Guidance for International Schools

International delegations should begin planning as early as possible. Schools should confirm their conference registration, travel dates, accommodation, student supervision arrangements, medical information, and emergency contacts before arriving in London. As part of the registration process, we may ask you to provide more information about your school and students than usual.

We recommend that all visiting schools prepare a full travel plan in advance, including arrival and departure details, accommodation information, transport arrangements, student permissions, and contact details for accompanying staff.

Most visitors to the United Kingdom require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as an ETA, or a visa before travelling. What your delegation needs will depend on each traveller’s nationality, passport, and where you are coming from.

An ETA allows eligible visitors to travel to the UK for short stays of up to 6 months and costs around £20 per person. Some visitors will instead need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling. Schools should check the latest official UK Government guidance before making travel plans: GOV.UK ETA guidance⁠ and GOV.UK Standard Visitor visa guidance⁠.

HalcyonMUN cannot provide immigration or legal advice. All schools, delegates, staff members, and families are responsible for ensuring they meet the correct UK entry requirements before travelling. Teachers should ensure their students are eligible for travel to the UK. We will not provide refunds if students are unable to travel.

Schools should prepare written parental or guardian consent where required, as well as emergency contact details, medical information, insurance documents, and clear supervision arrangements for the full duration of the trip. UK Government guidance states that under-18 visitors should have suitable travel and stay arrangements, and may need written consent if travelling without a parent or guardian. Further information is available from GOV.UK under-18 visitor guidance⁠.

Visiting schools remain responsible for safeguarding, supervision, conduct, medical needs, insurance, and student welfare throughout their time in the UK. We are not responsible for student welfare outside of event hours.

Where possible, the HalcyonMUN team can help international delegations identify suitable accommodation near the conference venue or within convenient travelling distance.

Our team may be able to recommend local hotels, student-friendly accommodation options, or group booking opportunities. In some cases, we may also be able to help schools access local deals or discounted rates. These offers are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

Final accommodation decisions, bookings, payments, safeguarding checks, and suitability assessments remain the responsibility of each visiting school.

London has an extensive public transport network, including the Underground, buses, trains, and taxis. International delegations should plan their journeys in advance, especially when travelling as a school group.

Our team can provide guidance on travelling from major London airports and train stations, as well as advice on reaching the conference venue from your accommodation and how to purchase travel cards. Schools should allow extra travel time during busy periods, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Once final timings are confirmed, delegations should review their daily travel plans carefully to ensure students arrive safely and on time.

For schools extending their stay, HalcyonMUN can help suggest itineraries that allow delegations to make the most of their time in the UK and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry our city has to offer.

Depending on your delegation’s interests, we can suggest activities connected to diplomacy, politics, history, culture, theatre, universities, and London life. Possible itinerary ideas may include visits to Westminster, Parliament, museums, historic sites, West End theatre, academic institutions, cultural attractions, and group-friendly food locations.

Where available, our team may also be able to help identify discounts on local tours, attractions, or restaurants. These opportunities depend on availability and cannot be guaranteed, but we will always do our best to support visiting schools.