Travel documents

If you are an international student, make sure you have your documents ready before you travel to the UK. You should only enter the UK from your visa validity start date

Student visa: Travelling to the UK

You must enter the UK on or after the start date shown on your Student visa.

Please check your visa documents carefully before booking travel to ensure you arrive in the UK at the appropriate time.  

If you enter the UK before your visa start date, your student visa will not be activated and you will not be permitted to begin your studies. You would need to leave the UK (and Common Travel Area) and re-enter on or after your visa start date to properly activate your visa. 

Documents checklist

  • Passport (proof of identity for all circumstances)
  • Study visa (to be checked at a UK airport)
  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - required for visiting students from certain countries
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate (if applicable to your home country, you must carry in hand luggage)
  • Driving licence (additional proof of identity, if you have one)
  • At least a three month supply of prescribed medication and an explanation letter - written in English from your doctor (for GP registration)
  • Letter evidence of a disability, learning difference, health or neurodiverse condition - written in English within the last 6 months by a medical professional, outlining how it may affect your learning
  • Cash (in case of any delays with opening a bank account, recommended no more than £1000.00)

Important evidence of entry to the UK: You should keep your boarding pass(es) or travel itinerary in a safe place, as proof of the date you arrived in the UK as you may have to evidence this

Travel safety tips

  • Keep a photocopy or scan of your passport and any visa stamps in case it gets lost
  • NEVER carry large amounts of cash, and keep any money that you do carry hidden in a secure place on your person
  • Don’t put cash or other valuables in your check-in luggage
  • Label your luggage clearly so that it can be sent to you if it gets lost
  • If you are travelling on your own and you need to sleep, try using your hand luggage as a pillow so you will wake if anyone tries to tamper with it
  • Use padlocks to lock the zips on your bags and cases

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