EVC Summer 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 41
Overseas travel
Do you know your EES from your ETIAS?
Silvia Avvertenza explains the recent changes
to border rules when travelling to Europe
Travel update
Silvia Avvertenza is Senior Operations
Manager at Rayburn Tours, a member
of the School Travel Forum
Planning a school trip abroad has
always required careful organisation,
but the 2026 changes to UK and
European border rules mean that travel
preparation is now more complex than
ever. Schools must ensure every student
and member of staff has the correct
documentation before departure, so
understanding these changes can help
avoid unnecessary stress, delays and
last-minute issues.
CITIZENSHIP STATUS
ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
Non-UK passport holders may require a
visa for some European countries. Some
countries may offer visa exemptions for
organised school groups, but rules vary
and must be checked in advance.
One of the most significant changes is
the introduction of the EES across the
EU. This replaces passport stamping for
non-EU travellers entering the Schengen
Area. Border crossings are now recorded
digitally using biometric data such as
fingerprints and facial recognition. This
means every student must carry their
own passport, as group or collective
passports are no longer possible.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION
AND AUTHORISATION SYSTEM (ETIAS)
The planned rollout of ETIAS in late
2026 will require visa-exempt travellers,
which includes those from the UK,
to obtain travel authorisation before
visiting over 30 European countries.
Similar to the UK’s ETA scheme, it
involves an online application and
approval before departure.
Nationality and immigration status are
increasingly important considerations.
Dual British or Irish nationals may need
to use their respective passport when
re-entering the UK or Ireland. NonBritish students living in the UK should
ensure their status is linked to their
passport and accessible digitally.
VISA EXEMPTIONS
Schools should also prepare consent
letters and any extra documents for
minors travelling abroad.
Despite these changes, international
school travel remains highly beneficial.
With careful preparation, clear
communication with families and
thorough checks of requirements,
schools can continue offering valuable
learning experiences beyond the
classroom while minimising risks and
ensuring smooth journeys for everyone
involved in the trip.
i
Entry requirements are subject
to change. Always check before
you travel.
WATCH OUR WEBINAR
‘Passport and Border
Requirements for
School Travel’ at
→evolveadvice.co.uk/videos
TOP TIPS
• Check well in advance that
each student has a valid
passport.
• If your group includes
students with a non-British
passport, find out if they
will need a visa and/or if
they hold dual citizenship.
• Check if students or staff
require evidence of their
right to reside in the UK.
• Check if ETIAS is launching
before your visit begins,
and apply early:
→travel-europe.europa.eu
• Visit gov.uk to check
a country’s entry
requirements →gov.uk/
foreign-travel-advice
Above L-R: Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland – The Royal School; Berlin Wall, Germany – The Holy Cross School; Vulcano, Sicily – Hagley Catholic High School
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2026
41
