New rules about travelling to the UK come into force on 2 April 2025. Visitors from the EU will need a type of simplified visa called an ETA. But the good news is that children in school groups are exempted from the new system.
Since 28 December 2023, French school groups already benefitted from special rules which meant that pupils could travel using identity cards instead of passports, and pupils who didn't have an EU nationality were exempted from the visa requirement.
From 2 April, travellers from the EU will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation. This costs £10 per person and, once it's been received, will be valid for two years, or until the associated passport runs out if that is sooner.
The children (18 or under) in school groups will be exempted from the ETA requirement as long as a France-UK school trip travel information form has been filled in and submitted to your local préfecture at least 15 days before travel.
This British government page gives more information and access to the France-UK school trip travel information form.
The adults accompanying the group will still need a passport, and now an ETA as well, to enter the UK.
For those who DO need an ETA, this video gives details. It will be possible to apply for an ETA from France from 5 March, for travel from 2 April.
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