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 a student. This confirms your enrolment status and is addressed to the embassy you are applying to for your visa.
If you are travelling for study purposes, please read our article Can I study abroad during 2021-22 for further guidance.
Important to Know: You must ensure that you've obtained a travel letter from Student Services before booking an appointment with any embassy.
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.
I’m an international PGR student and want to travel abroad during my studies
If you are studying at King’s on a Student visa as a postgraduate research (PGR) student and you wish to travel abroad anytime during your studies, you will need to seek permission first. You are considered to be within term-time throughout your period of study, and any time off away from your studies must be approved by your supervisor.
If you are on a Student/ Tier 4 visa and you want to travel abroad during term-time, you will need to have approval from your academic department. If your supervisor approves your travel, you will need to request a Travel Letter; please refer to the guidance below.
Requesting a travel letter
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.
- Check if your travel destination requires you to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test/will require a Fit to Fly certificate.
How do I request a travel letter?
To request a travel letter:
Visit the Travel letter request form. You will be prompted to sign in.
Complete the additional fields on the form.
Click Submit.
We'll then process your request and contact you if we need further clarification from you.
We'll send you your letter electronically.
What if I need my letter in hard copy? We can't produce these letters on-the-spot at our service desks. However, if you need it in hard copy, please submit your request online as described above, and let us know there if you would like it in hard copy format. Once it's ready for you, we'll then let you know you can come and collect it.
Requesting a 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.
A Schengen visa is a single visa for travel in 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:
Take a look at our Immigration & Visa advice category for more articles on visa and immigration support throughout your studies at King’s.
