Visitors from the USA and Canada do not need a visa to enter the Channel Islands (including the UK) and can typically stay for six months. Those from Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries can also enter visa-free, though they will need a valid passport and perhaps return tickets to satisfy immigration. EU visitors can come and go as they please. United Kingdom Border Agency website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/.
Health and Safety
Jersey is one of the most pleasant destinations in the region, and is both safe and clean. Visitors will find it on par with the infrastructure in the UK and don’t need any vaccinations to enter Jersey. The only real safety concern is from the sun. Some folks believe that as it is part of the British Islands, it must be cold and grey. Quite the opposite, in fact, and when the sun beats down in summer, it can be intense and ongoing.
The water at most tourist beaches is shallow, safe, and fine for the kids to swim, while tap water is safe to drink anywhere. Carry bottled water if out hiking, and beware that some cliffs in the northwest are hundreds of feet high with paths right up to the edge. Jersey restaurants are typically top notch, with high standards for hygiene on everything from pastries to beachside seafood.
Head to St Helier if you get sick, where there are hospitals (Jersey General: +44-1534-622-125) and clinics. All visitors including UK residents have to pay doctors’ fees upfront, though the latter and EU visitors with an EHIC card get free emergency treatment.
Violent crime is very rare and there is no animosity towards visitors. You can walk the streets of St Helier day or night, but of course it always pays to maintain a certain level of vigilance and avoid carrying around large amounts of cash.