Guernsey to lift restrictions on UK visitors from July

The government said the move reflected a change in focus for islanders, who are now able to rely on vaccination as a first line of defence and plan for living responsibly with Covid-19.

Chief minister of Guernsey, deputy Peter Ferbrache, said lifting restrictions would allow the island to begin restoring its tourism economy. "It’s a part of island life that’s been on hold, but finally we’re near the point we can un-pause and reconnect with the rest of the British Isles and the rest of the world.”

Ferbrache said a staycation campaign had helped support tourism and hospitality businesses, particularly with there being limited community transmission of Covid-19 and therefore few rules such as social distancing, wearing face coverings and capacity limits.

However, he added that despite the support from locals, tourism businesses had relied on emergency government funding.

Ant Ford-Parker, founder and owner of Outdoor Guernsey and chair of the Guernsey Tourism Partnership, added: "We now look forward with excitement to welcoming UK visitors, family and friends again, to rebuilding and revitalising our businesses, and working to make the most of the new opportunities as people look for safe, welcoming and uniquely different destinations in a changed world.”