From 1 August 2026, groups of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under from a registered German school can enter the UK free of charge using the Germany-UK school trip travel information form.
Key facts
- Who: Head teachers and groups of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under travelling from a school in Germany, plus accompanying adults
- From: 1 August 2026
- Source: Visit the UK as part of a German school trip
The guidance sets out how a school group can use the Germany-UK school trip travel information form. The form covers a group of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under. The school must be registered with its relevant local municipal or competent authority, and everyone travelling in the group must be included in the form.
Entry to the UK with the form is free. Pupils do not need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Adults are treated differently (see below).
The head teacher must fill in the form. If there are not enough rows for the number of pupils or adults, a further copy of the form must be completed. The head teacher must send the form to the German municipal or other competent authority at least 15 days before departure. It must be accompanied by the pupils' authorisations to leave the country, signed by their parents or guardians, and copies of the parents' identity documents. The authority checks and validates the documents and sends them back to the head teacher.
Pupils' documents depend on nationality:
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein: a passport or national identity card. A passport makes crossing the UK border faster.
- Nationals of other countries: a valid national passport, or a valid refugee travel document issued by the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship: a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
For pupils who are EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein nationals, and for pupils of other nationalities, the German police (Bundespolizei) recommend carrying an informal declaration of consent to travel, signed by their parent or guardian, and a copy of that parent or guardian's identity document, to avoid delays at the border.
Accompanying teachers or responsible adults (not including pupils aged 18 to 19) must each bring a passport. Depending on nationality, each adult will have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, have to apply for an ETA, or be able to visit without either.
What this means for applicants
Head teachers must send the completed form to the German municipal or other competent authority at least 15 days before departure, with the signed parental authorisations and copies of the parents' identity documents. Everyone travelling must be included in the form. Each adult must check whether they need a Standard Visitor visa or an ETA, because the form's exemption applies to pupils.
On the trip, bring 2 copies of the form. A Border Force officer will check that it is correct and that everyone in the group has the correct documents, and will keep one of the copies.
Related guide: Child visitor visa UK