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UK-Germany School Trip Travel Information Form Implemented for German Pupils

🇬🇧 United KingdomEntry Rules1 recorded versionLast change 27 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form' allows groups of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under from schools in Germany to visit the UK. For EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein nationals, a passport or national identity card is required. For other nationals, a valid national passport or refugee travel document issued by Germany is required. German police continue to recommend carrying an informal declaration of consent to travel and a copy of the parent/guardian's identity document. Adults accompanying the trip still require either a Standard Visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or no visa/ETA, depending on nationality, and must bring their passport. The head teacher of the school must complete the form and send it to the German municipal or competent authority at least 15 days before departure. The municipal or other competent authority will check and validate the documents and send them back to the head teacher. The guidance clarifies that the form should be updated 'to make it clearer what ages of schoolchildren are eligible for the scheme'. It also clarifies that an authorisation to leave the country and a copy of a parent/guardian's identity document are now recommended, rather than a requirement, when submitting the form to the German municipal or competent authority. The form size has increased to 1.2 MB.

Overview

The UK government has implemented a new 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form', effective from 1 August 2026. This instrument facilitates entry for groups of five or more pupils, aged 19 and under, from registered schools in Germany into the UK. Pupils travelling under this scheme will not require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation, simplifying the process for educational visits.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Head teachers of German schools
  • German council or relevant authorities
  • Pupils aged 19 and under from German schools travelling to the UK
  • Parents and guardians of pupils travelling on German school trips

What changed in the latest version

Before

Before the new Germany–UK school-trip rules started, there was no UK group travel-information form like this. No form offered this simpler system for qualifying German school groups. UK officials announced the new system in February 2026. They said the form and rules would be available from 1 August 2026. Before the new system, pupils had to use the standard UK rules for their own nationality and situation. This meant that different pupils in the same school group might need different travel documents.

After

The 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form' lets groups of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under from schools in Germany visit the UK. People who are citizens of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein need a passport or a national identity card. People from other countries need a valid national passport or a refugee travel document issued by Germany. German police still suggest carrying an informal letter of permission to travel and a copy of the parent's or guardian's identity document. Adults travelling with the group still need a Standard Visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or no visa/ETA. This depends on their nationality. They must bring their passport. The head teacher of the school must fill in the form. They must send it to the German council or relevant authority at least 15 days before the trip. The council or other relevant authority will check and approve the documents. They will then send them back to the head teacher. The rules explain that the form should be updated. This is 'to make it clearer what ages of schoolchildren are eligible for the scheme'. It also explains that permission to leave Germany and a copy of a parent's or guardian's identity document are now only suggested. They are no longer compulsory when sending the form to the German council or relevant authority. The form size has increased to 1.2 MB.

This change means German head teachers and adults travelling with them no longer have to provide certain parental consent and identity documents to their local authorities. This was compulsory before sending the travel information form. German police still suggest carrying these documents to avoid delays at the border. But, sending them to the German authority is now only a recommendation, not a rule. This change could make the paperwork easier for schools planning trips. It might reduce the workload for both schools and councils in Germany. However, they must still follow border recommendations.

Explained simply

Imagine you're going on a school trip from Germany to the UK. There's a special form that lets you travel easily without needing a visa. This update is like when the teacher makes sure everyone knows you have to be 19 or under to use this special form, so there are no surprises when you get to the border. It just makes the rules clearer for everyone.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v10Effective 4 Sept 2026EffectiveLow impact
    UK-Germany School Trip Travel Information Form Implemented for German Pupils

    The rules for German school trips to the UK have changed. These changes started on 1 August 2026. The 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form' is now clearer about the age of schoolchildren allowed to use it. Its file size has increased from 855 KB to 1.2 MB. It is no longer compulsory to send pupils' permission to leave Germany and copies of parents' identity documents to the German council or relevant authority. This must be done at least 15 days before the trip. Now, this is only a recommendation.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    1 Aug 2026

    German schools can bring groups of 5 or more pupils aged 19 and under from Germany to the UK using a specific 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form'. Pupils from EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein must have a passport or national identity card. Pupils of other nationalities must have a valid national passport or a valid refugee travel document issued by the Federal Repub

  2. Announced

    10 Feb 2026

    The UK government has implemented a new 'Germany-UK school trip travel information form', effective from 1 August 2026. This instrument facilitates entry for groups of five or more pupils, aged 19 and under, from registered schools in Germany into the UK. Pupils travelling under this scheme will not require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation, simplifying the process for educational visit

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