The new UK–Germany school group travel arrangements officially came into force on 1 August 2026.
The Government has now published the final guidance and Germany–UK School Trip Travel Information Form, enabling eligible groups of five or more pupils aged 19 and under from registered German schools to travel to the UK under the concession.
Eligible pupils can enter the UK without a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Pupils who are EU, EEA or Swiss nationals may also travel using a national identity card, although the guidance recommends using a passport where available to speed up border checks.
Important operational points include:
- The form must be completed by the school’s head teacher.
- It must be submitted to the relevant German municipal or competent authority at least 15 days before departure.
- All pupils and accompanying adults must be included on the form.
- Adults must continue to meet the normal passport and visa or ETA requirements for their nationality.
- Two validated copies of the form must be brought to the UK and presented at the border.
BETA welcomes the implementation of this important measure, which will help reduce barriers and support the return and growth of German educational visits to the UK.
BETA first reported confirmation of the scheme and its importance to the UK’s youth and educational travel sector in May.
Author: Helen Leigh
