On November 25, 2023, a group of 5th graders from the Collège Saint-Winoc in Bergues, northern France, had their school trip to Scotland canceled at the last minute due to an administrative problem. This misadventure highlights the importance of rigorous preparation for international trips, particularly in the post-Brexit context.
The students and their teachers had prepared enthusiastically for this school trip, which included a week of cultural and linguistic immersion in Scotland. The trip was to begin with a bus journey to Amsterdam, where the students would fly to Scotland.
On their arrival in Amsterdam, the students and their escorts were stopped by the British border authorities due to a problem with administrative forms.
ID card and passport numbers were entered in the same section of the declaratory form imposed by the United Kingdominstead of being separated as required.
The cancellation of the trip had financial and emotional repercussions. Each student paid approximately €500 for the trip.Although the school undertook to reimburse the families, the disappointment was palpable. The students had to take the bus back to Bergues, leaving behind their hopes of discovering Scotland's mythical landscapes.
ETA: A future requirement for travel to the UK
Although the incident involving the Bergues students is not directly linked to Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), it is important to note that this authorization will become compulsory for European travellers from 2025 onwards. Here are some key details about ETA:
- Installation date 2025 for Europeans
- Cost Approx. £10 (€12) per person
- Validity Valid for several stays over a 2-year period
- Request Online before departure
This new requirement will tighten border controls and simplify travel procedures for European visitors. It is crucial to prepare in advance to avoid situations similar to that experienced by the Bergues students.
| The UK has announced that it will exempt French school groups with children under 18 from the requirement to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which will be required for visa-exempt French travelers from April 2, 2025. According to Visit Britain, “authorization for the use of national identity cards for French pupils (aged 18 and under) taking part in organized trips has been granted". This measure will enable French pupils to continue using their national identity cards for school trips to the UK, without the need to obtain an ETA. |
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