Passports

Our public counter is open; - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0845-1200hrs - Tuesday and Thursday 0845-1600hrs. Passport application forms are now available from locations island wide, please see the download "Where to get Passport Application forms/passport photographs taken in Guernsey!" *Please note that we are currently taking 8 weeks to issue a passport*

• Frequently asked questions

  • Q1) What type of passport is issued in Guernsey?

    A1) Passports issued in Guernsey are British passports. There is no such thing as a "Guernsey" passport. The Guernsey variant British passport is issued by the Guernsey Passport Office on behalf of the Crown and is printed and delivered from the UK. Customers issued with Guernsey variant British passports benefit from identical services such as consular support to that of any other British passport holder.  In general, Guernsey variant British passports are only issued to local residents and to UK residents born in Guernsey. The Guernsey Passport Office cannot issue a passport if the person is physically abroad at the time of application.

  • Q2) I now live in the United Kingdom but I was born in Guernsey. Can I still renew my passport through the Guernsey Passport Office?

    A2) If you have a strong connection to the Bailiwick of Guernsey then you may renew your passport through this office. You will need to contact us to request an application form. You can alternatively apply through the UK HM Passport Office for a replacement British passport. It will not however be an Island variant passport (see other FAQ relating to passports issued by this office) HM Passport Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  • Q3) I now live abroad (outside the UK & Islands) but I was born in Guernsey. Can I still renew my passport through the Guernsey Passport Office?

    A3) No, you cannot under any circumstances renew your passport through the Guernsey Passport Office. You must follow this link = Overseas British passport applications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Any overseas issue will be a standard UK type British passport and will not be an Guernsey variant passport. You are welcome to renew the passport through the Guernsey passport office when you are physically living back in the UK & Islands, there is however no requirement to do so as the Guernsey variant passport does not convey any form of "local status" or rights under the Population Management laws. Any British citizen living in this jurisdiction can apply for a passport through the Guernsey Passport Office irrespective of how long they have lived in the Bailiwick, as this would be considered their local office. Equally so, if a Guernsey resident moved (for instance) to the Isle of Man then they would apply (when their passport is due for renewal) for their British passport through the Isle of Man office where upon they would be issued an Isle of Man variant British Passport.

  • Q4) I am a British Citizen living in Guernsey and I am travelling to the United Kingdom. What Identification (ID) do I require for travel?

    A4) There is no routine border immigration control between the United Kingdom and Islands. The reason you will be asked for ID is for the airline or ferry companies own security purposes. Please check their websites or contact them directly for further information.

    Aurigny                       Frequently Asked Questions | Aurigny - Guernsey's Airline

    Blue Islands                Airport check-in times, terminal information and more | Blue Islands

    Condor Ferries            Frequently Asked Questions | Help & Info | Condor Ferries

    Manche Iles Express   FAQ - Manche Iles Express (manche-iles.com)

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    Q5) What are the entry requirements to other countries?

    A5) Please check the following guidance. This page reflects the UK government's understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full 'British Citizen' passport from the UK or Islands, for the most common types of travel:- Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please see our seperate information drop down below regarding the required validity periods of British (including island variant) passports when travelling within the European Union/European Economic Area. 

  • Q6) What is the validity date of my passport when travelling to EU/EEA (Schengen countries) countries since BREXIT? 

  • A6) Please check our passport validity checker in our downloads section for further information.

  • Q7) I am completing an online form and there is no selection for Guernsey in the drop down boxes?

    A7) As Guernsey is not a nationality there is unlikely to be a seperate drop down. Please try selecting British Citizen or UK Citizen instead.

  • Q8) I hold an Island variant British passport, my UK based employer/landlord wants to know what nationality I am.

    A8) Please open the bio-data (picture) page of the passport. You will be identified as a British Citizen on this page. If there remains some confusion please ask them to contact us directly for confirmation of your status.

• Passport requirements for those coming to The Bailiwick of Guernsey

  • The Bailiwick is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA), along with the other Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland and the UK and therefore maintains the same standard of immigration controls.
  • There are no routine border immigration controls when travelling within the CTA.

  • Travelling within the Common Travel Area

  • On arrival in the Bailiwick from Jersey, Isle of Man or UK you don't need to carry a passport. However, you're required to carry some form of recognised photographic identification, please refer to your travel provider for further information. The Guernsey Border Agency will accept whichever form of photographic identification that is accepted by your airline or ferry company for security purposes.
  • Customs and Immigration Officers can ask for proof of identity and you may be required to provide evidence of your immigration status

  • Arrivals from outside the Common Travel Area

  • As of 1st October 2021 everyone travelling directly into the Bailiwick of Guernsey from outside the CTA will require a valid passport. There are exemptions to the passport requirement for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who are carrying a valid national identity card, if they:
    • have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
    • have made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme but have not yet received a decision
    • are an EU, EEA or Swiss national under the age of 19 and part of an organised school group
    • have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
    • Alternatively, EU, EEA and Swiss national identity cards can be used in association with Frontier Worker Permit or if you are a S2 Healthcare Visitor.
  • In these cases, you can continue to use your national identity card to enter until at least 31st December 2025.
  • Any person who does not have a valid immigration status to enter the Bailiwick and CTA or is not carrying the correct documents maybe refused entry. 

  • Arrivals from Ireland

  • When travelling into the Bailiwick direct from the Republic of Ireland, British or Irish Citizens will need to carry photographic identification. All other nationalities will be required to carry a valid passport. There are the same exemptions from this passport requirement as listed above for those arriving from outside the CTA
  • If you're British or Irish and arriving in the Bailiwick directly from Ireland, you are required to carry some form of recognised photographic identification as Guernsey Border Agency Customs and Immigration Officers may need to confirm your identity and nationality.

• Passport information for travel to the EU from 01 January 2021

  • Passport validity - We recommend that you have at least 6 months left on your passport. This allows for:
    • travelling in Europe for up to 3 months (you don't normally need a visa for the first 90 days in every 180 days of travel)
    • the requirement from most European countries to have at least 3 months left on your passport on the day after you leave the EU country.
  • Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day after you leave. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.
  • These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it's valid for the length of your stay.
  • Please see our example in our downloads section to help understand the validity requirements for Schengen (EU) countries.
  • CHECK A PASSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO EUROPE - Passport Validity Checker
  • From 01 January 2021 there are new rules for British passport holders for travel to the EU. Travel to all countries that are part of the Schengen Area (see below for the countries within the Schengen Area) are affected, and you need to comply with different rules to enter and travel around the Schengen Area.
  • If you're a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries. You are able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
  • The Schengen Area is made up of the following countries:
    • Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
    • These EU countries are not part of the Schengen Area: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania. Different rules will apply to these countries, and if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90- day total. You should check the entry requirements for the country you're travelling to in plenty of time before you travel. 
    • WEBSITE FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE - Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • If you plan to travel to the Schengen Area, to avoid any possibility of your adult passport not complying with the Schengen Border Code, we suggest that you check at CHECK A PASSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO EUROPE - Passport Validity Checker
  • If you have any concerns about the validity of your passport for travel into the Schengen Area please contact us. Use the contact button to the right of this page or telephone us on 221410.
  • CHECK A PASSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO EUROPE - Passport Validity Checker
  • WEBSITE FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE - Foreign and Commonwealth Office

• Passport fees and validity periods
  
  

  • Changes to passport application fees - States of Guernsey (gov.gg)
  •  

    PASSPORT FEES (w.e.f 01.06.2023)
    Standard adult 10 year passport		£93.00
    Standard child 5 year passport		£64.00
    Fast Track Service adult passport		£155.00
    Fast Track Service child passport		£126.00

  • You can pay by:
  • debit card, credit card, cash, cheque payable to 'States of Guernsey' (cheques not accepted for fast track service)
  • If you were born on or before 2 September 1929 you can get a free, standard (32 page, 10 year) passport. The fast track service fee  still applies
  • If a form is posted into our office (or dropped through our letterbox) a member of staff will contact you for payment the next working day using the contact number you have provided on the form. 

• Passport application forms

  • Passport forms are not available to download or be emailed. If you would like a form please see our attachment in our downloads section of which advises where you can also collect forms from in addition to the offices below:
  • Guernsey:                      
    The Passport Office
    New Jetty
    White Rock
    St Peter Port
    GY1 2LL 
    Telephone: 01481 221410  E-mail: passports@gba.gov.gg  
     
  • Alderney:
    The States Office
    Island Hall
    Royal Connaught Square
    Alderney
    GY9  3AA
    Telephone: 01481 822811
  • Sark:
    The Sark Greffe Office
    La Chasse Marais
    Sark
    GY9  0SF
    Telephone: 01481 832012

• Passport processing times and delivery

  • When to renew your passport
    You can renew your passport at any time. ​Don't wait until you need to travel.
    You should apply for a new passport​ at least nine weeks before you travel. Please ensure you check the entry requirements for the country in which you are travelling to. This site provides the most up to date advice for British Citizens:-  Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • How long does it take?
    Standard service
    It can take up to 8 weeks to process passport applications. We strongly advise you don't book any travel until you have your new passport.
  • Fast track service
    The premium service takes up to 8 working days and we can only accept cash or card for the full amount. See 'Passport Fees and Validity periods'.
  • Delivery of your passport
    When your passport has been printed, it will be sent to you by Royal Mail Special Delivery.
    When completing your passport application form, you can choose the address where your passport will be sent. 
    If your home address is not convenient, you can give an alternative delivery address. (Please note we cannot send passports overseas)

• Renewing a passport for a person aged 16 or over

  • To renew your British passport at the Guernsey Passport Office you must be present in the Bailiwick of Guernsey/UK at the time of application and throughout the processing period. If you are outside the UK & Islands then you must apply through this website Overseas British passport applications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • You will need application Form A, details of where you can obtain an application form can be found in the 'Passport Applications' section of this page.
  • What do I need to do?
  • You need to complete the application form and submit it to our office. Application forms come with detailed guidance notes that explain which sections of the form to complete. There is also information about passport photographs which must meet internationally agreed standards.
  • What supporting documents do I need?
  • Apart from the completed application form and 2 recent identical colour photographs, the only supporting document you need to send is your current or last passport. If the details in the passport, your name for example, differ to those on the form you have completed, you will need to submit supporting documentation as evidence of that change.
  • If your passport you are surrendering was restricted to a limited period or is damaged, in addition to a countersignature, you may be required to submit additional supporting documentation.
  • Will I need a countersignatory (a person to sign your form to confirm that you are who you say you are)?
  • When you are surrendering a passport for renewal you will not normally require another person to sign your form unless:
    • your appearance is very different from the photo in your current or last passport
    • the passport you are surrendering was issued to you when you were under 16 years of age
    • your passport was restricted to a limited period
    • your passport is damaged
  • In these circumstances, you will need someone to countersign your application form and certify your photograph.
  • How much is it to replace a passport for a person who is 16 years of age or over?
  • See the 'Passports Fees and Validity periods'
  • What happens to my old passport?
  • Your old passport will be cancelled at the time you submit your application for a replacement passport. You may have your cancelled passport returned to you if you wish, unless it has been defaced or altered. In these cases it will be destroyed and not returned to you. If you do not want the cancelled passport back it will be retained by the Passport Office and destroyed.
  • You will not be able to use the old passport.
  • If there are any unexpired visas of countries that you still wish to travel to, in your cancelled passport, you will need to make enquiries with the relevant consular authority of the country concerned as to how the visa is affected.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Renewing a passport for a person under 16

  • To renew a British Passport for a child under 16 at the Guernsey Passport Office, the child must be living in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The application must be made by someone who has parental responsibility, which is usually one of the child's parents. If the child is outside of the UK & Islands then you must apply through this website Overseas British passport applications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • The application must be made using Form B. Children aged 16 or over make their own application using Form A. Details of how and where you can obtain application forms can be found in the 'Passport Applications' section of this page.
  • What does the applicant (i.e. the person applying on behalf of the child) need to do?
  • The applicant will need to complete the application form and submit it to our office. Application forms come with detailed guidance notes that explain which sections of the form to complete. There is also information about;
    • what supporting documents you will need to provide,
    • the requirement for 2 recent identical colour photographs
    • the requirement for a countersignatory (a person who is required to confirm the details of both the applicant and the child) and who is acceptable as a countersignatory.
  • How much is a passport for a child under 16 ?
  • See the 'Passports Fees and Validity periods' section of this page.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Amending your passport

  • If you change your name for any reason, it is important that you replace your passport for one issued in your new name.
  • What do I need to do?
  • To do this you must apply for a new passport using Form A or Form B which must be accompanied by new passport photographs.
  • When you apply to change your name, your current passport will be cancelled and a new standard 10-year passport will be issued.
  • Where can I obtain a Form?
  • Details of where you can obtain application forms can be found in the 'Passport Applications' section of this page.
  • How much will it cost?
  • See the 'Passports Fees and Validity periods' section of this page.
  • What documents do I need?
  • You will need to submit your existing passport together with documentary evidence of your name change. The type of document will depend on the process by which you changed your name. This will normally be by marriage or deed poll.
  • Original documents or certified copies issued by the relevant issuing authority must be produced.
  • If you have changed your name more than once we may ask to see evidence of all changes of name.
  • Will I need someone to countersign my application form again?
  • If you already hold a ten year passport and your appearance has not changed greatly since you obtained the passport you are submitting, you will not normally be required to obtain a countersignatory (a person who confirms that you are who you say you are). All other applications will be required to obtain a countersignatory.
  • If you are about to get married and take your husband's name
  • If you are travelling abroad immediately after the ceremony, you will need to book your trip in your current name and wait until you return to amend your passport.
  • Going back to your maiden name
  • If you have gone back to your maiden (unmarried) name, you will need to provide:
    • your birth certificate and marriage certificate or decree absolute if it shows the link between your present name and your maiden name
    • a signed statement on your application form saying that you have gone back to your maiden name and that you will use this name for all purposes
  • How a name change affects visas in your passport
  • When you apply to amend your passport, your current passport is cancelled and you are issued with a new one.
  • If there are any unexpired visas in your cancelled passport, of countries that you still wish to travel to, you will need to make enquiries with the relevant consular authority of the country concerned as to how the visa is affected.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Applying for a first passport for a person aged 16 or over

  • To apply for a British Passport at the Guernsey Passport Office, you must be living in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. You will need Application Form A, details of how and where you can obtain application forms can be found in the 'Passport Applications' section of this page.
  • What do I need to do?
  • You need to complete the application form and submit it to our office. Application forms come with detailed guidance notes that explain which sections of the form to complete. There is also information about;
    • what supporting documents you will need to provide,
    • photographs (which must meet internationally agreed standards)
    • the requirement for a counter signatory (a person who is required to confirm that you are who you say you are) and who is acceptable as a counter signatory.
  • Information on passport fees can be found in the 'Passports Fees and Validity periods' section of this page.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Applying for a passport for a person under 16

  • To apply for a British Passport for a child under 16 at the Guernsey Passport Office, the child must be living in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The application must be made by someone who has parental responsibility, usually one of the child's parents.
  • Application must be made using Form B. Children aged 16 or over make their own application using Form A. Details of how and where you can obtain application forms can be found in the 'Passport Applications' section of this page.
  • What does the applicant (i.e. the person applying on behalf of the child) need to do?
  • The applicant will need to complete the application form and submit it to our office. Application forms come with detailed guidance notes that explain which sections of the form to complete. There is also information about;
    • what supporting documents you will need to provide,
    • photographs (which must meet internationally agreed standards,
    • the requirement for a counter signatory (a person who is required to confirm the details of both the applicant and the child) and who is acceptable as a counter signatory. 
  • Information on passport fees can be found in the 'Passports Fees and Validity periods' section of this page.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Countersigning passport applications and photos

  • IF YOU ARE SURRENDERING A BRITISH PASSPORT, AND YOUR APPEARANCE HAS NOT CHANGED GREATLY, IT WILL NOT NORMALLY BE NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A COUNTERSIGNATURE OR HAVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPH COUNTERSIGNED.
  • ​​**PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER , IF YOU WERE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE WHEN YOUR CURRENT PASSPORT WAS ISSUED, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A COUNTERSIGNATURE**
  • WE DO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A COUNTERSIGNATURE ON AN APPLICATION.
  • In some cases an application form needs to be countersigned by somebody else before it is submitted to the Passport Office. This means a person signs your application and photo to say that you are who you say you are. One of the accompanying photographs also has to be certified a true likeness.
  • When you need someone to sign your application and photo
    You must get your application countersigned if you are applying for:
    • for a first adult passport
    • to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
    • any child passport 
    • your first adult 10 year passport after having a child 5 year passport
    • a renewal of a passport when your appearance has changed and you can't be recognised from your existing passport.
  • The countersignatory's role
    Your countersignatory must complete and sign the countersignatory section of the form to confirm that they have known you personally for more than 2 years and that from the details you have completed you are who you claim to be. One of your photographs must also be certified by the same person.
  • If the application is for a person under the age of 16, the countersignatory must have known the person who signs the declaration at the back of the form (usually a parent) for more than 2 years and must have met the child to say that the photo is a true likeness.
  • Photos: what the countersignatory must do:
    • Write on the back of one photo 'I certify that this is a true likeness of [full name of applicant] and add their signature and the date.
    • They must then sign and date the statement in section 7 on the application form.
    • The application form asks the countersignatory to enter their current British or Irish passport number. This is so we can check their identity.
  • Who you can ask to be your countersignatory?
    Your countersignatory must:
    • be over 18
    • hold a current British or Irish passport
    • have known you personally for at least 2 years
    • live in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
  • Your countersignatory must not:
    • be related to you by birth or marriage
    • be in a personal relationship with you or any other family member
    • live at the same address as you
  • Your countersignatory should be a professional person or a person of good standing in the community. The list available in the download on this page gives examples of the type of person that would be acceptable. The list is not comprehensive and should only be used as a guide.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Lost, stolen or damaged passports

  • British Passports that are lost or stolen whilst in the Bailiwick of Guernsey
  • It is vital you report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible by completing form LS01, which is available from our office or as a download here. Lost or Stolen Passport Form
  • The LS01 form must be submitted to our office.
  • British Passports that are lost or stolen abroad
  • You should report all passport losses or thefts to the local police in the country you are in, immediately and get a statement about the loss (you will need one to claim against your insurance).
  • You should also report it immediately to Her Majesty's Passport Office at https://www.gov.uk/report-a-lost-or-stolen-passport.
  • The Passport Office in Guernsey is not able to replace your passport whilst you are abroad. You can apply for an emergency travel document at https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document/how-to-apply so you can travel back to the UK and Islands.
  • Replacing a lost or stolen passport
  • If you are a British citizen and currently living in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, you can apply for a replacement passport through our office. We recommend that you do this as soon as possible.
  • To replace a passport you need to complete and submit the standard application form with new photographs.
  • Replacing a damaged passport
  • You will need to send the damaged passport to us and apply for a replacement. Depending on the extent of the damage it may be necessary for us to treat it as a first time application i.e. we will require full supporting documentation, countersignature etc. Your damaged passport may be returned to you if requested, providing that the damage is not due to fraudulent tampering. Fraudulent tampering means someone trying to change the identity details or photo on a passport, eg to use it illegally.
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Islander status and your right to live and work in Europe

  • FROM 01 JANUARY 2021, ISLANDER STATUS IS NO LONGER PLACED AS AN OBSERVATION IN NEW PASSPORTS, DUE TO THE UK LEAVING THE EU
  • Islander Status is the term used to describe the status of a 'Channel Islander' or 'Manxman' who has no connection with the United Kingdom. Islander Status means you do not have the automatic right to live and or work in Europe.  You may, however, live and work in the UK without restriction.
  • Checking your passport for your status
    If you have Islander status, the following will be printed either on the back of the photo page in your passport or opposite the photo page on your passport:
  • 'The holder is not entitled to benefit from EU provisions relating to employment or establishment'
  • Why you have Islander Status
    • you were born, adopted, registered or naturalised in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man and you do not have a link with the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
    • you were born aboard and you got your British Nationality through a parent born, adopted, registered or naturalised in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man and you do not have a link with the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
  • You will have Islander Status if:
  • Guernsey-born but your passport doesn't show Islander Status?
    If the phrase is not printed in your passport but you are Guernsey-born, you may have links with the UK making you exempt from Islander Status, below are how you may obtain your links with the UK;
    • a parent or grandparent who was born, adopted, registered or naturalised in the UK; or
    • residency in the UK for a period of 5 years or more.
  • Guernsey-born, no links with the UK but parent(s) were born in an EU country. Why does my British passport show Islander Status?
    As a British citizen born in Guernsey, only a claim of a connection with the United Kingdom is relevant. You may, however, have a claim to the citizenship of another EU member state through your parents and may be able to apply for a passport issued by that country.
    You should contact the Embassy / Consulate of the country concerned for further information.
     
  • How can I apply to live or work in an EEA country or Switzerland?
    You are advised to contact the Embassy / Consulate of the country concerned for further information. This is particularly important if you have Islander Status as you may need their permission before you enter that country for the purpose of employment or residence.
  • Information concerning Embassies and Consulates in the UK can be obtained here: Find a foreign embassy in the UK
  • Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

• Applying for an Indian visa for British citizens (holding Guernsey variant passports)

  • Applying for an Indian visa -**Indian e-visas now available for those holding Guernsey variant passports**

    From December 2023, British citizen island variant (Guernsey) passports can apply for e-visas for travel to India for short visits. Follow this link to check if your eligible and follow the instructions to apply.Please note that the decision to grant a visa sits entirely with the Government of India. Any queries regarding the process should be sent to the Indian authorities via the website directly. The application now lists "Guernsey" as a nationality that can be selected.

Follow this link to contact us if you'd like more information or guidance.

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