THIS INFORMATION IS A GUIDE ONLY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
This information has been compiled as a guide only. Information and rules continue to change regularly - always verify the latest information directly from the UK Government - www.gov.uk/transition
Last updated - 30/07/20
CHECK IF YOU NEED A VISA
Government Guidance:
If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
If you are attending for the period of the course only, it is likely that no visa is required - however check that you comply with the maximum stay restrictions above. If you are travelling within France/EU before or after the course, or you have recently returned from other holidays within the EU, check that your visit will not exceed the 90-in-180-day rule above. As Flutes du Soleil is a 'music holiday', is not delivered by a further/higher education institution, nor does it lead to a professional qualification, we do not anticipate that this will be considered as 'study' under the visa rules. We will update you if this situation changes,
If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
If you are attending for the period of the course only, it is likely that no visa is required - however check that you comply with the maximum stay restrictions above. If you are travelling within France/EU before or after the course, or you have recently returned from other holidays within the EU, check that your visit will not exceed the 90-in-180-day rule above. As Flutes du Soleil is a 'music holiday', is not delivered by a further/higher education institution, nor does it lead to a professional qualification, we do not anticipate that this will be considered as 'study' under the visa rules. We will update you if this situation changes,
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT
Government Guidance:
You should have at least 6 months left on your UK passport and it needs to be less than 10 years old, or you may not be able to travel. If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.
(Source: gov.uk).
How this affects you:
Your passport will need to valid until at least the end of January 2022 for entry into the EU for Flutes du Soleil, and your passport must be less than 10 years old.
You should have at least 6 months left on your UK passport and it needs to be less than 10 years old, or you may not be able to travel. If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.
(Source: gov.uk).
How this affects you:
Your passport will need to valid until at least the end of January 2022 for entry into the EU for Flutes du Soleil, and your passport must be less than 10 years old.
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE
Government Guidance:
You may not have access to free emergency medical treatment and could be charged for your healthcare if you do not get health cover with your travel insurance. (Source: gov.uk).
How this affects you:
As you are likely to no longer be entitled to free healthcare through the EHIC card scheme, it is essential that you have robust travel insurance that will cover you in the event you need medical attention, repatriation or you have to abandon your trip. The cheapest insurance is not always the best, but read the guidance below from the UK Government about selecting the best policy.
You may not have access to free emergency medical treatment and could be charged for your healthcare if you do not get health cover with your travel insurance. (Source: gov.uk).
How this affects you:
As you are likely to no longer be entitled to free healthcare through the EHIC card scheme, it is essential that you have robust travel insurance that will cover you in the event you need medical attention, repatriation or you have to abandon your trip. The cheapest insurance is not always the best, but read the guidance below from the UK Government about selecting the best policy.
CHECK YOUR MOBILE PHONE ROAMING ARRANGEMENTS
Government Guidance:
From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
The chalet has Wi-Fi which will allow you to use services like Facebook, Whatsapp and Facetime free of charge when in the course chalet. However, you may not be able, or may need to pay extra, to access data and phone services outside the chalet. Please check with your provider what options are available before you travel. Coordinating your arrival, or contacting you in an emergency may be more difficult without a working mobile phone. Remember that although the course is in France, you will arrive into Switzerland, so ensure that your phone service will work in both countries.
From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
The chalet has Wi-Fi which will allow you to use services like Facebook, Whatsapp and Facetime free of charge when in the course chalet. However, you may not be able, or may need to pay extra, to access data and phone services outside the chalet. Please check with your provider what options are available before you travel. Coordinating your arrival, or contacting you in an emergency may be more difficult without a working mobile phone. Remember that although the course is in France, you will arrive into Switzerland, so ensure that your phone service will work in both countries.
CHECK WHAT YOU NEED AT BORDER CONTROL
Government Guidance:
You may need to show your return ticket and money (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
You may need to have your return flight details available for border officers to view, and you may have to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. You will also no longer be able to use the EU passport lane at passport control.
You may need to show your return ticket and money (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
You may need to have your return flight details available for border officers to view, and you may have to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. You will also no longer be able to use the EU passport lane at passport control.
CHECK THAT YOU HAVE THE CORRECT DRIVING DOCUMENTS
Government Guidance:
You could get a fine or your vehicle could be seized if you drive without the correct documents. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
If you are driving only - there are likely to be a number of additional rules, or documents that you must carry, depending on which countries you are driving through. This information is still to be fully confirmed by the Government, but you may be required to carry an International Driving Permit in addition to your driving license, and if you are using your own car you may need to carry your V5C vehicle logbook, carry an insurance 'green card', and have a GB sticker displayed on your car. Click below to find out specific information.
You could get a fine or your vehicle could be seized if you drive without the correct documents. (Source: gov.uk)
How this affects you:
If you are driving only - there are likely to be a number of additional rules, or documents that you must carry, depending on which countries you are driving through. This information is still to be fully confirmed by the Government, but you may be required to carry an International Driving Permit in addition to your driving license, and if you are using your own car you may need to carry your V5C vehicle logbook, carry an insurance 'green card', and have a GB sticker displayed on your car. Click below to find out specific information.