Ibrahim Gardner
As an international student in the UK, you may want to travel to Europe during breaks from your studies. To do so, you will need to check the visa requirements for your destination country. A number of European countries are part of the Schengen agreement, which means you can obtain a single visa to travel to these countries. Countries outside the Schengen area may have their own visa requirements. It is also important to note that you should not travel to the UK while your student visa application is still being processed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Students from outside the EU and EEA need to check if they need a visa to travel to Europe. |
| Visa type | A Schengen visa is a single visa that allows travel to 29 European countries that are part of the Schengen agreement. |
| Visa application | Students may need a letter from their university to support their visa application. |
| Visa rules | Visa rules determine when and how students can apply for a visa. |
| Travel insurance | Students who require a visa to travel in Europe will need to obtain travel insurance. Even without a visa, it is strongly advisable to obtain travel insurance. |
| Travel during term time | Home Office regulations require students travelling during term time to have approval from their academic department. |
| Travel history | UKVI will ask for your travel history as part of their eligibility checks for a Graduate Route application. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for international students in the UK travelling to Europe
As an international student in the UK, you may want to travel to Europe during breaks from your studies. If so, it's important to be aware of the visa requirements for your destination country. Here are the key things you need to know:
Visa Requirements for Travel to Europe:
Firstly, determine whether you need a visa to travel to your desired European country. This depends on your nationality and the country you're visiting. Students from certain countries may need a visa to visit a group of European countries known as the Schengen area. The Schengen area comprises 26 to 29 countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. You can check if your destination country is part of the Schengen area by visiting the European Commission website or the website of the country's embassy in the UK.
The Schengen Visa:
If your destination country is part of the Schengen area and you are not a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you will likely need a Schengen visa. The Schengen Visa Scheme allows visitors to travel to and within the EEA countries and Switzerland with a single visa. You can find information on how to apply for a Schengen visa and the duration of the visa on the European Commission website. Make sure to plan your travel well in advance, as visa rules may determine when and how you can apply.
Non-Schengen Countries:
If your destination country is not part of the Schengen area, you will need to check the specific visa requirements for that country. Visit the website or contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to understand their immigration procedures and visa requirements. Each country may have different application processes and requirements.
General Travel Tips:
Regardless of your destination, always carry a valid passport and any necessary visas or entry documents. Keep your passport secure at all times, as losing it can cause significant disruptions to your travel plans. Additionally, consider obtaining travel insurance to cover any potential issues with lost luggage or medical emergencies. If you're travelling back to the UK, ensure your passport is linked to your eVisa to facilitate re-entry.
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Applying for a Schengen visa
As an international student in the UK, you may want to explore other parts of Europe. A Schengen visa is a single visa that allows travel to 29 European countries. The Schengen Visa Scheme includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and some territories of France's overseas departments and territories.
- Check the visa rules and requirements for the specific country or countries you plan to visit. Each country may have its own additional requirements.
- Ensure you have a valid passport. The passport's expiry date should be at least three months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area.
- Obtain medical insurance that covers emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation, including in the event of death.
- Gather supporting documents, including evidence of financial means, accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
- Complete the visa application form and provide a photo that complies with ICAO standards.
- Lodge your application at the consulate of the country you intend to visit. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time or the first country you will visit.
The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days, but this may be extended to up to 45 days if additional documents are required. It is recommended to plan your travel well in advance and consider obtaining travel insurance, even if it is not mandatory for your specific visa requirements.
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Travel insurance for international students
International students in the UK intending to travel to Europe will need to check if they require a visa to do so. A number of European countries are part of the Schengen agreement, which allows visitors to obtain a single visa to travel to multiple countries. Countries outside of the Schengen agreement may have their own visa requirements.
International students travelling to Europe from the UK will need to obtain travel insurance if they require a visa. Even if a visa is not required, it is strongly recommended that travellers purchase travel insurance to cover any lost luggage or medical issues.
There are three main types of travel insurance:
- Single-trip policies: These cover one trip to one or multiple destinations and usually last up to 31 days. However, some policies can cover longer durations, provided the traveller does not return to the UK during that time.
- Multi-trip policies: These allow travellers to make multiple trips to their selected destinations over the course of a year, with cover starting and ending in the UK.
- Long-term single-trip policies: These provide continuous cover for a longer-lasting single trip that can span several months up to two years. They are ideal for gap years or study abroad programmes.
When choosing a travel insurance policy, it is important to consider the specifics of your itinerary and any work placements. Some common exclusions to look out for include injury, loss, or damage while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and travelling to destinations that the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has advised against visiting. Additionally, it is important to declare any medical conditions when taking out travel insurance, as non-disclosure may invalidate your policy.
Students can compare multiple travel insurance policies to find one that suits their needs and budget. Some insurance providers offer discounts for registered students. It is also worth noting that the UK government has introduced the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which offers the same cover as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in EU countries. However, this is not a replacement for travel insurance as it does not cover private healthcare or repatriation to the UK.
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Planning travel around studies
As an international student in the UK, you may want to travel around Europe during your breaks from studies. Here are some tips for planning travel around your studies:
Check your visa requirements:
Firstly, determine whether you need a visa to travel to Europe. If you are not an EU/EEA national, you may need to apply for a visa. A number of European countries are part of the Schengen agreement, which allows you to obtain a single visa to travel to those countries. Countries outside the Schengen area may have their own visa requirements. Check the European Commission website for information on applying for a Schengen visa and the countries it covers.
Plan in advance:
It is advisable to plan your travel as far in advance as possible. This includes checking the term dates of your programme to avoid clashing with your studies. Booking travel in advance, especially by rail or air, can also help you secure cheaper prices.
Understand health insurance:
International students in the UK are required to have health insurance. Check if your current health insurance covers you while abroad, and consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any medical issues or lost luggage.
Research transportation options:
To get around the UK, you can use local bus services, subways in bigger cities, or travel by train for longer distances. Travelling by plane is an option, but it can be expensive. If you intend to drive, familiarise yourself with the driving rules in the UK.
Manage your phone plan:
Using your current SIM card while in the UK can result in high charges for calling abroad or local numbers. Consider purchasing a new SIM card with a monthly contract for better value, or opt for a Pay As You Go (PAYG) SIM to monitor your spending.
Seek advice:
The International Student Advice Service offers workshops and guidance on travelling in and out of the UK, providing an opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice from immigration advisers.
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Document requirements for travel
As an international student in the UK, you may want to explore Europe during your breaks from studying. However, before planning your trip, there are a few document requirements you should be aware of.
Firstly, check if you need a visa to travel to your desired destination. If you are not a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen Visa Scheme allows visitors to travel to certain countries within the EEA, as well as Switzerland, with a single visa. The countries that are part of the Schengen space include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. You can learn more about the application process and the duration of the Schengen visa by visiting the European Commission website.
If your desired destination is outside the Schengen area, be sure to check the specific entry requirements for that country. Each country may have its own visa requirements, which can usually be found on the embassy or consulate website.
In addition to visa requirements, there are a few other documents you should prepare before travelling. Firstly, always carry your valid passport with you. It is also recommended to bring a copy of your passport and keep it separate from your other travel documents. If you are already enrolled in your course, it is advisable to have a Confirmation of Enrolment letter with you, as well as your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) document. These documents may be useful when entering or exiting the UK.
Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that you obtain travel insurance before your trip, even if you are not required to have a visa. Travel insurance can provide valuable coverage for lost luggage or medical issues that may arise during your travels.
Lastly, if you have a student visa, ensure that it is valid for your trip and linked to your current, valid passport. If you have an eVisa, consider generating a share code and downloading or printing a copy of your eVisa details in case you need to refer to them at the UK border or before.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in the UK can travel to Europe. However, they need to check the visa requirements for their destination country.
A Schengen visa is a single visa that allows travel to 26 or 29 European countries that have signed up to the Schengen agreement. The countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
If you are not a European Economic Area (EEA) national and want to travel to Europe, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. You can check if you require a Schengen visa on the Schengen visa webpages.
You will need a letter from your university to support your application. You should also carry a copy of your passport, keeping it separate from your travel documents. It is also strongly advisable to obtain travel insurance before travelling to cover any lost luggage or medical issues.
