, but I’m happy to work with the Channel Islands because it’s relationship of trust,” he said. “We have links that go back in time, and that have been preserved, and we need to work together. This is a huge step forward that already allows us to see the future differently.”