England left the European Union on 31 December 2020. This famous Brexit has finally been enacted and changes the situation for travellers. Indeed, the freedom of movement is no longer what it was. Between covid and brexit, there is a lot to be confused about. But don't panic, we'll take a look at the conditions and formalities required to go on a language study holiday in France, as well as a look at the situation linked to covid!
The Brexit
The new conditions for entering the UK
Since 1 January 2021, only family, tourist and/or professional visits of less than 6 months do not require a visa.
On the other hand, to settle there beyond a period of 6 months, it is mandatory to apply for one. The visa is called a "short-term study visa" and costs £186 (€210) for a period of 11 months.
To obtain this visa, the student must enrol in a school with a minimum of 15 hours of English courses per week and pay the full fee. The school will then provide a letter to prove enrolment in a UK course to support the application for the document.
UK and covid
Health situation in England
Since May 17th, several health restrictions have been lifted. In particular, it is possible to group up to 6 people indoors, restaurants, cinemas and museums have reopened, but home office is still recommended.
However, entry into the country requires a 10-day quarantine in a hotel or at home. Travellers are required to undergo anti-covid testing on the second and eighth day after the quarantine period begins. During isolation, students attend classes online. Once the test results are negative, students can join the classroom language school.
List of documents
- Compelling reasons are required for certain categories of people coming to France from the UK (Attestation on the Ministry of the Interior website). The compelling reasons document is simply an undertaking on honour to attest to no symptoms of covid.
- A PCR or antigen test less than 48 hours old is required - provided that it meets a specificity threshold of 97% and a sensitivity threshold of 80%.
Whether it is a PCR or antigenic test, the results must include the following information
name, which must be identical to the name on the travel documents
- date of birth or age;
- the test result;
- the date the sample was taken or received by the test centre;
- the name of the testing centre and its contact details;
- the name of the test used
For the return to France, as an example, the traveller must isolate himself for 7 days and then repeat a PCR test at the end of this isolation.
Things to remember
The Brexit does not slow down travel to England, as Europeans do not need a visa for a stay of less than 6 months. And as far as covid is concerned, travelling to England is largely possible, provided that you have a 10-day quarantine on entry, a negative test and a declaration on your honour.
In case of changes, please find all the official information on the website of the Foreign Travel Advice by England.
