German school groups can now travel to the UK using ID cards
Students travelling to the UK as part of a school group from Germany can now use their national ID card instead of a passport.
Under the German school group travel scheme, which came into effect on 1 August 2026, groups of five or more students aged 19 and under can travel to the UK using national ID cards. Students covered by the scheme are also exempt from ETA and visa requirements.
Students can travel with an ID card
Students who are nationals of Germany, another EU member state, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein can travel using their national ID card.
Students who would normally require a visa to visit the UK do not need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa under the scheme. However, they must travel with a valid passport.
Teachers and group leaders still need a passport
Teachers and other accompanying adults must travel with a passport and hold either a valid ETA or Standard Visitor visa, depending on their nationality.
The group leader must also carry two completed copies of the group travel form to present on arrival in the UK. UK Border Force will check the forms and retain one copy.
The change is expected to make it easier for German schools to organise English language courses and educational visits in the UK.
> Read more on GOV.UK: Visit the UK as part of a German school group
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