From 1 August 2026, new travel arrangements are making it easier for organised school groups to visit the UK and Germany.
The changes are part of the UK-Germany Kensington Treaty, signed in 2025, which aims to strengthen educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.
For schools in Germany, eligible groups of five or more pupils aged 19 and under can now travel to the UK using a Germany-UK school trip travel information form. Pupils travelling under the scheme do not need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), provided the group's travel meets the scheme's requirements. The form is free to use and must be completed by the head teacher of a registered school before travel.
At the same time, Germany has reintroduced the List of Travellers for organised school trips from the UK. Under the new arrangements, some pupils from third countries who would normally require a Schengen visa may instead be able to travel using the certified list, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
These reciprocal measures are designed to reduce administrative barriers and encourage more school exchanges, making it easier for young people in Germany and the UK to learn from one another through educational visits.
Schools planning a trip should consult the official guidance before travelling, as document requirements differ depending on the nationality of pupils and accompanying adults.
Further information, eligibility criteria and the required forms are available on the UK Government website and from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior.