Visa support
and ETAs

Visas and ETAs for English study in the UK

Some people may need a visa to join our residential English summer camp. This depends on your nationality. A visa gives a traveller permission to enter a country, typically for a specific length of time.

If you don't need a visa to visit the UK, you'll need an ETA - an Electronic Travel Authorisation - see below. You will need either a visa or an ETA - not both.

You don't need a visa to attend English Country Schools if you are from an EU or EEA country, or if you are from any other country on the ‘non visa national’ list, but if you are from a 'visa free' country you will need an ETA.

Some countries from outside the European Union do need a visa to study in the UK. In this case you need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travel. International students can study in the UK for up to six months as a visitor.

Obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the parent or guardian but we are happy to help however we can. For example, if you require a letter confirming your course booking, we can provide this for you.

Whether you need a visa or an ETA, you should apply for these in good time before visiting the UK. Visas can be requested about 12 weeks before visiting, ETAs are a simple online process taking around 48 hours.

ETA - Electronic Travel Authorisation

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new online system that gives visitors from visa-free countries permission to enter the UK for things like tourism, business, or short courses such as those at English Country Schools (ECS). The UK government created the ETA to make travel more secure and check-in smoother. It lets border officials know who’s coming in advance.

Who Needs an ETA?

If you’re from a visa-free country (like EU nations, the USA, or many Gulf states), you’ll need an ETA to attend a course at ECS. Check your country’s status on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/eta

Cost and Validity

An ETA costs £16 and is valid for multiple trips over two years, as long as your passport details don’t change.

How to Apply

  1. Go to the UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
  2. Fill in your personal and travel details
  3. Pay online (£16)
  4. Submit your application

It’s all online—no paperwork needed.

How Long Does It Take?

Most applications are processed in 48 to 72 hours, but apply at least a week before you travel to be safe.

After Approval

Your child’s ETA is linked to their passport, which must be presented at UK passport control on arrival.

Tip: Make sure both your child’s passport and ETA are valid before they travel. Always check the latest guidance on the UK Government website and apply early!

When you’re coming to English Country Schools, getting your ETA is a simple step toward a smooth trip. 

Do I need a visa or ETA to attend an English language summer camp in the UK?

You do not need a visa to attend an English summer school in England if you are from an EU country, an EEA country, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the USA and several other countries. 

If your child requires a visa, you should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This costs GBP 95 and permits entry to the UK for study up to six months.

If you do not need a visa to visit the UK, you will still need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) see above.

Please note! The advice given on this webpage is our understanding of the visa and ETA arrangements for children wishing to visit the UK for a short period of study at the time of writing.

This advice is offered in good faith but you should also check with the appropriate authorities. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the above advice or accept any liability if you choose to act on the advice.

Can ECS help me obtain my visa?

We cannot apply for a visa for a pupil, but we can send you a Letter of Confirmation once we receive your booking and deposit. This will contain:

  • The full name and date of birth of the child, with passport number if provided.
  • The start and finish dates of the course
  • The full address of the school where your child will be staying.
  • Confirmation that the course fees include airport transfers, full residential accommodation, travel and medical insurance, 15 hours of English lessons per week and an activity programme.
  • Confirmation that English Country Schools has government-approved accreditation for English language teaching.

Request a Letter of Confirmation from ECS.

When to apply for a visa or ETA

You will need one or the other - not both - to attend English Country Schools.

The earliest you can apply for a visa is three months before the date of travel. Visa applications can take several weeks to process and longer to correct mistakes. If your child requires a visa you are advised to apply as soon as permitted: Find more information on the English UK visa advice page

Applying for an ETA is a simple online process: see above. ETAs take 48 - 72 hours to process: Find more information on ETAs here