Your essential EU travel checklist

— 12 Sep 2025, 09:09:00 by Kate Moore


Brexit passport blog image ScaleWidthWzEyMDBd

Embarking on a French trip to one our of residential centres in France? Ensure a seamless journey with our comprehensive guide to the latest EU border, passport and visa rules. We've sifted through the complexities, so you can focus on the educational adventure ahead.

Preparing for a residential in France – top tips for teachers and parents

  • Verify your passport validity well in advance and allow plenty of time for a new application if needed
  • The EES is coming and groups will need to allow more time to register their biometric data at the EU border
  • Six months later, the EU's online travel permit, ETIAS, will be introduced
  • Students and teachers should bring a valid EHIC card, or apply for a new GHIC, to benefit from emergency healthcare while abroad
  • Check mobile roaming charges with your provider

New EU rules apply to school trips to France in the 2025/26 academic year

Here's what you need to know about the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visitors to France and other EU countries: 

EES will be introduced across EU border points from October 2025

  • The system should be fully operational across all EU border crossings by 12 April 2026
  • EES booths collect travellers' passport, fingerprints and facial data to monitor who is entering and exiting the EU
  • Groups will need to either register their data at the ferry terminals in Dover, or on arrival at Cherbourg or St Malo
  • Passengers cannot register in advance
  • We will allow extra time in your itinerary to pass through the EES kiosks at the port

ETIAS is not expected until the end of 2026

  • Once operational, all non-EU passport holders, including children, will need to apply online for an ETIAS to visit France 
  • Adults will have to pay for the ETIAS travel permit which is valid for three years. Children don't have to pay.
  • Though ETIAS applications are free for under-18s, parents/guardians will still need to apply online for their child to travel
The Voyager School Travel website has detailed information on EES and ETIAS border controls. Please visit EU Travel Rules for School Trips - Your Questions Answered. 

Check your passport is valid for Europe

Before Brexit, you could travel to EU countries on your passport right up to the point it expired. Now, school groups need to check the passport eligibility rules for their school trip destination. The rules for British passport holders visiting France state that:

  • passports must be less than 10 years old on the day your group enters (check the 'date of issue')
  • passports must be valid for at least 3 months after the day your group leaves (check the 'expiry date')

Anyone who doesn't meet this criteria should allow plenty of time to apply for their new passport. 

Apply for a free Global Health Insurance card

The GHIC gives holders access to state-provided emergency healthcare for free or reduced cost in France. 

Though not a substitute for school travel insurance, the GHIC helps reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred if someone falls ill or has an accident during their trip.

The GHIC replaces the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Applying for a GHIC is free of charge on the NHS website. Beware of unofficial websites that charge you a fee to apply. 

The end of group passports

Some countries no longer accept collective/group passports and we do not yet know how group passports will operate alongside the new EES and ETIAS systems. To avoid border issues we do not recommend the use of collective passports.

What about non-British/non-EU nationals on my French trip?  

Some EU countries offer visa exemptions for 'third country nationals' on a school trip. 

What other paperwork do we need to visit France?

When you arrive in France, be prepared to show your return ticket and proof of accommodation for your stay. We will provide these documents in your travel pack. You may also be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay.  

 

Can I take food into France?

You are not allowed to bring any dairy or meat products into the EU from the UK and so don’t be tempted to pack chocolate, biscuits or Bovril! The EU website states that the only exception is special foods required for medical reasons.

Useful resources