Guernsey
About Guernsey
| Currency | Guernsey Pound (CGP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Saint Peter Port |
The Bailiwick of Guernsey, or Guernsey for short, is a British crown dependency located in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy, France. Formerly known as the Norman Isles, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is composed of the main island, Guernsey, and a group of smaller islands. As a British crown dependency, the territory forms part of the British Isles but not part of the UK; the Bailiwick of Guernsey is essentially independent but relies on the British government for military protection and international representation. The chief of state is the King/Queen of England and the head of government is the chief minister.
The population of Guernsey was estimated to be approximately 66,500 people in 2017. Most of the islands’ inhabitants are of British or French descent. Guernsey has a small but prosperous economy. Banking, tourism and retail are important economic sectors.
Due to its location, the islands experience a temperate climate and largely overcast skies; approximately half of the days of the year are overcast. Nevertheless, these islands have fantastic scenery, sandy beaches and stunning cliffs, and with moderate temperatures year-round, outdoor activities such as kayaking, golfing, hiking and cycling can be enjoyed by all. Moreover, the islands’ military history leaves numerous old castles and forts to be discovered. The islands are accessible by air or by ferry and have been a tourist destination since the Victorian era.
Recommended Vaccinations For Guernsey
For Some Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is often recommended for travellers to this country.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Polio Vaccine
NathNAC recommends that all travellers complete a polio vaccination course according to the UK schedule or their national programme.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with wild animals or bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For Guernsey
There are no recommendations for Guernsey at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Guernsey
For Some Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B occurs in this country.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Polio
The United Kingdom reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) detected in environmental (sewage) samples in London in May 2022. All travellers should take care with personal and food hygeine.
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in the United Kingdom and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in Guernsey
Personal Safety
Guernsey operates as a safe and secure environment with very low crime rates. The island’s police recognize anti-social behaviour as a concern rather than serious violent crime. You can walk streets after dark without significant worry, and the close-knit community creates an atmosphere where residents look out for one another. While petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, such incidents remain relatively rare compared to many other destinations. Financial crime linked to foreign criminality poses more concern for local authorities than street crime affecting visitors. Police maintain high visibility throughout the island and work to address crimes against women and girls. The small size of the island means emergency services can respond quickly when needed.
Extreme Violence
Extreme violence is not a characteristic feature of life in Guernsey. The island has no recent history of terrorism, violent extremism, or gang-related activity. Violent crimes against tourists and residents remain extremely rare. When serious incidents do occur, they typically involve domestic situations or isolated cases rather than random street violence. The island’s primary crime concerns centre on economic offences and foreign criminality related to its financial services sector, not violent crime against individuals. Law enforcement focuses on preventing financial crime, money laundering, and tax evasion rather than dealing with serious assaults or armed offences. The island’s geographic isolation, small population, and strong community ties contribute to the absence of organized violent crime.
Political Unrest
Political protests in Guernsey remain peaceful and infrequent. Recent demonstrations have focused on domestic policy issues rather than broader political movements. In January 2023, thousands gathered to protest against a proposed Goods and Services Tax, representing one of the larger public demonstrations in recent memory. These events proceeded without violence or disorder. A 2020 Black Lives Matter solidarity protest took place peacefully with support from local authorities. Environmental groups occasionally organize small demonstrations, but these pose no disruption to daily life or travel. The island maintains political stability as a British Crown Dependency with an effective democratic system. Civil unrest is not a concern for visitors. When protests do occur, they are well-coordinated with police, properly advertised in advance, and confined to specific areas like St Peter Port’s Market Square and seafront.
Areas To Avoid
Guernsey has no dangerous neighbourhoods or areas that visitors need to avoid. The entire island maintains consistently low crime levels across all parishes and districts. St Peter Port, the capital and main commercial centre, experiences the same safe environment as rural areas. The island’s small size of 25 square miles and population of around 63,000 means there are no urban problem areas or districts with elevated crime. Coastal paths, beaches, nature reserves, and rural lanes are all safe to explore. You should exercise normal caution in any crowded tourist spots or during busy events, but no specific locations require special vigilance. The main risks come from natural hazards like strong tides, coastal flooding during severe storms, and slippery cliff paths rather than from crime or antisocial behaviour. All areas welcome visitors day and night.
