Changes to travel document requirements for school groups visiting the UK from France, have been welcomed by Brittany Ferries today.

James Cleverly home office minister announced the changes in a statement to the House on 7th December 2023. Passports will no longer be a requirement for travel: French students under 18 years of age will be able to come to the UK on an ID card.

In 2023 Brittany Ferries carried just 41,061 French children on school trips – a fall of 55 per cent following the introduction of new post-Brexit border controls in 2021 (in 2019 91,764 were carried).

Mr Cleverly’s statement said:
“We are making changes to allow children aged 18 and under, studying at a school in France, to visit the UK on an organised educational trip without the usual passport or visit visa requirements. EU, other EEA and Swiss national children will be able to travel on their national identity card.”

Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries’ CEO added:
“This is excellent news for Brittany Ferries because cultural exchanges are part of our DNA. The changes to the rules remove a barrier to travel, making it easier for students to develop and grow. We are delighted that this change will come into effect before the end of 31 January 2024, in time for the Easter and summer seasons next year.”