BREXIT: What changes for language stays?

You may be wondering about the new conditions for entry to the UK.

Below you will find information on the procedures that come into force from January 2021 for tourists, students or workers.

How to enter the United Kingdom?

For stays of less than six months, no visa is required to enter the UK, which means that tourists and language students do not need to go through the administrative process.

However, if your stay is longer than six months, a visa is required. Please note that you will need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK.

Identity cards and visas

What will change for EU, EEA or Swiss citizens?

What you will need to enter the UK will not change until 1 October 2021.

This means that before that date, if you are a citizen of the European Union you will be able to continue to travel to the UK on a valid passport or a valid national identity card.

From 1 October 2021 you will not be able to use your National Identity Card. After this date you will need a valid passport to enter the UK.

What changes will there be for travelers or short-term language school students?

For short-term travelers or students, not much will change. You will be able to use your identity card until October 2021 (or a passport after that date) and you will not need a visa for a stay of less than six months.

What will change for long-term students?

Do you want to come to the UK as a university or language school student for more than six months?

If you want to go for more than 6 months, you must apply for a student visa between 3 and 6 months before your course starts.

Two types of visas are available:

The “General Student Visa” for a period of study of more than one year.

The “Short Term Study Visa” for study periods of more than 6 months but less than 1 year.

Payment of school fees.

If you attend school between 1st January 2021 and 31st July 2021, you will have home fee status until the end of your schooling: this means that you pay the same amount as a British citizen when you enroll each year.

If you enroll after 1 August, you can no longer benefit from home fee status and you will have to pay the tuition fee that each university will set for international students.

Is it still possible to work in the UK?

If you want to work in the United Kingdom you will need to get a visa which will allow you to work. A student visa would not be sufficient.

To get a work visa you will need a company to be involved in your visa application process. Jobs offering minimum income, such as bar tenders or waiters, will no longer be possible. The work visa will give preference to qualified employees with an income of £20,480 per year or more.

Other practical information.

Border crossings and ferry terminals

Flights: you should not encounter any difference in security control at airports.

Eurostar / Eurotunnel: when travelling between the UK and the EU, your rights as a rail passenger using domestic or cross-border rail services will remain unchanged.

Ferry services: the EU passenger rights regulation is now UK law. It will continue to protect passengers on ferry services.

Do EU citizens need travel insurance when visiting the UK?

The government advises visitors to the UK to take out travel insurance. This means you can be refunded any health costs you have to pay from your insurer.

Check that your insurance has the necessary medical cover to make sure you can get the treatment you need during your visit.

Driving in the UK

If you have a non-UK driving license, you can drive in the UK for short stays. You do not need an international driving license.