Overview
Residents of the far-flung islands that make up the British Overseas Territories enjoy the same rights as residents of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. This includes British citizenship and permanent residency within the UK. All areas are required to follow European requirements, particularly in relation to financial matters and human rights. The territories are under the sovereignty and formal control of the United Kingdom but are not actually part of the United Kingdom. Most overseas territories are self-governing, however, are subordinate to, for example, important matters of British foreign policy. As there are different jurisdictions, there is no common representative of the overseas territories in the British Parliament. The UK exercises its formal control through a governor for each territory who is appointed by the British royal family. Crown Dependencies of the British Crown These include the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Reporting directly to the British Crown, the territories manage their own internal affairs. The British government is only responsible for defense and international relations. Many aspects of British life are reflected in the Crown Dependencies of the British Crown, such as the UK telephone number system. Most of the areas are also within the BBC’s broadcasting area. Laws made by the British Parliament rarely, if occasionally, apply to the Crown Dependencies. For more information on the Isle of Man and the Canal Islands, see the UK section. The following areas have their own section in the travel portal: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Contact addresses
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street, Whitehall, Westminster
London
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 70 08 15 00.
http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office
http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office
Mon-Fri 08.00-17.00.
The Royal Commonwealth Society
Commonwealth House, 55-58 Pall Mall
London
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 37 27 43 00
http://thercs.org
http://thercs.org annotation
The British Overseas Territories are spread all over the world. Almost all overseas possessions are described in separate chapters; Essential information on the areas not listed appears below. Details can be obtained from the British embassies (see Great Britain for addresses ) and the organizations listed.
Country data
Population
265,000
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
No
Channel Islands
Overview
The Channel Islands are the small islands off the French coast, including Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and Sark & Herm. There are other very small Channel Islands, but these are not usually open to visitors. The Channel Islands are geographically part of Normandy, but politically they report directly to the British Crown. The official language is both English and French. On the large islands, the Patois dialect, derived from French, is still spoken. The islanders see themselves as neither British nor French, but as donkey (Guernsians) and toad (Jersians). The picturesque landscapes of the Channel Islands attract nature lovers in particular, who appreciate the tranquility and excellent cuisine influenced by the sea. Water sports enthusiasts relax with surfing, diving and sailing. The islands of Guernsey and Jersey are popular with golfers. Beautiful and very well secured paths and cliff paths invite you to hike on all islands. Except for Herm, there is a well-developed network of cycle paths on all islands. Rental bikes are available in the larger towns. The smallest of the Channel Islands accessible to tourists, Herm can only be explored on foot. The island is free of cars and bicycles. The Gulf Stream ensures a mild climate on the Channel Islands all year round. The most popular travel time is from May to August. Even in winter, temperatures are usually above freezing and it rarely snows. Due to the geographical location in the English Channel, the weather can change very quickly. Small rain showers are possible at any time. In heavy fog, air traffic between Guernsey and Jersey has to be suspended, as the small propeller planes depend on good visibility. Additional information can be found in the entries for the respective parts of the country. In heavy fog, air traffic between Guernsey and Jersey has to be suspended, as the small propeller planes depend on good visibility. Additional information can be found in the entries for the respective parts of the country. In heavy fog, air traffic between Guernsey and Jersey has to be suspended, as the small propeller planes depend on good visibility. Additional information can be found in the entries for the respective parts of the country.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Public Holidays
Overview
The public holidays for the period from January 2014 to December 2015 are listed below.
Duty free shopping
Overview
S.Guernsey.
Country data
Population
173,863
Population statistics year
2020
Member of the EU
No
