CHANNEL ISLANDS
GJN Consulting will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.
Climate
Slightly warmer and with more sunshine than the South of England. Autumn and winters tend to be less cold than the mainland.
Due to its position in the English Channel, Guernsey is usually colder than Jersey.
Currency
Pound sterling. The islands produce their own bank notes and coins with their own designs but the British currency is accepted.
Language
English
Driving
Like the UK, driving is on the left hand side. Distances are measured in miles. If taking own car, a nationality plate must be displayed on the rear of the car. Roads are narrow. The maximum speed limit in Jersey is 40mph and 35mph in Guernsey. The duty on fuel in the Channel Islands is less than in the UK so fuel is cheaper.
Sales Tax
There is no VAT in the Channel Islands
Work Permits
UK and EU nationals do not require a visa or work permit to enter the Channel Islands. Other nationals should contact States of Jersey Immigration & Nationality Dept.,La Route Du Port Elizabeth, St Helier, Jersey JE1 1JD Tel:+44 (0)1534 838838 or States of Guernsey Immigration and Nationality Dept. PO Box 417, White Rock, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3WJ Telephone: +44 (0)1481 726911 for all other islands
Healthcare
The British National Health Service does not operate in the Channel Islands. Healthcare insurance is required.
Education
Similar to the UK but the 11 plus system still operates to determine the type of secondary school the pupil will attend.
The Islands
Jersey and Guernsey are the two largest islands. Alderney, Sark and Herm are the other islands.
Guernsey is 60 miles from the south west coast of England and 26 miles west of Northern France. It covers 50 square miles. St Peter Port is the capital of Guernsey and is a mix of Georgian, Regency and French styles with hidden alleys and cobbled streets. Market day is Thursday.
For more information on Guernsey check out www.guernseytouristboard.com
Jersey is 21 miles from Guernsey and covers 45 square miles. The capital is St Helier and its lanes, squares and pedestrian area are great for browsing.
For more information on Jersey check out www.jersey.com
The pace of life in the Channel Islands is gentler than the mainland Britain but there is still plenty to see and do whether your interests are historical, shopping, eating out or more activity based such as walking, cycling, scuba diving or sailing.
Finance, tourism and agriculture are the key industries.
