The UK government announced a temporary exemption for French school groups from the upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This move addresses educators’ & travel organizers’ concerns over the new border entry requirement’s potential impact on educational trips.
The UK will introduce the ETA system in 2024. It aims to enhance border security by requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain electronic permission before entering the UK. However, the system has sparked concerns, particularly among those who organize trips for young students. People view the temporary exemption as a response to ensure cultural and educational exchanges continue smoothly between the two nations.
About the French school exemption
To ease concerns, UK authorities decided to exempt French school groups from the ETA requirement until at least 2028. This exemption applies specifically to students under the age of 18 who are part of organized school trips. These groups will be able to enter the UK using their current documentation, without needing to apply for an ETA. The government hopes this temporary measure will facilitate educational visits and strengthen ties between the two countries.
According to officials, the decision aims to encourage cultural exchange while minimizing disruptions to longstanding travel arrangements. The exemption covers a broad range of educational trips, from historical tours to language immersion programs, which is a French school staple.
Reasons for the decision
French school educators and travel operators have voiced concerns over the complexities of the ETA system for large school groups. Organizing ETAs for hundreds of students would have been costly and time-consuming. Additionally, these operators argued that the new requirement might deter schools from planning trips to the UK.
The decision highlights the UK’s commitment to fostering educational partnerships with its European neighbors. Many stakeholders believe this measure for French schools will prevent a decline in student travel, which plays a vital role in cultural exchange.
The current French school setup
Since December 28, 2023, French school European students have been exempt from the passport requirement. Particularly, they don’t need to bring a passport when traveling to the United Kingdom for school trips. Moreover, they can simply present a national identity card when crossing the English Channel. Meanwhile, non-European students in French schools must still bring their passport, but not necessarily a UK visa.
David Hanson, Minister of State at UK’s Home Office, elaborated on the decision.
The UK “permit[s] the use of national identity cards for French school students (aged 18 and under) traveling on organized trips and waive UK visa requirements for their classmates who are visa nationals,” he said.
In addition, Lord Hanson of Flint noted that “their responsible adults must be in possession of a fully completed and authenticated form listing the participants in the trip. French schools can access the form online from gov.uk.”
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