Simplified Travel For German School Groups

Earlier this year, we shared the welcome news that the UK and Germany had reached a breakthrough agreement on school group travel.

We are now pleased to confirm that the UK Government has published the formal legislation to bring this agreement into effect. From 11 November 2025, German school groups will once again be able to visit the UK under simplified travel arrangements, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to rebuild youth and educational travel between the UK and Europe.

Easier UK Travel for German School Groups

Effective from: 11 November 2025Source: GOV.UK – Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333)

Summary

The UK Government has announced a major and long-awaited update to the Immigration Rules that will make it easier for German school groups to visit the UK.The change coming into force on 11 November 2025 removes the need for advance visas or Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for eligible school groups.

Key Details

• Applies to students aged 19 and under from recognised German schools or educational institutions.

• Students must travel as part of a school party of five or more.

• No visa or ETA required for entry to the UK when travelling under these conditions.

• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals within these groups can travel using a national identity card rather than a passport.

• The school’s status must be confirmed by the relevant German municipal or competent authority.

• The change forms part of the UK–Germany bilateral treaty and mirrors existing arrangements with France.

• Implementation date: 11 November 2025.

• The UK Government assesses the impact on border security and operations as low risk.

  
  

Why This Matters

This policy marks a significant advancement for inbound youth and educational travel by removing long-standing post-Brexit barriers to school visits from Germany.It is expected to reinvigorate group travel to UK language schools, host families, and educational attractions, thereby helping to rebuild valuable connections between young people in the UK and Europe.

“This is a hugely positive development for our members and for the wider inbound educational travel sector,” said Emma English, Executive Director of BETA.“We look forward to supporting the smooth implementation of this new arrangement and to seeing the return of many more German school groups to the UK.”

Further Reading

🔗 Explanatory Memorandum to the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333) – GOV.UK🔗 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333 – GOV.UK