Organizing school trips to the UK, and in particular gaining entry to the country, is a procedure that many French schools need to be aware of, especially for students from non-EU countries. The good news is that the French and British governments have set up a simplified procedure. No more costly visas and endless individual procedures for minors.
Here's everything teachers, principals and parents need to know to cross the British border with peace of mind.
What is the France-UK school trip form?
The “France-UK school trip travel information form” is a free official document allowing a group of students to travel from France to the UK without having to apply for an individual visa for the children.
👉 The form can be downloaded online, This can then be completed and printed out for presentation at a UK border post on arrival.
Eligibility requirements :
- The group must include at least 5 children (aged 18 or under).
- The school must be registered with the French Ministry of Education.
- The form must list absolutely all participants (students and accompanying adults).
What documents do students need? (Visa and ETA exemption)
This is the agreement's flagship measure: No visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for any child included in this school trip, regardless of nationality. However, the identity documents required vary according to the student's citizenship. This measure applies to students and nationals of the’European Union, European Economic Area, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Here is the list of documents required to be eligible :
- A national identity card (CNI) OR a passport. A passport is strongly recommended to use the automatic gates and speed up customs clearance.
- L'AST (Autorisation de Sortie du Territoire) completed and signed by the legal representative.
- A copy of ID the parent/guardian who signed the AST.
What about students from non-EU countries? This is where the advantage of the form comes into its own. A Moroccan, Chinese or Senegalese student studying in France does not need a British visa. All they need is :
- A valid passport (the French identity card or residence permit is not sufficient to cross the British border).
- L'AST (Autorisation de Sortie du Territoire) signed by the legal representative.
- A copy of ID of the signing parent/guardian.
What are the rules for accompanying adults?
The flexibility granted to minors does not apply to adults. Teachers and accompanying parents remain subject to standard British immigration rules.
All adults must travel with a valid passport. Identity cards are formally refused for adults. Depending on their nationality, adults must :
- To be exempted from preliminary procedures (e.g. British or Irish citizens).
- Apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) Mandatory for EU citizens (including French citizens) and other visa-exempt countries. Since February 25, 2026, this process has been mandatory.
- Obtaining a Standard Visitor Visa Required for accompanying persons of nationalities subject to visa requirements (third countries not eligible for ETA).
Step-by-step procedure
Document management must be rigorous. Here is the administrative schedule imposed by the authorities:
–Fill in the form : The head teacher downloads the document (11-page PDF) from the UK government website (GOV.UK). If the group is large, several copies need to be printed to list all the names.
-Collecting documents : Gather all original ASTs and copies of parental IDs for each child.
–Sending to the Prefecture : The complete file (form + AST + parent ID copies) must be sent to the appropriate prefecture. at least 15 days before departure date.
–Validation : The prefecture checks the documents, stamps them and returns the validated file to the head of the school.
D-Day: Crossing the British border (Border Force)
When it comes to clearing customs (whether at the airport, the port of Calais or the Eurostar station), the group leader needs to be perfectly organized.
You will need to present the UK Border Force :
–2 physical copies of the form validated by the prefecture (the British officer will keep one of the two copies).
-Passports/NICs for each participant.
-Proof of visas or ETAs for adults subject to them.
The immigration officer will carry out a head count and a nominal identity check before authorizing the group's entry into the UK.
Our agency, which specializes in helping you obtain an ETA, can assist you with the formalities, especially for accompanying adults with a valid passport whose nationality is visa-exempt. Visit our online form: https://form.visamundi.app/apply/gb/
Fill in a file from ETA United Kingdom
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