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07 October 2024
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
by Ferdinand Steinbeis
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Entry Requirements for England - What International Boarders Need to Know
Key Points at a Glance
- **Passport and ETA:** Starting January 8, 2025, travelers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. It’s easy to apply online for £10.- Visa for Extended Stays: For stays over six months, a Child Student Visa is required. We recommend applying as early as possible.
- Costs and NHS Fee: The visa costs £490, with an additional NHS surcharge based on the length of stay. This fee is £776 per year, plus an extra £388 in the first year.
- Travel Permission for Minors: If your child travels without you or with another accompanying adult, a written parental consent form is required.
- Health Insurance: The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) covers emergency care. We recommend additional private health insurance for extended coverage.
Textures of Clayesmore School - a staircase banister
Hello from Richmond!
With the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, both entry and residency requirements have fundamentally changed for families with children attending boarding schools in Britain.Understandably, we receive frequent questions on these topics. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of all the essential information for you here.
Entering England: Visa, ETA, Travel Permissions, and Health Insurance for Boarding School Students
Since Brexit, entry into England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland is no longer as straightforward for EU citizens. From October 1, 2021, the children's passport and national ID card are no longer accepted. A new passport costs €37.50, is valid for six years, and meets international security standards with its chip.
Important Note: If you find old documents previously reported as lost or stolen, do not use them! Even if they resurface, they are void and flagged in border systems, posing a security risk and potential entry complications.
Hugging Art, seen at TASIS School
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Entry to England Starting in 2025
From January 8, 2025, many travelers who previously didn’t need a visa to enter the UK will require an ETA. Initially, this affects travelers from the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Japan. From April 2, 2025, this rule will also apply to Germany and all other EU countries.
The ETA is easily accessible through the “UK ETA App” in the Apple Store or on Google Play. For £10, it is valid for two years – provided the passport doesn’t expire. Within those two years, the ETA allows unlimited trips to the UK. Applications open on March 5, 2025, with confirmations typically received via email within 72 hours.
Visa for Boarding Students Entering England
If your child will attend school in the UK for more than six months, you’ll need to apply for a Child Student Visa on GOV.UK. This visa is available for children aged 4 to 17 attending an independent school in the UK. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Requirements include:- A valid passport – ideally a biometric ePassport with a chip, valid for the entire stay
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), i.e., the school’s acceptance letter
- Financial proof for the stay (though not usually necessary)
The visa fee is £490, with processing typically taking about three weeks. During peak times, like summer, it may take longer. An expedited visa is available within five days for an additional £500.
A piece of art seen at Worth School
Travel Authorization for Unaccompanied Boarding Students to Enter England
If your child travels without you or with someone other than a parent, a written consent form from both parents is necessary. The visa is digitally linked to the passport, but it’s still useful to have copies of all relevant documents, including school correspondence and confirmation.Health Insurance and Medical Records for Boarding Students
To ensure adequate health coverage, your child needs suitable health insurance for their stay in England, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. While the NHS provides healthcare to EU citizens, not all costs are covered automatically. We recommend confirming with your German health insurance provider which services are included in the UK.Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
An IHS fee, covering NHS emergency services, is required with the visa application. This fee is £776 per year, plus an additional £388 in the first year. You can estimate these costs before applying.
An IHS fee, covering NHS emergency services, is required with the visa application. This fee is £776 per year, plus an additional £388 in the first year. You can estimate these costs before applying.
Private Overseas Health Insurance:
A supplementary overseas health policy can be beneficial for services beyond emergency care.
A supplementary overseas health policy can be beneficial for services beyond emergency care.
NHS and EHIC:
NHS access is granted if the IHS fee is paid or a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available. Check with your insurer in advance to confirm eligibility.
NHS access is granted if the IHS fee is paid or a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available. Check with your insurer in advance to confirm eligibility.
Currently, no specific vaccinations are required. For longer stays, however, it’s wise to verify immunization status to prevent minor illnesses from getting worse.
Ceramics seen at Oakham School
Travel Preparation for Boarding Students Entering England
One month before departure – time to finalize plans. Flights should be booked and arrival details arranged. Some boarding schools offer airport pick-up services, which can reduce stress for you and your child.Money and Payment Options for Boarding Students
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the UK. Before leaving, it’s worth checking with your bank about foreign transaction fees. Some banks offer special travel cards for extended stays.Although card payments are now common in the UK, it’s wise to carry some cash in British pounds as a backup.
Check-in and Document Control at the Airport
At the airport, keep documents handy and stay calm. Security checks and check-ins may take time, so arrive early. Online check-in can streamline the process.Seen at St Swithun's School
Emergency Contacts and Communication
Having a reliable emergency contact system provides peace of mind. Ensure that key contact details, including those for the school and trusted persons, are established before departure.
Changes to Unaccompanied Minor Travel Rules for England
British Airways, Virgin, and Emirates Airlines have updated their policies: children under 14 can no longer travel alone. This means students in this age group will need a guardian for flights to or from the UK. Check with your airline for current requirements.Art department Bryanston School
Checklist for Entering England
Ready? Here’s a final checklist to ensure everything is set:
1. Valid Passport – The children’s passport is no longer sufficient as of October 2021. Ensure it’s valid for the duration of the stay.
2. Visa Applied – Apply early for the Child Student Visa.
3. ETA Application – Required for travel starting April 2, 2025. Apply online for £10.
4. Travel Authorization – For minors traveling alone or without parents, a parental consent form is required in English.
5. Health Insurance – International health insurance is advised, even with NHS access.
6. School Confirmation (CAS) – Required for the visa application.
7. Flights and Transfer Arranged – Book flights and organize airport transfers. Some schools offer pickup services.
8. Copies of Important Documents – Make multiple copies of essential documents for safekeeping.
9. Payment Options – Carry both a credit card and some British pounds.
10. Emergency Contacts Set – Ensure all necessary numbers are accessible.
Now you’re ready for the journey!
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Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com
Holbrooke House
34 - 38 Hill Rise
Richmond
TW10 6UA
Tel: +44 (0) 203 9534063
Email: info@buloweducation.com