Travelling safely to the UK

Whether your child is entering the UK for the first time or is a student returning after a school holiday, our guide will help them with travelling safely to the UK. As your child’s guardian we are committed to ensuring our students get to the UK safely.

Before you leave home

• ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the final date of your school course
• check you have valid visa for entry into the UK or have confirmed exemption
• returning students must also bring their BRP (British Residency Permit)

Mobile phones

All students should have a mobile for use in the UK. You must confirm your mobile number when sending travel information. Make sure that this is your own number rather than the number of  your parent or agent. If you have requested a UK mobile, this will be provided after you have arrived. Please ensure your mobile phone:

• is suitable for use in the UK (international roaming), fully charged, and unlocked if you require a UK SIM
• has your emergency contacts saved in the address book. These include your Academic Families contacts, the person meeting you at the airport, your parents and/or home contacts, and your boarding school contacts
• is switched on as soon as flight staff give permission

Hand luggage essentials

The following items and documents are very important for safe travel to the UK and should be kept in your hand luggage:

• your passport
• photocopy of your passport kept in a separate place to your actual passport
• mobile phone and charger
• copy of your flight ticket including any return flights
• any essential medication
• parental permission form
• transfer confirmation document
• contact details and address of your nearest embassy or consulate in case you need to contact someone urgently
• a minimum of £50 cash in case of an emergency

On arrival in the UK

Once you have arrived at the airport, please:

• turn your phone on – remember we may be trying to contact you!
• text your Academic Families contact to let then know you’ve landed safely

There are three points in the airport where you may be delayed:

• passport control
• luggage collection
• customs control

If you are delayed at any of these points for more than 15 minutes please phone your Academic Families contact to update us.

Immigration officers are checking all arrangements for under 18s travelling alone, so please be prepared to answer questions from immigration about your school and who is meeting you at the airport.

This article appears in the following categories  Students