The Channel Islands, located in the Gulf of St. Malo, are islands of contradictions. The shortest distance to France is approx. 13 km, to England approx. 80 km – nevertheless, English is spoken there. The islands are British but not part of the United Kingdom. They are not colonies but are subject to the English Crown.
All islands have their own character, but they have a very mild climate in common.
Jersey extends approximately 18 km from east to west and approximately 11 km from north to south. There are tall cliffs on the north coast with a cliff walk path that offers beautiful views. The other stretches of coast are rather flat, with beautiful bays and beaches. The capital of the island is St. Helier.
Guernsey is about half the size of Jersey and a little more densely populated. There are also beautiful cliff hiking trails here, they are on the south coast. The capital of the island is St. Peter Port.
Located close to Guernsey and therefore a nice destination for a day trip, is the small island of Herm, rich in plants and flowers.
On the island of Sark, the jewel among the Channel Islands, you have the feeling of being immersed in another century. Cars are forbidden there. However, since tractors are allowed in addition to horse-drawn carriages and bicycles, the number of tractors on this small island is quite high. Sark is best explored on foot or with a rental bike. The island is also ideal for a day trip from Guernsey. But if you really want to get to know Sark, you should spend a few days there.
Entry requirements
The Channel Islands are not a member of the EU. German citizens need an identity card or passport with sufficient validity to enter the country.
Children need their own identification document, entry in their parents’ passport is no longer accepted. Other citizens please inquire at the relevant embassy.
Currency
On the Channel Islands, the British pound (GBP) is used to pay, there are also two local currencies: the Jersey pound and the Guernsey pound (same value as the British pound). They are only accepted on the Channel Islands (and on the other) and cannot be exchanged in the UK or Germany. Before you leave, you should therefore exchange your remaining money back into British pounds or euros.
To be able to withdraw cash at ATMs, you need a credit card with a secret number or an EC card with the “Maestro” symbol.
International credit cards are common, but you cannot use them to pay in all hotels or in smaller shops. It is therefore advisable to always have enough cash with you.
Time zone
CET – 1 hour
Climate
Due to the Gulf Stream, the Channel Islands have a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Language
The national language is English. Some older people still speak Lé Jèrriais (on Jersey) and Guernésiais (on Guernsey) – old island languages that are closely related to Norman French.
Telephone / Internet
The international dialing codes for
Jersey are +44 (0) 1534
Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney +44 (0) 1481
Warning: The Channel Islands are not part of the EU roaming zone, so calling with your local SIM card can be expensive.
Electricity & mains voltage
The voltage is 230 volts, 50 Hz, so that all devices can be used without problems. You need a socket adapter (type G).
Emergency Numbers
In an emergency, please dial 999, or 112 for ambulance services, fire services or coast guards.
ARRIVAL by plane
In the summer months there are direct flights from various German airports to Jersey or Guernsey. Flights to the Channel Islands via London Gatwick are offered all year round.
ARRIVAL by ferry
The islands of Jersey and Guernsey can be easily reached by ferry from St. Malo (France). The average driving time to Jersey is 1.5 hours and to Guernsey 2 hours.
If you want to visit both islands, you can also book a cheap combination ticket, including a ferry between the islands.
From Guernsey there are passenger ferries to the islands of Sark and Herm.
The following applies to traveling by car …
If you are traveling with your own car, you should definitely have your driver’s license and vehicle registration document with you. It is also advisable to have the green insurance card with you. If you are not traveling with a vehicle registered for you, we strongly recommend that you obtain a power of attorney from the vehicle owner.
The fuel names are not necessarily identical to “ours”. It is important to choose the correct octane number. 95 stands for Super, 98 for Super Plus. “Unleaded” means “lead-free”, it is sometimes indicated by the addition of an “E”.
Warning: there is left-hand traffic!
Speed limits Jersey
Maximum speed in urban areas: 48 km / h
Maximum speed outside of urban areas: 64 km / h
Maximum speed “Green Lanes”: 24 km / h
alcohol limit : 0.5
Speed limits Guernsey
Maximum speed in urban areas: 40 km / h
Maximum speed outside of urban areas: 56 km / h
Maximum speed “Ruettes tranquilles”: 24 km / h
alcohol limit : 0.5
(Information without guarantee, please inform yourself about the relevant provisions before departure)
Car-free vacation The islands can also be visited without a car. The bus network is well developed and the islands can also be explored easily by bike or on foot.
Best travel time
The best travel time is from the beginning of May to the end of September. In spring the island is already in full bloom due to the Gulf Stream. Bicycle tours and hiking trips in early or late summer are recommended. In summer the islands are a paradise for bathers and those looking for relaxation.
Health
Jersey is not part of the UK NHS system. The European health insurance card is not valid here. A private international travel health insurance is therefore recommended.
Holidays and memorial days In addition to Christmas, New Year and Christian holidays with changing dates such as Easter, the following holidays apply:
May 9th – Liberation Day (day of liberation)
Last Monday in May – spring holiday
Embassies & Consulates General
German Representation
23 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PZ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 78241300
Austrian representation
18 Belgrave Mews West
London SW1X 8HU
Tel: +44 (0) 20 73443250
Swiss representation
16-18 Montagu Place
London W1H 2BQ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 76166000