If you are studying on a UK Student Visa, and want to travel abroad either during vacations or even during your studies, it's not a big deal. UK visas allow visa holders to travel visa-free in multiple countries of the region. But for this purpose, you need to consider all the policies and requirements for moving to another country as there are limitations and additional visas that you may require for travelling to another country.

The best way to travel abroad on a study visa is to adjust the schedule so that you don't have to skip any classes as your low attendance can impact your visa because of regular monitoring. But, in case when you have to travel on an urgent basis, during your academic year, you must inform Visa Compliance and your tutor.

Which countries can you visit with a UK student visa?

Multiple UK visas offer a visa-free trip to various countries. Tier 4 student visa also allows overseas students to travel across the UK without further needing another visa specific to that country. In addition to Schengen countries, you can travel to these countries;

• Schengen countries
• European countries 
• Caribbean, North, Central, and South American countries
• Asia and Middle Eastern countries 

Countries in the Schengen space

Schengen area:

The Schengen area is an area in Europe, comprising 26 countries that have officially abolished all the passports and other border requirements for their mutual borders to make travel across each country passport or visa-free. 

Important Points;

• If you are studying in the UK and want to travel to Schengen space, you have to check whether your country of origin is listed among the countries that can visit Schengen countries without a separate visa or not.
• If your country is among visa-free countries, you can surely travel to Schengen countries on a UK study visa. If not, then you will have to apply for a Schengen visa and you can travel to all 26 countries on a single visa.

The 26 countries in the Schengen space include; Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

European countries you can visit on a UK study visa

The countries present in Europe that you can visit without a separate visa for each country include;

Albania, Georgia, Gibraltar (British territory), Ireland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey

Caribbean, North, central, and south American countries

Other countries that you can travel to on a study visa for UK are Mexico, Anguilla, Panama, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Peru, Bermuda (British territory), Bonair (Dutch territory), British virgin islands (British territory), Cayman Islands (British territory), Dominican Republic, Curacao, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos (British territory, Costa Rica.

Other Places to Travel 

Being present in the UK, on a UK student visa, you can surely visit all parts of the United Kingdom including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Also, the Isles of Man and the Channel Islands (British Crown Dependencies) can be visited on this visa. 
 

Eligibility Criteria for Travelling Abroad on a UK Student Visa

You are eligible for visa-free trips to several countries when you have;

• A passport and BRP valid for at least three months after the expiry date of your visa
• Two empty pages in your passport for visa affixation 

Required Documents 

You must have a specific Visa and other documents to travel abroad. Documents requirement depends upon the locality you want to visit, either inside the UK, outside the UK, or within Schengen space. General Documents include;

• A Passport
• Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Police Registration Form 
• A Complete Application
• Enrollment Letter
• CAS Email
• A Bank Statement

Losing your travel documents could prevent or delay your ability to return to the UK, which could have an effect on your academic career. We advise that you keep a copy of your passport and immigration documents on hand as backups in addition to keeping your originals safe while visiting abroad.

Whether you want to travel within the UK or outside the UK, you need a Visa Letter. You can request this letter to travel abroad while studying. Sussex issues this letter; it supports your application. Make sure that you have mentioned the reason for travelling in this letter.

How to Apply to Travel Abroad on a UK Student Visa

To apply for a travel visit to any of the countries that you are allowed to visit on a study visa in the UK without further requirements of the visas; 

• Visit the official website of the UK-based embassy of that country
• Try to contact them via email or phone number provided on the website

To learn more about the eligibility criteria, fees, application process, and required documents, go to the website of the relevant country's embassy in the United Kingdom. You must complete an application depending on the country you intend to visit. The majority of embassies use outside organizations to handle visa processing. Some might require extra fees.

You can study in the UK and travel via this Visa to various countries without a need for a visa application. You have to move ahead by considering your choice and time. Visiting a travel destination lets you learn more about cultural and geographical diversity. You would be able to relate with the people living in different parts of the country. 

FAQs

Can you leave the country on a student visa?

According to the Home Office, you can travel abroad on a student visa (UK) if you have fulfilled all course-related requirements. As student visas have certain requirements, such as course completion or attendance percentage, that need to be fulfilled.

Once you are done with them, you are free to travel abroad. However, at the UK border, you can be inquired about various things i.e; the purpose of the visit, that you should answer honestly.

Can I travel around Europe on a UK student visa?

Yes, various UK visas including student visa, visit visa, family visa, transit visa, residence visa, and work visa allows you to visit Europe.

Can I go to Paris on a UK student visa?

As Paris is a part of Schengen space, travelling there being present in the UK on a student visa, depends upon the original nationality you hold. If the country of your origin is included in the visa-free country for Schengen space, then you can visit Paris. 

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