I'm on a Student Visa, can I travel abroad during my studies?

Home Office regulations require students travelling during term time to have approval from their academic department. If necessary, Student Services will contact your department on your behalf once you have requested a travel letter and ensure that you receive a copy of their approval. If you are only travelling over the weekend, you do not need permission from your department. Please read the guidance in this article before making plans to travel out of the UK.

Applying for a travel visa

Do I need a visa to travel?

You may need to obtain a visa before you travel. This will depend on your destination You should check with the country's embassy in the UK whether you need a visa and how to apply. 

I'm travelling to Europe

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a single visa for travel to countries in Europe that have signed up to the Schengen agreement. The UK is not in the Schengen Zone. Certain nationals need a Schengen visa to travel in Europe. You can find out if you will require a Schengen visa on the Schengen visa webpages.

How can I apply for a Schengen Visa?

Please be advised that restrictions for entry into the EU & Schengen Area from many countries may apply. Please check  Schengen.News to get the latest information and updates on entry restrictions, testing, and quarantine regulations in the EU & Schengen Area.

If you are travelling to more than one country, you can apply online via the embassy where you will spend the most time.  If you are spending an equal amount of time in each country, apply online via the embassy of the first country you plan to visit.

Important to know: You should always check the rules on the embassy website of the country where you plan to travel.

What documents will I need to provide for my application?

Most countries will require:

A valid passport & UK visa (BRP card)
Schengen visa application form
Evidence of travel plans & accommodation
Travel / medical insurance
Evidence of sufficient funds
Confirmation of studies letter (request a travel letter as above)
Evidence of paid visa fee

You should check the exact requirements with the embassy of the country you are applying to, as the requirements can vary slightly by country.

For further guidance on travelling in Europe as an international student, please refer to the following guidance below:

UKCISA guide on Schengen Visa
www.schengenvisainfo.com

Take a look at our Immigration & Visa advice category for more articles on visa and immigration support throughout your studies at King’s.

Requesting a travel letter

What is a Travel Letter?

A travel letter is a document you can use to support your application for a visa to travel overseas while you are student. This confirms your enrolment status and is addressed to the embassy you are applying to for your visa.

Who needs a Travel Letter?

Any taught student studying at King's on a visa, wishing to travel out of the UK during term time.
- Reading Weeks are included as term time.
Any research student studying at King's on a visa, wishing to travel out of the UK at any time during the academic year.

What should I do before requesting a travel letter?

Before requesting a travel letter:

Read the Foreign travel checklist on GOV.UK for further guidance on how to prepare for international travel, and to ensure you understand your responsibilities when travelling overseas.
Check foreign travel advice for your chosen destination before booking your flight, as this may be subject to change at short notice.

I’m planning to travel during term-time, how do I request a Travel Letter?

For the steps you need to take to request your letter, please refer to the guidance in the section 'I need a letter to support my application to travel abroad' within our article I need to prove my term dates & course attendance.

Keywords: travel letter permission

I'm on a Student Visa, can I travel abroad during my studies?

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