UK school groups can now travel to Germany without a visa

It’s now easier for UK school groups to visit Germany, with new rules allowing pupils who would normally need a Schengen visa to travel without one.

The changes came into force on 1 August 2026, making it simpler for pupils of different nationalities to travel together on organised school trips.

New rules make German school trips easier

The new arrangements are for pupils who are not British or EU citizens and would normally need a Schengen visa to enter Germany.

Under the new scheme, eligible pupils can travel to Germany without applying for a visa if they:

• are enrolled at a school in the UK
• are travelling on an organised school trip
• hold a valid UK residence permit
• are detailed on a List of Travellers form certified by the school

Does my group need to provide a List of Travellers?

If all your pupils are exempt (e.g. British or EU citizens), no form is needed. Everyone can travel normally on their own individual passports.

If you have a mixed group, even with just one child who is a third-country national, the form must be completed for the whole of your group. 

What should be included on the List of Travellers?

Eligible groups are required to use the official form to provide details of the pupils, accompanying teachers, school and trip details. You'll need to record the details of:

• All pupils travelling on the trip (including those with UK or EU passports)
• Full names, dates of birth and addresses of the pupils
• Names of all accompanying teachers
• The name and stamp of the school 
• The destination and duration of the trip

You need to use the German authority's official List of Travellers form.  Two stamped originals and a copy should be carried by the party leader when travelling

Important note: Travel rules are subject to change and so please read the latest official German government guidance for school trips to Germany well in advance of your trip.

Why has the rule been relaxed for German trips?

The change is part of the UK-German Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty, signed in July 2025. The treaty aims to strengthen links between the two countries and make it easier for young people to travel between the UK and Germany for educational, cultural and language experiences.

This announcement follows similar relaxations such as the visa-free arrangement already in place for school trips to France and a fast-track border process at Dover that helps school groups speed through the port.

Keep informed on EU travel rules for schools

While this agreement is a major step forward for German trips, schools should also be aware of additional EU travel requirements that apply to school groups. Read our full guide on EES and ETIAS Frequently Asked Questions.

Plan your German school trip with confidence

Germany is an exciting destination for language, history, culture and cross-curricular school trips.

Voyager offers a range of German school trips, including our uniquely immersive German residential to Hellenthal, which can be reached by coach. From language immersion to cultural and historical experiences, we can help you build a trip around your curriculum and learning objectives.

Explore our German school trip destinations or get in touch with our German destination experts today and start planning your next trip.