Planning school trips abroad: visa requirements post-Brexit

Educational organisations planning trips to EU countries next summer should be aware that, following Brexit, non-British nationals residing in the UK may now require a visa to travel on a school trip within the EU. 

British passport holders generally do not need visas for short visits to the Schengen Area (covering most EU countries plus several others), as the UK has been added to the list of countries whose citizens are visa-exempt for up to 90 days. However, before Brexit, children on school trips from one EU country to another could travel without a visa, regardless of nationality.

Whilst some EU countries have introduced visa exemptions for UK school trips, not all countries have adopted this approach, and educational organisations should therefore not assume that all pupils are automatically covered.

Visas are typically available up to six months in advance, so we recommend a proactive approach to ensure applications are submitted in time and all participants can travel smoothly.

Should your organisation require guidance or support with visa applications for school trips, our Immigration Team is available to provide expert advice and assistance.