Your essential checklist for your EU school trip

Don't know your EHIC from your ETIAS? Confused by the passport validity rules? We've got you! Travelling to Europe is a little different these days. Read everything you need to know when organising a school trip to Europe.

Key planning takeaways for your school trip to Europe

• Everyone needs their own passport, with at least 3 months left to run 
• Be prepared for the new EES biometric checks at external EU borders 
• In addition to your group travel insurance, ensure that students have a GHIC 
• Check if any non-British nationals need a visa to visit mainland Europe
• Beware of EU mobile phone roaming charges (especially on the ferry)
  

Know the passport validity rules of your destination

To visit most EU countries your passport must: 

• Be less than 10 years old when you travel - check the date of issue is less than 10 years before the date you enter Europe
• Have more than 3 months left to run before you return - check the expiry date is at least 3 months after the day you leave the country

Check the passport requirements for your specific destination by visiting the Foreign Office website. 

New EU border checks now live

• The new Entry/Exit System (EES) was launched on 12 October 2025. From now on, all travellers, including under-18s, need to register their biometric data at the border.
• The ETIAS online travel permit will follow later - expected at the end of 2026 or later. Visit EU Travel Rules for School Group - Your Questions Answered for more information on the EES and ETIAS requirements. 

Get European healthcare cover with a GHIC 

Carry a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred if someone falls ill or has an accident while abroad. It gives holders access to state-provided emergency healthcare for free or reduced cost in the EU and Switzerland. 

• Applying for a GHIC is free of charge on the NHS website. Beware of unofficial websites that charge you a fee to apply.  

Your group will also need travel insurance to cover emergency healthcare costs. Voyager's packages are fully protected by specialist School Trip Insurance.

Don't use a collective passport 

Our school travel advice is do NOT attempt to travel to the EU on a collective passport.

A collective passport is not a machine-readable travel document and is therefore not compatible with the new EES digital border system. We therefore strongly recommend that each young person holds their own passport that meets the entry requirements of the EU country they are visiting.  

Check if non-UK passport holders require a visa

Students from the UK and EU do not need a visa to take a school trip to Europe. Students from outside these countries should check visa requirements with the relevant EU consulate. The EU website has more information about the travel documents required for non-EU nationals.

Some EU countries make exceptions for school trips:

• School trips to France - School groups travelling through the Port of Dover can enter France without a visa. Groups travelling to France by other methods should check the French consulate's guidelines for visiting school groups.
• School trips to Germany - There are plans to allow school groups to visit Germany without a visa.

Beware of mobile roaming charges

• Check EU charges with your phone provider.
• Travelling by ferry? Be careful not to connect to the ship's marine satellite phone network, which is even more expensive than standard EU roaming charges!

More school trip planning advice from Voyager School Travel:

• EU Travel Rules for School Trips - Your Questions Answered
• Visa rules for non-UK students travelling to France
• What to pack on a school trip - an essential guide for parents
• Essential tips for taking a school trip by ferry
• The difference between ABTA & ATOL and how your school trip is protected

 

Ready to plan your next school trip? Check out our EU school trip destinations