Guernsey🇬🇬
Guernsey is a stunning British Crown dependency island situated off the coast of Normandy, France. Despite being closer to France, Guernsey is more British in terms of culture and system, cementing its unique charm. It shares maritime boundaries with the other Channel Islands, Jersey and Alderney. Guernsey is famous for its sandy beaches, cliff walks, seascapes and offshore island life. It's home to the small island of Herm, known for its unspoilt beaches and wildlife, and Sark, a car-free island and a Dark Sky Island. Also, it's renowned for its rich history, with places like the La Valette Underground Military Museum, Castle Cornet, and German Military Underground Hospital. The delightful dairy cattle breed Guernsey cow originates from here!
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid littering, Guernsey takes its environment seriously and fines can be heavy.
- Avoid disrespectful clothing in churches and other religious sites.
- Avoid making noise in quiet zones and respect the local peace and tranquillity.
- Avoid wild camping without proper permission and knowledge of the area.
- Avoid relying on credit cards in remote areas and always carry some cash.
- Avoid hiking alone in secluded areas; always inform someone of your plans ahead.
- Avoid drunk driving; penalties are severe, including imprisonment.
- Avoid trespassing on private property or restricted conservation areas.
- Avoid disregarding local customs and traditions.
- Avoid ignoring water safety warnings, especially during storms or high tides.
Overall
9
Crime 🔫
8
Guernsey enjoys a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to live and visit. Most crimes reported are minor incidents, like petty theft or minor assaults. There are no particularly unsafe areas or cities. However, like anywhere, it's always advised to take basic safety precautions, especially at night.
Terrorism 💣
10
Guernsey has no recorded history of terrorism, making the risk almost non-existent. However, global security threats mean that terrorism can't be ruled out entirely. No specific incidents have taken place here.
War ⚔️
10
Guernsey hasn't been involved in any wars or conflicts in the modern era. The last significant conflict involving Guernsey was during WWII when the island was occupied by German forces. Nowadays, the risk of war is minuscule.
Natural Disasters 🌊
9
Guernsey has a relatively low risk of natural disasters. The island is occasionally affected by storms and high winds events, but it's well prepared. Flooding might occur in some parts due to heavy rainfall and strong tidal activity, but it's not common.
Medical Care 🏥
9
Medical facilities in Guernsey are of high quality. The island has a modern, well-equipped hospital, the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, and several health centres. Services cover from emergency treatments to specialist healthcare and are on par with the standards in the UK.
Tap Water Quality 💧
10
Tap water in Guernsey is of excellent quality and safe to drink. The water undergoes extensive treatment and monitoring to ensure it meets the highest safety standards.
Disease Burden 🤒
9
The risk of infectious diseases in Guernsey is very low. No specific outbreaks or serious diseases have been reported. The typical health issues are the common non-communicable diseases similar to the rest of Europe.
Corruption 💸
9
Corruption is minimal in Guernsey, thanks to its rigorous regulatory framework and public transparency. There are no severe or widespread corruption incidents.
Safety for Women ♀️
9
Guernsey is generally safe for women. There are minimal reports of harassment, and women can freely move around day and night. However, like any location, general precautions for safety should be taken.
Safety for Queer People 👬
9
Guernsey is considered safe and accepting for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex activity is legal, and the law includes protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, it's always advised to respect local customs and attitudes.
Censorship 📺
9
Guernsey values freedom of expression and censorship is minimal. The press is free, and internet access is unrestricted. There have been no significant incidents regarding freedoms of speech and the press.
Public Transportation 🚌
9
Public transportation in Guernsey is efficient and reliable. The island has a comprehensive bus network and ferries for commuting between the islands. There are no serious reports about safety issues or significant incidents related to public transportation.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Guernsey has a well-earned reputation for being a safe place to visit. On a scale of 0 to 10, the safety score is 9 due to its low crime rate and lack of terrorism. However, visitors should be cautious of natural hazards such as adverse weather and exercise, common sense and basic precautions, especially while exploring remote and coastal areas.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Being a British Crown Dependency, Guernsey is not host to foreign embassies. Tourists would need to contact their respective embassies in the U.K in case of emergencies.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The only vaccinations generally recommended for travel to Guernsey are routine vaccinations. It is advisable to be up-to-date on routine shots such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. No specific travel vaccines are mandatory.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Guernsey is safe from hazardous animals. There are no venomous snakes, spiders, or large predators on the island. However, visitors should be careful of the seagulls during the breeding season as they can get protective of their nests.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Guernsey is part of the Common Travel Area. Travellers from the UK, EU, EEA, and Switzerland won't need visas for visiting. Others may need a UK visa or a Guernsey specific visa depending on their nationality and reason for travel.
💲 Currency
The official currency is British Pounds Sterling (GBP). The islands also have distinct Guernsey Pounds which are only usable on the islands. Money can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and bureau de change kiosks.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Guernsey. However, it's recommended to carry some cash, especially in rural areas or smaller establishments.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel are possible in Guernsey. The low crime rate and spectacular natural beauty make it an excellent destination for work and travel. However, non-British residents should check visa requirements for working.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travelling in Guernsey is higher than average. The cost of living, too, is high, with premium prices for goods and services being the norm due to its island status.