How your participants enter the UK
UK placements used to mean a visa conversation. From 8 October 2026 they mostly don't. Here's what changed, and what it means for your mobility.
What changed
The UK Immigration Rules were amended by Statement of Changes HC 584, laid before Parliament on 3 September 2026 and in force from 8 October 2026. For the first time, Appendix Visitor names Erasmus+ activities explicitly.
That means most Erasmus+ participants travelling from Europe can now come to the UK as visitors, with an Electronic Travel Authorisation, for activities that previously sat in a grey area.
What's permitted on a visitor entry
Training
Provide or receive training at a UK organisation or educational institution — for participants employed by, or working with, an overseas organisation taking part in Erasmus+, or who are youth workers under the programme. The role cannot be a permanent one.
Courses
Take part in a course of study provided by an Accredited Institution participating in Erasmus+. English language training must always be at an accredited institution, however short the course.
Traineeships
Undertake a traineeship of up to 30 days at a UK organisation or educational institution — available to participants aged 18 or under. Working hours must comply with the UK Working Time Regulations.
Job shadowing
Undertake practical learning in the form of job shadowing at a UK organisation, including sports organisations.
Coaching assignments
Take part in coaching or training assignments at a UK sports organisation.
The ETA in practice
- Who needs one
- Every traveller, including children
- Cost
- £20
- Validity
- Two years, or until the passport expires
- Each stay
- Up to six months
- When to apply
- Before travel — the Home Office advises allowing at least three working days
- What it does
- Authorises travel to the UK. Permission to enter is granted at the border
- Who arranges it
- The sending organisation, before departure
- Erasmus+ funding
- Reimbursable in full as an exceptional cost
If your participants are under 18
Participants under the age of 18 coming for a traineeship or job shadowing must provide written confirmation of permission from their parent or legal guardian, and from their home institution. We include both in the pre-departure pack.
Who needs the sponsored route
Two groups fall outside the visitor route: participants over 18 undertaking a traineeship, and anyone on a placement longer than 30 days, including ErasmusPro mobility. Both use the Erasmus+ scheme added to Appendix Government Authorised Exchange, which covers traineeships, teaching placements and training assignments for up to 12 months and is sponsored centrally by IRARA Services Ltd, appointed by the Department for Education. Talk to us before planning either, and we will confirm the current position.
What we provide
A pre-departure checklist
Every document each participant needs, in one place.
A manifest template
So you can confirm ETAs three weeks out and we can both see the gaps.
A host letter
Our letter of intent as your UK host organisation, for your application and for the border if asked.
Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. This is general information about UK entry requirements, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change; check the current position before travel, or talk to us.
Planning a UK mobility?
Tell us the activity and the dates, and we'll tell you which route applies.