UK School Trips: Hassle-free Guide for Visa-Free Border Crossings

Organizing school trips to the UK—especially navigating entry requirements—can be a daunting process for French schools, particularly for students from non-EU countries. The good news? The French and UK governments have introduced a streamlined procedure that eliminates the need for costly visas and the lengthy individual paperwork normally required for unaccompanied minors.

Here’s everything educators, school leaders, and parents need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry into the UK.

Official GOV.UK guidance

What is the France-UK School Trip Travel Information Form?

The "France-UK school trip travel information form" is a free official document designed to enable groups of students from France to enter the UK without applying for individual visas for children.

👉 Download the form here to complete, print, and present at a UK border checkpoint upon arrival.

Eligibility criteria:
- Groups must include at least 5 children (aged 18 or under).
- The school must be officially registered with France’s Ministry of National Education.
- The form must include the details of all participants (students and accompanying adults).

What Do Students Need? (Visa and ETA exemptions)

This bilateral agreement’s key benefit is that no child included in the school group requires a visa or ETA, regardless of nationality. However, acceptable travel documents depend on the student’s citizenship.

This exemption applies to students and nationals from the European Union, European Economic Area, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Required documents include:

• A valid national ID card (CNI) or passport. The passport is strongly recommended when using e-gates to expedite immigration processing.

• An AST (Autorisation de Sortie du Territoire), completed and signed by the legal guardian.

For students from non-EU countries (third-country nationals):

• A valid passport; neither a French national ID nor a residence permit is acceptable.

• An AST, signed by the legal guardian.

• A copy of the parent/guardian’s valid ID.

Rules for Accompanying Adults

Adults are not covered by the minors’ simplified rules. Teachers, parents, or guardians accompanying the group must comply with standard UK immigration policies.

Every adult must carry a valid passport; national ID cards are not accepted for travelers over 18. Nationality determines the entry requirements:

• Exempt from prior procedures (e.g., UK or Irish citizens).

• Need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) – Compulsory for EU nationals (including French citizens) and other visa-exempt countries. Effective from 25 February 2026.

• Standard Visitor Visa required – Mandatory for adults from countries not eligible for the ETA.

Step-by-Step Process Checklist

The authorities impose a clear administrative timeline. Be sure to follow these steps rigorously:

• Complete the form: The school principal downloads the 11-page PDF from the UK government website. For large groups, print multiple copies to accommodate all names.

• Collect documents: Gather all original ASTs and copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs for every child.

• Submit to local Prefecture: Send the full dossier (form + ASTs + ID copies) to the relevant French prefecture at least 15 days before departure.

• Get validated: The prefecture reviews the application, stamps it, and returns the approved paperwork to the school principal.

On the day of travel: Border crossings into the UK

Whether arriving by plane, ferry (Calais), or Eurostar train, the designated group leader must present the following to a UK Border Force officer:

• Two printed copies of the prefecture-validated form (one copy will be retained by UK authorities).

• Original passports or CNIs for each traveler.

• Proof of ETA or visa for adults subject to these requirements.

The border officer will verify identities, perform a headcount, and grant entry only after confirmation.

Our agency specializes in ETA support for travelers with valid passports and visa-exempt nationalities. Apply through our online form for assistance, particularly for accompanying adults.