Practical Information

Location

100 miles (160 km) south of mainland Britain, 14 miles (20 km) from the coast of France, situated in the bay of St Malo. The distance from St Helier Harbour to the other Channel Islands are as follows: Guernsey - 26 miles (41.84km); Sark - 22 miles (35.40 km); Alderney - 45 miles (72.42 km)

Size

Jersey is 9 x 5 miles, (14.49 km East to West and 8.05km North to South ) 45 square miles, (116 km square) with over 350 miles (560 km) of roadway.

Population

87,186 as at last census in 2001 with 52% of population born in Jersey.

Climate

Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands and has one of the best sunshine records in the British Isles. Warmed by the nearby Gulf Stream, summer temperatures average 20C.

Currency

Sterling, although Jersey has its own coins and notes. English money is freely accepted as are UK cheques supported by a bankers card and most credit cards. Banks exchange currency and there are a number of Bureau de Change. Cheques in Euros are treated as foreign cheques.

Language

English speaking.

Passports

British Citizens and Citizens of the Irish Republic do not require passports or entry visas for travel between their respective countries and Jersey- they will require passports for trips to France. Other EU citizens require only their ID cards for travel to Jersey. Citizens from non-EU countries will need a passport and should check before travelling to the Island if a visa is required.

Speed Limit

The Island speed limit is 40mph (64 km/h). There are also areas of 30mph, 20mph (24 km/h) and in Green Lanes, 15mph.

Public Holidays

Jersey has the same public holidays as the UK, with an additional holiday on May 9 for Liberation Day.

Animals

There are no quarantine regulations for the transportation of domestic animals between mainland Britain and Jersey. Quarantine restrictions apply for all other countries, although a 'Pets travel scheme' (PETS) exists which permits animals to be brought into the island as long as strict guidelines are adhered to.

Licensing Laws

At the discretion of the proprietor Public Bars are open to persons over 18 between the following hours: Weekdays 9am - 11pm, Sunday 11am - 11pm. The Licensing Assembly may also permit children under the age of 18 in public bars up to 9pm if accompanied by an adult.

Shopping

The markets and some shops are closed on Thursday afternoons, otherwise normal shopping hours apply (9.00am - 5.30pm). During summer months a number of shops are open in the evenings. High street shops are shut on Sunday.

Government

The Bailiwick of Jersey is not represented in Parliament at Westminster. UK acts of parliament only apply to the Island if it is expressly agreed that they should do so. There are no political parties in Jersey, no cabinet and no prime minister. Government is carried out by Committees made up from 53 elected independent members.

Economy

Jersey's economy, traditionally reliant on agriculture, fishing and knitwear has changed markedly since WWII.

Finance

Jersey is an international finance centre. The Finance sector provides in excess of 50% of Jersey's tax income. The finance industry is attracted to Jersey by the island's stable government and by our proximity to both the UK and continental Europe. The industry did not exist prior to 1962, when the island abolished the law that had restricted interest rates to 5%.

Since Napoleonic times Jersey has attracted wealthy immigrants seeking to benefit from the Island's low income tax. Today wealthy immigrants are carefully screened and entry is limited to about 10 per annum.

Is Jersey part of the EU?

Jersey is neither part of the UK or a colony, but the Island is part of the British Isles. The Island has its own legislative assembly called the "States of Jersey", a system of local administration, fiscal and legal systems and courts of law. Jersey's allegiance is to the Crown, but has responsibility for the regulation of its domestic affairs, including taxation.

Environment

The States of Jersey Planning and Environment Committee employs a dedicated team of conservationists, headed by the States Environmental Advisor. The variety of landscape in Jersey supports a rich diversity of wildlife: the conservation area of Les Mielles contains 17 Red Data Book species alone. Together, the Island's government, the National Trust for Jersey and the Société Jersiaise ensure the environment of Jersey is protected for future generations to enjoy.