An online registration system to operate alongside the new borders policy, which allows Island residents to make non-essential journeys off Island, is now live.
From Monday 20 July Isle of Man residents can travel to the UK and beyond for any reason, providing they complete a registration process and are prepared to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.
Travellers will need to apply for a Manx Entry Permit for their return to the Island. This will request address and contact details along with a National Insurance number or tax reference number, to confirm the individual’s residency status. This is a one-off application with the permit remaining in place for future travel. The permit is not required to leave the Island - anyone is free to leave at any time.
In addition, returning residents must complete a Landing Form within 48 hours of starting their journey home. This will include a health declaration and the address where they will self-isolate for the required 14 day period when back on Island.
The Council of Ministers agreed to ease border restrictions in the light of falling numbers of coronavirus cases in the UK and in line with plans set out in the Borders Framework.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle said:
‘The partial relaxation of the closed borders policy recognises that people are anxious to visit loved ones, maintain business contacts or to have a break.
‘We said we would move from closed borders - Level 5 - to the next stage when the time is right. We regard the current Covid infection rate in England as acceptable for us to move to Level 4 and allow our residents more freedom. I am pleased we have reached this point but I would urge people to consider carefully what self-isolation means, as it is a big commitment over two weeks.
‘Our Borders Framework provides a phased ‘step-up, step-down’ approach, allowing us to relax or reinstate restrictions as the pandemic develops, and it is being kept under constant review.’
The registration process has been designed as swift and easy to use. Residents apply for the Manx Entry Permit online and will receive an automated confirmation straight away, if the information provided is correct. This will generate a reference number which will be needed for the Landing Form which travellers complete before arriving home. Authorised officers at the Sea Terminal and Airport will ask to see confirmation that the form has been completed.
There is no charge for Manx Entry Permits or Landing Forms and both are available via Online Services at the Isle of Man Government website.
Returning residents must go straight from the port of entry to their home or pre booked accommodation and self-isolate for 14 days. Guidance on what is required and information about checks to ensure people are complying with the rules is available on the Travel and Borders section of the Government’s website.
The Travel Notification service can be contacted by email at tns@gov.im or by phone on +44 1624 687171.
