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Welcome to Guernsey...but not just yet

Welcome to Guernsey...but not just yet

Saturday 13 March 2021

Welcome to Guernsey...but not just yet

Saturday 13 March 2021


Border restrictions may be easing, but islanders hoping to have family or friends to visit will need to check travel regulations before dusting off the welcome mat.

The positive tone of Friday's States announcement was dotted with a few caveats that may delay emotional reunions for a short while longer.

From 22 March, there will be no restrictions on inter-island travel within the Bailiwick Bubble. Travellers coming to the Bailiwick from outside will have to self-isolate on arrival for 14 days, regardless of where they came from. The States will also consider the role of travel passports, with a view to introducing them as soon as national or international guidance is available. 

Five weeks later – from 30 April – non-essential travel from outside the Bailiwick will be allowed, although there will be additional measures depending on where the traveller comes from and how serious the prevalence of Covid there.

Stage_3_border_classifications_12Mar21.jpg

Pictured: The categories that make up Public Health's country / regional classification.

The regions fall into four broad categories, in increasing levels of prevalence. Travellers from a Category 4 region, for example, will be tested on arrival and on day 13 of a 14-day period of self-isolation. Anyone declining a test will need to self-isolate for 21 days.

If all goes well, Bailiwick borders will re-open fully on 1 July, with no country or regional variations. However, this will still be subject to Phase 1 of the vaccination programme having been completed and the first dose of Phase 2 having been delivered. A single test at the border, or administered pre-travel, may still be needed, depending on Public Health concerns. 

And then, finally, islanders will be able to catch up with anyone they want. 

Pictured top: Having family and friends on-island may make it a summer to remember, but check the regulations before they travel.

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