Lana Oconnell
International students in the UK intending to travel to Europe should be aware of the visa requirements of their destination countries. Students from outside the EU and EEA may need to apply for a Schengen visa, which allows travel between certain European countries using a single visa. Countries outside the Schengen agreement may have their own visa requirements, and students should always check the entry requirements of their destination country. Additionally, students should be mindful of the documents they need to re-enter the UK, such as a valid passport, visa, and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | Check the visa requirements for the country you are travelling to. Non-European Economic Area (EEA) students may need a Schengen visa to enter certain countries in Europe. |
| Travel insurance | It is strongly recommended to obtain travel insurance before travelling, even if you do not need a visa. |
| Travel documents | Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as a passport, visa, and any supporting letters from your university. Keep your documents safe and separate from other items. |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | If you have a BRP, it can be used to re-enter the UK. Do not travel without it, as it will be required upon return. |
| Travel planning | Plan your travel in advance, considering factors such as travel dates, visa application processes, and travel costs. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for international students in Europe
International students in the UK intending to travel to Europe should check the visa requirements for their destination country. Visa rules vary across Europe, and students from outside the EU and EEA may need a Schengen visa or a country-specific visa.
The Schengen Visa Scheme allows travel across 29 European countries using a single visa. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Students should refer to the official government websites of their destination country for accurate and updated visa information. For instance, Germany offers three main types of student visas: Student Applicant Visa, Student Visa, and Residence Permit. The Student Applicant Visa is for prospective students and is valid for up to six months. The Student Visa is for accepted students and is initially valid for three months, after which a residence permit must be obtained.
It is important to plan travel in advance, as visa processing times can vary. Additionally, students should ensure they have appropriate travel insurance, even if a visa is not required. Staying in Europe beyond a visa's validity can lead to legal consequences, including fines and deportation.
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The Schengen Visa Scheme
International students in the UK who are not from the EU/EEA or the Schengen area will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to European countries within the Schengen zone. The Schengen Visa Scheme allows students to visit all participating countries in the Schengen area with a single visa. The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not part of the Schengen area.
The Schengen area comprises 26 countries, including popular European destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. With a Schengen visa, students can travel between these countries without the need for additional visas, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore Europe during their stay in the UK.
To apply for a Schengen visa, international students should follow these steps:
- Determine the type of Schengen visa required: Students travelling for educational purposes should apply for an "Educational Schengen Visa", while those travelling for tourism would apply for a "Schengen Tourist Visa". If visiting family or friends, a "Visiting Family and Friends" visa is appropriate.
- Check embassy requirements: Identify the embassy of the country you plan to visit and review their specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and documentation. Each country has its own application form and fee. If visiting multiple countries, apply to the embassy of the main destination or the first country visited.
- Prepare the necessary documents: This may include a passport, student visa, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), Schengen Visa letter from the university confirming enrolment, travel medical insurance, invitation letters, accommodation reservations, evidence of sufficient funds, and proof of current UK immigration permission lasting at least three months after the trip.
- Submit the application: Apply at least three weeks before the intended travel date, as processing times can take around two weeks. Pay the visa fee and any applicable service fees.
- Make copies: Ensure you have paper and digital copies of your essential documents, keeping them separate from your travel documents for added security.
It is important to note that visa rules and requirements may vary depending on the country and the student's nationality. International students should always check the specific guidelines for their intended destination and consult with their university's international student support services for guidance.
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Travel insurance
International students in the UK intending to travel to Europe are advised to get travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage or medical issues. Even if you do not need a visa to travel to Europe, it is highly recommended that you obtain travel insurance.
Students can choose from a variety of travel insurance options depending on their needs and budget. Some insurance providers offer comprehensive cover, while others provide cheaper, no-frills options for short trips or extended stays. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to ensure it suits your specific requirements.
International students in the UK can also benefit from specialised insurance policies such as EduTravel, which combines travel, health, and academic insurance into a single package. EduTravel is offered by Kaplan Pathways in conjunction with Endsleigh, a leading UK insurance provider. It covers students during their stay in the UK, direct trips to and from their home country, and leisure trips to Europe lasting up to 21 days.
Additionally, students should be aware of the Schengen Visa Scheme, which allows travellers to visit 29 European countries with a single visa. This scheme includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and more. If you are travelling to countries outside the Schengen area, be sure to contact the respective country's embassy in the UK for specific visa and insurance requirements.
Overall, it is essential for international students in the UK to carefully consider their travel insurance options and plan their trips in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring Europe.
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Re-entering the UK
As an international student in the UK, you may travel to Europe, but there are a few things to keep in mind when re-entering the UK. Here is some information on the documents you will need and other considerations for re-entering the UK as an international student.
Documents for Re-entry
Firstly, ensure that you have valid permission to enter the UK. If you have been issued an Entry Clearance visa vignette in your passport, do not travel before the indicated start date of your Student visa. If you have an eVisa, make sure it is linked to your current, valid passport. It is also a good idea to generate a share code and download or print a copy of your eVisa details.
When re-entering the UK, you may need to show a Border Force Officer evidence of your reasons for returning. Carry the following documents in your hand luggage:
- A recent share code from your UKVI account, ensuring the details match your personal information.
- Your passport, which should match the passport on your UKVI account.
- An up-to-date student status letter showing that your course is ongoing.
- If travelling during term-time, written confirmation from your Academic School authorising your absence.
- Evidence of your finances, such as recent bank statements.
- A return ticket to your home country, if applicable.
Other Considerations
- If you are travelling during the period before the programme end date in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), border officials may consider this as travelling during term-time, which could lead to complications.
- If you have completed your studies and your visa is still valid, you typically won't face obstacles when re-entering, but officials may ask about your reasons for returning. It is recommended to carry evidence that you have completed your studies.
- If you have less than six months of permission left on your visa, it may ''lapse'' if you leave the Common Travel Area (the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands), and you may not be able to re-enter with that permission.
- If you are travelling outside the UK during term-time, it is advised to discuss this with your Programme Leader, Academic Tutor, or Supervisor to understand any potential impact on your studies.
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Travel documents
As an international student in the UK, you will need to ensure you have the correct travel documents in place before travelling to Europe. Here are some essential points to consider:
Visa Requirements for European Travel:
Firstly, determine whether you need a visa to travel to Europe. If you are an international student from outside the EU and EEA, you will likely need to apply for a visa. Many European countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows travellers to visit 29 countries with a single visa. These countries include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Portugal. You can learn more about the requirements and application process for a Schengen visa on the European Commission website.
Travel Insurance:
Obtaining travel insurance is essential, even if you don't need a visa. Travel insurance will provide coverage for lost luggage and medical issues, giving you peace of mind during your trip.
Passport and Visa Documentation:
Ensure your passport is up to date and valid for travel. Keep your passport secure at all times, as losing it can cause significant disruptions to your travel plans. If you have an eVisa, make sure it is linked to your current, valid passport. You may also need to generate a share code and download or print your eVisa details for reference when entering or exiting the UK.
University Reporting and Course Attendance:
Remember to check with your university about any specific requirements or reporting procedures related to international travel. Your attendance is monitored, and absences may affect your student visa status. Plan your travel during official vacations or weekends to avoid any issues with course attendance.
Border Entry Requirements:
Familiarize yourself with the UK's border entry requirements. The Gov.uk guide provides information on faster travel through the UK border, including the use of electronic border gates (e-gates). Additionally, pay attention to the start date of your student visa, as travelling to the UK before this date could result in the UK Border Force refusing entry.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country. If the country is part of the Schengen agreement, then you can obtain a single visa to travel to 26 or 29 European countries. Countries outside the Schengen agreement may have their own visa requirements.
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 have a still-current Student visa Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and your circumstances haven’t changed since it was issued, you should be able to use it to re-enter the UK. You will need to show this with your passport on return to the UK.
