LONDON — The United Kingdom will relax its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and visa requirements for German school groups from November 4, 2025, making it easier for students to visit for educational and cultural exchanges.

This change follows a UK–Germany treaty signed in July 2025, aimed at rebuilding youth and education ties disrupted by Brexit while maintaining the UK’s digital border system. For an overview of who needs an ETA, see UK ETA eligibility and the country guide for Germany.

“This initiative restores opportunities for young people to experience the UK’s language, culture, and education first-hand,” a Home Office spokesperson said.

Students 19 and Under Can Enter Without ETA or Visa

Under the new policy, students aged 19 and under enrolled in a recognized German school and traveling as part of a group of five or more will no longer need an ETA or Standard Visitor visa.

• EU students may travel using their national ID cards.
• Non-EU students in the same group must carry a passport, but no visa application will be required.

This exemption applies only to organized educational trips and not to individual travelers. Adult chaperones will still need an ETA or visa. If you’re unsure which route applies, start with ETA process steps or check FAQs.

Brexit Travel Barriers Prompted the Change

Before Brexit, European school groups could enter the UK under the List of Travellers scheme, which allowed students to visit without passports or visas. The scheme ended in October 2021, leading to widespread cancellations. For a full picture of permitted reasons to travel, see ETA purposes including tourism, business, and transit.

Because many EU students do not hold passports, up to 80% of German schools canceled UK visits over recent years. This policy aims to reverse that decline.

Policy Mirrors France’s Existing Agreement

• Groups must include at least five students aged 18 or 19 and under.
• EU students may travel using their ID cards; non-EU students must have passports.
• Teachers and chaperones still require an ETA or visa.

For other nationalities, explore individual eligibility pages (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, United States, UAE).

Implementation and Guidance

The Home Office confirmed that the exemption for German school groups will take effect on November 4, 2025. Detailed guidance on documentation, eligibility, and registration procedures will be published before the start date. For practical prep, see ETA requirements, documents, and fees. When you’re ready, start here: apply for ETA.

Why It Matters

The policy balances digital border innovation with international educational cooperation and is expected to revive the student travel sector. For more updates like this, visit the news hub or head back to the homepage.

Key Details at a Glance

• Effective Date: November 4, 2025
• Eligible: German school groups (5+ students, ≤19 years)
• EU Students: Travel with national ID cards
• Non-EU Students: Passports required; no visa application in group
• Chaperones: ETA or visa still required
• Basis: UK–Germany treaty signed July 2025