Have a UK Student Visa? If you are planning to travel out of (and successfully back into) the UK during your period of study there are a few questions you may have:
Am I allowed to travel outside the UK while studying at Warwick?
Can I travel after my course has finished?
Do I need a travel visa for the country I am travelling to?
You'll need to do some of this research yourself, but there are also some useful tips below.
You are allowed to travel in and out of the UK while holding a valid Student Visa. However, you should:
Make sure you do not miss any lectures, seminars, submission deadlines, or exams. If you have an emergency that means you have to leave the UK during a period when you were supposed to be attending in person then please consult your academic department as soon as possible to let them know, and so they can support you.
Remember that your Student Visa is issued for the purpose of studying in the UK, and this is what the UK Home Office and the University expect you to do. Very long periods spent studying remotely from outside of the UK may lead the UK Home Office to suspect you are not using your Student Visa for the purpose it was intended.
Please be aware that a UK Border Officer is entitled to ask you questions about your reasons for travelling and reasons for coming back to the UK when you return.
Where can I travel using my UK Visa?
You can travel throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). This includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Travelling to Ireland?
The island of "Ireland" is a large land mass to the west of Great Britain. It has two parts:
The north-eastern part of the island (largest city: Belfast) is called "Northern Ireland". Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so you can travel there without restriction using your UK visa.
The rest of the island, i.e. the north-western and southern part (capital city: Dublin) is called the "Republic of Ireland". It is also sometimes referred to as "Eire" or simply "Southern Ireland". This is not part of the UK and is a separate sovereign state, so your UK residential visa is not valid. You may need a visa to travel to the Republic of Ireland, even if you already have a UK visa. See the Irish Department of Foreign AffairsLink opens in a new window website for more information. The Republic of Ireland is a member of the European Union but is not part of the Schengen Zone.
Travelling after your studies have finished
Your Student Visa allows you to travel to and from the UK - even after your academic requirements have been fulfilled - as long as you have a valid reason to do so.
For example: you may be returning to apply for a Graduate Visa; to attend your Graduation Ceremony; or returning to make another valid visa application in the UK.
These are all valid reasons to return to the UK but please be aware that a UK Border Officer is entitled to ask you questions about your reasons for travelling and reasons for coming back to the UK when you return.
Visiting the Schengen Area (mainland Europe and Iceland)
The Schengen AreaLink opens in a new window is made up of 29 countries that have agreed to have no routine internal border controls, and share unified policies in relation to short-stay visas (up to 90 days). It is made up of:
Read our detailed guidance on travelling outside of the UK, which includes information on reputable agents who can help with your application, including booking visa appointments.
You'll usually need to show evidence of the purpose of your visit, financial means, accommodation and your intention to return to the country where you are living after your visit. However, the individual consulate (country) you are applying through may have additional document requirements - check their application form carefully.
If you are asked to provide a "no objection letter", "permission letter", or "student status letter" from the University of Warwick, you can find further instructions here.
If you wish to travel to another country during your time at Warwick and have queries regarding visas, you should contact the relevant embassy directly using their website.
For detailed guidance on trip planning, visa requirements, insurance and staying safe, visit our Travelling Abroad webpage.
