Stay safe and healthy abroad

Our school groups’ health and safety are our number one priority. As such, we support the Travel Aware campaign, which provides Group Leaders and their students with information and additional guidance while abroad.

Follow this guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to ensure your school trip runs smoothly.

Travel aware

Guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Essentials

  • Travel insurance: Take out travel insurance and arrange comprehensive cover for all planned activities.
  • GHIC card (for EU travel): Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and understand what it covers (this does not replace travel insurance).
  • Passport and visas: Check passport validity, complete emergency contact details, and ensure any required visas are in place.
  • Money: Take sufficient funds and have access to emergency money.

Important documents

  • Make copies of passports, insurance and key documents; store them securely (digital and/or physical).
  • Keep documents safe while travelling.

Health and safety

  • Vaccinations: Check medical requirements and visit a travel clinic if needed – see TravelHealthPro.
  • Local guidance: Review laws, customs and entry requirements for your destination via FCDO foreign travel advice.
  • Emergency contacts: Share your itinerary with colleagues or family and leave emergency details.
  • Consular support: Keep details of the nearest British embassy or consulate – find them on UK embassies worldwide.
  • Know support limits: Understand what help is available from consular staff via support for British nationals abroad.
Travel with peace of mind

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

On 12th October 2025, the European Union introduced a new digital border system that changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.

  • If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive.
  • You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.
  • After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. 
  • EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.

You can find out more about the EU Entry/Exit System on the Government’s website

Applying for an ESTA

For information about applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) for travel to and via the United States, please check the following:

If you have any questions or need further advice, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

Need help planning your ski trip?

If you have any questions or need help planning your school ski trip, call us on 01273 244570 or request a quote below.

Request a quote
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From planning to packing,
your group travel questions, answered

View all FAQs

Yes. Adequate travel insurance is compulsory for all SkiBound travellers. If insurance is not included in your package, we will require your policy details before departure. Your ski trip consultant can also advise on adding insurance to your booking if needed.

Travellers only need to apply for a UK GHIC once their EHIC expires. Both provide the same level of cover and UK GHIC  is free and lasts for up to 5 years.

From 12 October 2025, EES introduced biometric checks (facial image and fingerprints) at EU borders, replacing passport stamping for non-EU travellers.

The EES officially became fully operational and active across all 29 participating European countries on 10th April 2026. Please check EES and the FCDO advice for your destination, and speak to your ski trip coordinator if you have any questions.

ESTAs should be applied for in advance of travel. Please note that not all nationalities are eligible for an ESTA and may require a visa to enter or transit through the USA.

Entry requirements vary depending on nationality. Travellers should check the rules for their destination and also confirm re‑entry requirements for the UK on the UK Government website.

Passport requirements depend on your destination. British passport holders should check the relevant FCDO guidance. Other passport holders will need to confirm requirements with the appropriate embassy.

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