We are all aware of the major changes that go along with the UK’s exit out of the European Union. Brexit has shocked politics and the economy, but also raised many questions regarding new requirements and regulations. What might be of interest for many people is the new entry criteria for people wanting to travel to the UK. This article will give you an overview of what you need to consider when travelling to the UK.
From 1st of January 2021, the UK is now known as a third country of the European Union. A third country is a country that is not party to an international treaty, like the European Union.
What Does That Mean for My Travel Plans to the UK?
As of 1st January 2021, as an Eu-citizen you are still entitled to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for a vacation or short trip without a visa. Until 1st of October 2021, you are required to have a valid visa or Right of Residence. From 1st of October 2021 onwards, as an EU citizen a passport is required in all cases when entering the UK. Also, children and teenagers undertaking a language course in the UK are obliged to hold a passport. The regulation to travel with just an ID alone is not allowed anymore, since the country is no longer part of the EU.
In order to work or study in the UK, you need to meet certain conditions, as of 1st January 2021. You can find out more about the new points-based immigration system here.
The government of the UK is working on the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to ensure to permit the arrival of entrants who already have permission to travel to the UK.
What Does That Mean for My Internship in England?
An internship in the UK is of course still possible for all EU citizens and you will still receive Erasmus+ funding for your internship. However, please note that due to Brexit, a visa for your internship is now required. Please bear in mind that the visa application process can take up to two months, so we advise applying in plenty of time. Due to the visa application process, we recommend submitting the completed application for Erasmus+ funding 3 months before the start of the internship, at the latest. The required visa is called a Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5). For application, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship of the British Council, which is a reference number that is valid for 3 months upon issuance. You can apply for your visa online (once you have received your Certificate of Sponsorship). In addition to the visa, you are obligated to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge, for receiving access to the public health system of the UK. A reimbursement of the fee will be possible in 2022 upon presentation of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Besides the new entry regulations and work visa requirements of the UK due to Brexit, we also want to stress that you don’t forget to check the validity of your passport and renew it in time, so as not to interfere with your Erasmus+ travel plans.
Travelling to Austria
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Austria has developed a contact-tracing Scheme, so if you decide to travel to Austria make sure to fill out the Pre-Travel-Clearance-Form. We have also collected equal information for many other countries, so if you need information regarding entry regulations during the pandemic, feel free to contact us.
If you are unsure whether you will still receive funding for your future internship abroad, we have great news: The Turing Scheme was developed to support UK students’ internships. Read our blog BREXIT – What’s New for You? The Turing Scheme to find out more about this new programme.
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