Information about Jersey, Channel Islands
Jersey
An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast and feed the land. An island that's small on size, but big on personality, where country lanes open to cliff top views and the sea is never more than ten minutes away. An island of rediscovery, packed with activities to experience and explore. Begin your island escape here.
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General Information about Jersey
The Channel Islands are magical islands nestling in the Bay of Mont St. Michel only 14 miles from the French coast and 100 miles south of mainland Britain. The islands are well known for their truly magnificent sandy beaches, sheltered coves and crystal clear waters. Inland, winding lanes take you through delightful countryside. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, Spring arrives early and Summer lingers on. The weather here consistently tops the UK resort charts for sunshine hours and temperature. Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands and summer temperatures average 20C.
Jersey is 9 x 5 miles (14.49 km East to West and 8.05km North to South). 45 square miles (116 sq km) with over 450 miles (720km) of roadway (comprising a mix of roads and small lanes) as well as a network of over 46 miles (74km) of green lanes with a speed limit of 15mph (24kph) where priority is given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The French flavour is all around with French sounding names, continental style bistros, restaurants and pavement cafes. You do not need a passport to visit the Channel Islands unless you intend taking a day trip to France which is a short hop away by sea or air. You will need photographic proof of identity for flights and sea travel to the island. There is a reciprocal health care agreement with the UK. English money is used, and with drinks and cigarettes at duty free prices you will enjoy shopping in the many interesting shops.
All in all, the Channel Islands are unique places to visit that are safe, clean and dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy your stay.
Jersey is famous as a good food Island. There are more restaurants per square mile on Jersey than in most major cities with menus to suit all tastes and all pockets and they range from good pub grub to the most prestigious gourmet cuisine. Obviously local seafood - plaice, lobsters, crab and oysters feature strongly as do other Jersey products most notably the renowned Jersey Royal potato - fresh vegetables and of course Jersey butter, milk and cream. Jersey also produces its own Good Eating Guide.
When it comes to food the Channel Islands combine the best of both worlds. For those who like to tuck in the way they do at home there are hearty cooked breakfasts, Ploughmans lunches, strawberries and cream and mouth-watering cream teas. But for those looking for something different there's the very best in seafood - Moules Mariniere, Lobster, Crayfish and Oysters - as well as good wines and a clutch of top-notch restaurants that remind you that the French coast is just a few miles away.
The Ultra-Violet disinfection plant, the first large scale plant of its kind in Europe, ensures that the Jersey water outfall meets the Guide Standard of the EC Bathing Water Directive. Professor David Bellamy says that the system combats waste control in a highly efficient manner and is keen that the Jersey project becomes a blueprint for tourist destinations around the world.
Despite being only 14 miles from the French coast all your normal English services are available in the islands including the National Banks. We have our own currency but it is compatible with English money so there is no tedious exchange to go through. We have some UK supermarkets and our own smaller shops to ensure that all familiar foods, and some not so familiar, are readily available to you.
English papers are delivered by plane first thing in the morning on the day of printing, so you are not deprived of all your favourite news stories and magazine articles and english TV is available in all accommodations. Many properties have Sky TV and WiFi internet access - these cannot be guaranteed.
Medical Care
Jersey is not part of the UK, and therefore not part of the NHS. For UK Visitors, while some medical care is covered by a Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHA), some treatment is not, and neither are pre-existing conditions.
The Emergency Department is for emergency treatment only. If a visitor has a non-urgent medical issue, or has lost or forgotten medication and requires a prescription, they need to contact any local GP or the "out of hours" GP service Tel. 01534 442000. There will be a charge for this appointment which the individual GP practice can advise on.
Emergency services - Ambulance/Fire/Police/Air and Sea Rescue can be contacted by 999. This is a free service, but treatment or care after may be chargeable. Including repatriation, if needed.
Healthcare costs:
https://www.gov.je/Health/Travelling/Pages/index.aspx
GPs, dentists and pharmacists:
https://www.gov.je/Health/DoctorDentist/Pages/default.aspx
Telephone
The code for Jersey is 01534 from the British Isles or + 44 (0) 1534 from other Countries.
Banks
The main clearing banks normally open the same hours as the UK, Monday - Friday, most open Saturday mornings. Building Societies facilities are restricted. There are Link card machines in various retail outlets but no counter service is available. Cash transactions through Building Societies differ from those in the UK and Ireland. Please check with your Society before departure.
Bringing your own car
Visitors must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit (UK International Driving Permits are not valid). Photocopies are not acceptable. The vehicle registration should be carried and a nationality plate must be displayed on your vehicle.
Customs allowances
As Jersey is not part of the EU the maximum allowances are:- 200 Cigarettes, 4 litres of wine, 1 litre Spirits (+22% volume). Persons under 17 years are not entitled to tobacco or alcohol allowances. Please refer to the relevant section on the following website www.gov.je for full and up to date details.
Currency
British money is freely accepted in the Island. Other currencies can be changed at a bank, Post Office or Bureau de Change. All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Some shops accept Euros.
Disabled facilities
Your can use your "Blue Badge" & Radar key in the Island. All public toilets for disabled persons have Radar locks - so do not forget to bring your badge and key with you. If you do, you can hire a key from our Visitor Services Centre and St. Helier Town Hall. Please ask for the comprehensive booklet 'A Guide to Jersey for the Disabled' from Jersey Tourism. Check all before you travel.
Electricity
240 volts AC. UK sockets in use.
Getting married in Jersey
As a result of changes in Jersey Law, you can now be married in the Island as the period of notice required by the Superintendent Registrar has been reduced. You are now able to register your intention to marry by post, rather than in person. Once formal application has been made, couples can go to the Registrar on arrival in Jersey and marry within three working days. If you are in the Island on holiday, the period of notice is ten days. For further information please contact the Superintendent Registrar on Tel: 01534 441335 or click on gov.je/gettingmarriedinjersey
Licensing hours
At the discretion of the proprietor, Public Bars are open to persons over 18 between the following hours: Weekdays 09.00 - 23.00, Sunday 11.00 - 23.00. The Licensing Assembly may also permit children under the age of 18 in public bars up to 21.00 if accompanied by an adult.
Parking
There are various ways to pay for parking so ensure you check the requirements for the space you would like to use.
Single yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited day and night and is liable to a fine. Ensure that the parking space is not restricted to residents only in some areas in town.
Payment for parking in St. Helier is by paycard or PayByPhone wherever the symbol is displayed. The paycards can be purchased in advance from Post Offices, garages and shops displaying the paycard symbol, but not in the car parks themselves.
Sand Street car park in St Helier has machines that require payment prior to departing. In some roads on the outskirts of St. Helier parking is free, but controlled by standard yellow disc clocks obtainable from the Town Hall. A disc is not always required in the evening or on Sunday/Bank Holidays. For more detailed information see gov.je/Parking
Passports
No passport is required for visitors travelling from the British Isles and the Republic of Ireland. However, a ten year passport is required for day trips to France. Most air and sea carriers require Photographic ID. Travellers from mainland Europe must have full passports for all people travelling.
Pets
If you are visiting Jersey from the British Isles or the Republic of Ireland, you can bring your pet with you - provided of course that pets are allowed at your holiday accommodation. For other areas Pet Scheme™ regulations apply. From May to September between 10.30-18.00 dogs on beaches must be on a lead.
Post Offices
The main Post Office is in Broad Street, St. Helier, with a network of sub-Post Offices located throughout the Island. Jersey postage stamps must be used on all mail posted from Jersey.
Public Holidays
As in the United Kingdom, with the addition of Liberation Day, 9th May.
Shopping hours
The markets and some shops are closed on Thursday afternoons, otherwise normal shopping hours apply, and in the main season a number of shops will remain open in the evenings. There is limited Sunday trading in Jersey.
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