1. Can I travel during term time?
2. Do I need a visa for the country I am visiting?
3. What should I check on my eVisa before travelling?
4. What documents do I need when returning to the UK?
5. Can I travel after I have finished my course?
6. What should I do if I lose my passport while abroad?
1. Can I travel during term time?
If you want to travel during term time, you must get permission from your tutor before making your travel plans.
2. Do I need a visa for the country I am visiting?
Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting and contact the relevant embassy to find out whether you need a visa.
Some countries require you to have between two and six months remaining on your Student visa.
Do I need a Student Status Letter?
If you need a visa for your trip, you can request a Student Status Letter to confirm that you are a student at Herts.
Travelling to countries in Europe
If you are travelling to one or more European countries, you may need a Schengen visa.
Contact the embassy of the country that you are visiting to find out if you need a visa. Some countries require students to have between 2 & 6 months remaining on their student visa.
3. What should I check on my eVisa before travelling?
You need to create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You do not need to apply for a new visa unless you need to extend your existing visa.
Before travelling, check that:
- your eVisa shows the correct immigration status
- your personal details are correct
- the passport or travel document you will use is linked to your UKVI account
- your details match the passenger information you give to your airline or other carrier.
Current GOV.UK guidance says incorrect or mismatched details could cause problems with your carrier or delays at the UK border.
Check your eVisa before you travel
You can also watch the GOV.UK video on travelling with your eVisa
4. What documents do I need when returning to the UK?
Before you travel, request a Student Status Letter to confirm that you are a student.
When you return to the UK, you may also need to show:
- your passport or travel document
- evidence of your immigration status
- evidence that you have enough money for your tuition fees and living costs
- evidence that your tutor gave you permission to travel, if you travelled during term time.
You must travel using a valid passport or travel document that has been added to your UKVI account. Your eVisa can be checked when you enter the UK. GOV.UK also says you may be asked for additional evidence of your immigration status. [gov.uk]
Check how to travel with your eVisa
Important: If you are a national from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the USA and have a Standard Visitor Visa stamp in your passport DO NOT USE THE E-GATE when you return to the UK. You will need to see an immigration official to get a new Standard Visitor Visa stamp in your passport.
5. Can I travel after I have finished my course?
You can travel outside the UK at the end of your studies once you have completed and submitted everything required for your course.
If you have referral or deferral modules, you must have submitted the required work or completed your exams before travelling.
This period after your course has ended is sometimes called your wrap-up period.
If you are unsure whether you can travel, contact the Student Immigration Team at sitadvice@herts.ac.uk. The University's internal student-support guidance identifies this as a contact for immigration and visa support. [Student we...ting guide | SharePoint]
What happens when I return to the UK after finishing my course?
You may be questioned by Border Force when you return to the UK. You should be able to explain why you are returning.
This may include returning to:
- work full-time in the UK on a temporary contract, if your visa conditions allow you to work and your course has ended
- study in the UK
- take part in study-related activities, including graduation
- visit places in the UK
- apply to stay in the UK under another appropriate immigration route, such as the Graduate or Skilled Worker route.
Take documents that support the reason for your return. Depending on your circumstances, these could include:
- your Student Status Letter
- your CAS
confirmation of your graduation ceremony
6. What should I do if I lose my passport while abroad?
If your passport is lost or stolen outside the UK:
- Report the loss or theft to the police in the country where it happened.
- Contact your country's embassy, consulate, high commission or passport office for advice on getting a replacement.
- Apply for a replacement passport or travel document. (It is possible that there may be a considerable wait to obtain a replacement passport or travel document.)
Be aware that obtaining a replacement passport or travel document may take some time.