Travelling during studies as an international student

Travelling during term time

You do not need to tell us if you will be outside the UK at weekends.

Read the University’s location of studies policy to know your responsibilities as changing your location of studies can cause you to lose your visa if you don't follow the formal approval process.

Travelling when it’s not term time 

You can enter the UK using your visa as long as it is valid. You do not need to tell us you will be outside the UK during University vacation periods.

Your student visa is for the UK only. You must have the appropriate permission to enter the country you are visiting. 

Before you travel

• Check: 
• • your passport won't expire while you are outside the UK. If it will, apply for a new one with plenty of time before your trip.
  • your UK visa won’t expire while you are outside the UK.
  • if you will need a visa to travel to the country you want to visit. Contact their embassy to ask for advice.
• If you are travelling in the Schengen area, apply for a Schengen visa from the country you plan to spend most time in, or the country you will go to first.
• If you will be outside the UK during term time, read the University’s location of studies policy to understand your responsibilities. Changing your location of studies can cause you to lose your visa.
• If you plan to travel outside the UK, consider buying travel insurance. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge only covers you for NHS treatment in the UK.

Returning to the UK

You may wish to carry a current student status letter and present your passport and visa when asked. You can print your student status letter from MySaint. 

Always keep your passport and visa secure.  

Lost documents

If you lose your passport while outside the UK, contact your embassy to get advice on how to get an emergency travel document.

If you lose your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) while outside the UK, you will need to apply for a single entry visa to return to the UK. To apply for a replacement BRP you must be in the UK.  

Flying inside the UK

Some airlines accept photo driving licences and other forms of ID for domestic flights. However, many don’t so check UK Civil Aviation Authority documentation advice and your airline’s website when you book your flights. 

Driving in the UK

If your driving licence was not issued in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, visit the UK government's website to check if you can use your licence to drive in the UK. You may be allowed to drive for a limited amount of time only.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has more advice for international drivers.