School Trip to Europe: Documents Every Student Needs
A school trip to Europe in 2026 means navigating two new pre-travel authorisations — UK ETA (already in effect) and ETIAS (October 2026) — plus the usual passport rules. Every student needs their own. Here's the complete checklist for teachers, group leaders, and parents.
Passports first
Every student needs a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the trip's return date. Best practice for school trips: require passports valid for 6+ months beyond return. Collect copies of each student's passport bio page well before departure.
UK ETA — if you're visiting the UK
All US, Canadian, Australian, and most other visa-exempt students need a UK ETA. It's £16 per person, valid for 2 years, and must be applied for at least 3 working days before travel. Each student applies individually with their own passport, email, and photo.
ETIAS — if you're visiting Schengen countries after October 2026
Schengen Area = France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, and most other EU countries. Each student needs their own ETIAS (free for under-18s) starting October 2026. Apply at least 3 working days before travel.
What about kids without parents?
Many EU countries have specific rules for minors travelling without their parents — even on organised school trips. You may need a notarised letter of consent from parents/guardians. Check the specific embassy guidance for each country you're visiting.
Group-trip checklist for organisers
A typical school trip needs more than just travel docs:
- Every student's passport bio page (copy)
- Every student's UK ETA approval email (if UK is on the route)
- Every student's ETIAS approval (post Oct 2026, if Schengen)
- Notarised parental consent letters where required
- Travel insurance covering medical and emergency repatriation
- EHIC/GHIC card if any students are UK residents
- Allergies and medical info compiled per student
- Emergency contact list with parents' phone numbers
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
Do students need ETIAS for a school trip to France?
Yes — starting October 2026, every student travelling to France from a visa-exempt country needs ETIAS. It's free for under-18s.
Can a teacher apply for ETIAS on behalf of students?
No — each application requires the individual's consent. Teachers can guide and oversee, but each student (with parental help if needed) submits their own.
How early should we start the document process for a school trip?
For overseas school trips, start 3–4 months out. ETAs and ETIAS are usually fast, but passport renewals can take 6+ weeks, and parental consent paperwork can take time to gather.