The Channel Islands are an archipelago in the English Channel off the Normandy coast of France. They are divided into two British Crown Dependencies, the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey. The former also includes the islands of the English Channel, Sark and Herm, and smaller islands are divided between the two bailiwicks.
Are Channel Islands part of UK or Europe?
Although closely connected to the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands are not subject to the laws of the UK, and are not a part of the European Union (the “EU”). As Crown Dependencies, the Channel Islands are self-governing and have their own laws (including on taxation) and courts.
What are the Channel islands sometimes called?
Channel Islands, also called Santa Barbara Islands, island chain extending some 150 miles (240 km) along, and about 12–70 miles (20–115 km) off, the Pacific coast of southern California.
What nationality are Channel Islanders?
British citizens
Islanders are full British citizens, but were not classed as European citizens unless by descent from a UK national. Any British citizen who applies for a passport in Jersey or Guernsey receives a passport bearing the words “British Islands, Bailiwick of Jersey” or “British Islands, Bailiwick of Guernsey”.
Why are the Channel islands not part of the UK?
The channel islands are not technically part of the UK, rather they are Crown Dependencies. They were previously part of the Duchy of Normandy, and following the Norman invasion of 1066, they became part of Britain.
Do you need a passport from Channel Islands to UK?
Although British citizens do not require passports to travel to Guernsey and the Channel Islands, due to increased security, the majority of airlines now require that you produce valid photo identification at check in and they may refuse boarding if you do not do so.
Do UK laws apply to Channel Islands?
The Channel Islands are dependencies of the British Crown, but they’re separate jurisdictions from the UK. They’re divided into the two Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. Each has its own legislature: the States.
Is Guernsey a tax haven?
Guernsey – a Tax Efficient Jurisdiction
Guernsey is a leading international financial centre with a good reputation and excellent standards: The general rate of tax payable by Guernsey companies is zero*. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, value added tax or withholding tax.
What do the French call the channel islands?
The Channel Islands (French: Îles Anglo-Normandes, Norman dialects: Îles d’la Manche) are an archipelago in the Bay of St Malo, off the Normandy and Brittany coast of France – only Alderney the most northerly truly lies in the English Channel.
Do the channel islands belong to Mexico?
While the island is leased to the company by the United States, it has been established that it belongs to the Kingdom of Spain, as San Miguel is, through an oversight, not mentioned in documents ceding the Santa Barbara Channel Islands to the United States.”
What language do Channel Islanders speak?
The official languages are French and English, but English is gradually supplanting French. The language commonly used is English, but in the county districts of Jersey and Guernsey and throughout Sark some people also speak a Norman-French dialect. A majority of the records are written in French.
Do you need a passport to go to the Channel islands?
If you are arriving into the Channel Islands from outside the UK or Republic of Ireland, irrespective of your nationality, you must have a valid passport.
Is Jersey more French than English?
English. As a crown dependency of the British monarch, English has a special place in the island, and is now the dominant, as well as an official, language.
Are people from the Channel islands British citizens?
The British Nationality Act 1981 confers British Citizenship on all those with close connections with the UK, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
Can UK citizens move to the Channel islands?
If you hold a British or EEA passport or have been granted “Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK”, you can move over to Guernsey, live in a single occupancy Open Market property and work on the Island for as long as you wish, or you can live in a multi-occupancy Open Market dwelling and work here for a maximum of 5
Can British citizens live in Channel Islands?
Generally, as a British citizen, you do not automatically have the right to permanently move to British overseas territories. If you want to move to one of them, you need to apply for a visa. To receive assistance with your immigration query, call us today on 0333 305 9375.
Can UK citizens live in Jersey?
Work permits
British and Irish citizens don’t need a work permit to work in Jersey. Everyone else will require a work permit which has to be applied for by your prospective employer.
Can I live in Jersey with a UK passport?
You do not require a visa to enter, visit, work, study or settle in Jersey if you’re: British.
Can I retire to Jersey from UK?
To apply for indefinite leave to remain in Jersey, you must: have lived legally in the United Kingdom and / or Channel Islands for a certain length of time (usually between two and five years) pass the Citizenship test (also known as a ‘Life in the UK’ test) meet the English language requirement.
Why did Britain not defend the Channel Islands?
As Germans marched into Paris on June 14, 1940, the British war cabinet debated demilitarising the Channel Islands, believing Britain did not have the military might to defend an area of no strategic value.
Are Guernsey UK citizens?
Guernsey is a self-governing British Crown dependency held by the monarch of the United Kingdom though it is not part of the UK. Together with the Bailiwick of Jersey it forms part of the Channel Islands.