***Warning*** Students must check the entry requirements of their host country at an official source such as an embassy or consulate.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provide country specific travel advice. Please visit: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please click on the following links to navigate to the embassy / consulate advice of each country: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, China, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Spain*, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and USA.
*24/09/2021: Please note, Spanish visa application previously had be made to the consulate area in which you reside. The Spanish consulate have indicated that this may change. Please check on the Embassy above for confirmation. A map of the demarcation areas of the London, Manchester and Edinburgh can be accessed here: MAPA Demarcaciones consulares en RU.pdf (exteriores.gob.es).
Emergency slides: Safety and Emergencies
Universities UK International commissioned legal advice on the immigration rules for UK students and researchers in each of the EU 27 Member States, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland from 1 January 2021 onwards. This Excel matrix aims to help navigate EU immigration requirements.
The Spanish Consul provided guidance some additional updates to help students understand the requirements for their visa applications. Please click on the following link to access a doc version of the update: Spanish Consular Update Sept 2021 (last updated 22/09/2021)
In addition, Universities UK International sends updates about entry suggestions. Please see the updates below.
The British Council has recently updated their web pages with some information regarding students travelling to Spain as a tourist while waiting for the visa to be processed. They give details that students have two options:
Further clarification has been provided from the Spanish Consulate on queries which members have raised with us. Please see responses below:
Spain
On 31 August, Vivienne Stern, Director UUKi, received a response to her second letter to the Spanish Consul General. Yesterday, Celia Partridge, Assistant Director, Partnerships and Mobility, met with the Education Attaché and an adviser for further clarification.
The 31 August reply from the Consul General states: “The Spanish law establishes different procedures to regularize a stay in Spain that fall within the scope of the Ministry of the Interior. UK students are nevertheless advised to apply for a student visa before travelling as the "Oficinas de Extranjería" in the main cities are extremely busy and it is very difficult to obtain an appointment.”
The Education Attaché has subsequently confirmed that, as the letter suggests, switching from tourist to student status in country is a legal route, but inadvisable, as if the student doesn’t obtain their student visa within the 90 days they would have to leave and would not be allowed to return. Students who choose to take this route should discuss their options carefully and be aware of any potential consequences, for example, insurance status.
Some UK universities have been told by their Spanish university partners that their students could not arrive late. However, the letter states: “On the other hand, rest assured that university admissions in Spain will not be affected in case of a late arrival.”
The Consul General’s reply also states: “The Spanish Consulate in London is in fact accepting travel insurances issued by UK universities, provided they are accompanied by a UK Global Health Insurance Card, which is free and easy to obtain. Please, be aware that UK students are not going to Spain as tourists, and they need additional medical coverage.”
As we (the UUKi) have received reports that there are delays with processing GHIC cards, we have asked the Embassy if this requirement could be relaxed for the purposes of obtaining the visa, although of course students will still need to have both. We will update you when we receive a reply.
GERMANY
The British Council has confirmed they have heard from DAAD that it is €20 cheaper for students to obtain a visa rather than a residence permit, but more importantly allows the student to work immediately.
DAAD have also confirmed to the British Council that that the student must be able to demonstrate having access to c.€10,000 for the year/12 months, but this can be in the form of proof of a student loan, Erasmus+ grant agreement, Turing funding or a bank statement, showing sufficient funds.
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