Travel advice for school trips
Our travel advice covers everything you need to know, with guidance on passports, visas, insurance, data and more, ensuring you have all the right information up-front.
Passports
We advise all travellers to check their passport validity as soon as possible.
British passport holders should have at least 6 months validity remaining on their passports from the date of travel, and be less than 10 years old (except for travel to Ireland). If a traveller renewed a 10-year adult passport before expiry, extra months may have been added to the passport expiry date – these extra months do not count.
In addition to their passport, travellers may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket, and that they have sufficient money for their stay.
We recommend that non-British passport holders have a minimum of 6 months remaining on their passport when they re-enter the UK.
Border control wait times have increased for British passport holders, as they are no longer able to use the EU/EEA passport lanes.
Visas
Full details of visa and entry requirements for all countries can be found on the government foreign travel advice website. We recommend that all visa applications be completed at least two months prior to departure. Non-British nationals/passport holders may require visas, and it is the responsibility of the individual to check all passport and visa requirements with the relevant country’s embassy.
UK citizens do not need a visa for short trips to the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, and are able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
Health
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offers protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay. Applying for a GHIC is free via the official GHIC website. Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will continue to be valid for travel in the EU, and a GHIC only needs to be applied for once the EHIC has expired.
Insurance
Your NST trip includes comprehensive travel insurance, which provides cover for medical expenses.
You can read more about our insurance policy here
ETIAS & EES
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, for travel to EU member states. Current advice is that an ETIAS will be valid for 3 years, will cost 7 Euros (free to under 18s) and will need to be applied for online before departure.
Further information about the ETIAS system can be found here
Another EU border scheme, called the Entry/Exit System (EES), is expected to become operational in October 2025. Under the EES scheme, people entering the EU will have to register fingerprints, a photo and passport details.
That initial registration will be valid for three years, during which time it will need to be validated every time someone crosses the border. This will replace passport stamping.
Further information about the EES can be found here
Passport holders from the UK or other eligible countries can travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The help area on the ESTA website provides comprehensive information on the application process
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK Travel:
Starting from 8 January 2025, non-European visitors will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. European visitors will be able to apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025, before it is required for travel from the 2 April 2025. This requirement applies to all visitors who do not need a visa for short stays and who do not already have UK immigration status. British and Irish citizens are excluded.
Applying for an ETA
Visitors can apply for an ETA through the GOV.UK website.
The cost of an ETA is £10, and it permits multiple journeys within its validity period.
An ETA lasts for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
The ETA is digitally linked to the traveller’s passport.
Approval typically takes approximately 3 working days.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport and yourself, answer some questions about yourself and pay for your application.
Group Applications
Each person in a group must apply separately for an ETA, however, Group Leaders can apply for their group members.
Decisions on ETA applications may be received at different times, even if all applications were submitted together.
French School Groups Exemption
French school groups have a temporary exemption from the ETA requirement while the British Government develops a long-term solution.
This applies to groups of 5 or more children aged 18 or under from schools in France.
Each child must have certain documents depending on their nationality, the details of which you can find here.
School Headteachers must complete a form to be sent to the prefecture at least 15 days before departure, along with:
the children’s authorisations to leave the country, signed by their parent or guardian
the copies of the parents’ identity documents
French schools will need to travel with two copies of the form to show to a Border Force Officer on arrival in the UK to check that the form and relevant documentation are correct, keeping one copy of the form.
Data Roaming
The guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway has ended. Check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges you may incur whilst away.
Food & drink
There are now restrictions in place on taking specific food products into European countries. Travellers cannot take meat or milk products (or any products containing them) into the EU.
More information about food & drink restrictions can be found here
Further useful school travel advice
Guidance on staying safe and healthy abroad
Travel health resources of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad
Information correct as of August 2024