The University and Europe

Leaving and re-entering the UK

Information and guidance for staff around leaving and re-entering the UK from 1 July 2021.

(Updated 14 September 2021) 

You will be able to leave and re-enter the UK as you do now, i.e. using a valid passport or national identity card if you have:

  • a status through the EU Settlement Scheme, eg settled or pre-settled status or
  • a visa through the immigration system

If you have pre-settled/settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme you will be able to use your national identity card to enter the UK until at least December 2025.

If you do not have a status through the EU Settlement Scheme you will not be able to use your national identity card after 1 October 2021.  You will then need to present a current passport, i.e. in date. 

If you have a biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or digital passport), i.e. one with a small camera logo on the front cover, you will be able to use the ePassport gates to pass through UK border control.

Non-EEA/Swiss close family members of EEA/Swiss citizens

When you re-enter the UK, you will need to have and provide evidence that you hold:

  • pre-settled/settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme or;
  • a visa obtained through the UK immigration system.

If you were living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you were advised to make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme,  before travelling outside the UK.

If you are from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore,  South Korea or the United States of America and have a biometric passport (also known as an e-passport or digital passport), i.e. one with a small camera logo on the front cover, you will be able to use the ePassport gates to pass through UK border control. 

More information:

Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen

You are advised to keep up to date with information on this website and sign up for relevant updates.

UK citizens

You will be able to travel to any of the EU/EEA countries – and Switzerland, but you may need to do some extra things before you travel. 

European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) will be valid if you are travelling to an EU country. Your UK passport will enable you to get the necessary healthcare in Norway. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance when travelling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Further information - including the requirement to have at least six months remaining on your passport before it expires and needs to be renewed – and what you may need if you intend to drive abroad is provided below.  You are advised to keep up to date with information on this website and sign up for relevant updates:

Visiting the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Travel insurance for visiting the EU after 31 December 2020

Information on travel insurance for University business:

Travel insurance

You can also contact the Insurance Department for specific advice:

finance.helpline@ed.ac.uk