Brexit Guidance for University of Manchester Students (UK Nationals) Participating in a European Placement

This guidance is intended to support students undertaking European placements in 2020/21 to understand any changes which may follow the end of the Brexit transition period on 31^st December 2020 and also to provide information and guidance to students currently considering or preparing for a European placement in 2021/22.

The key points which you will need to consider are all highlighted on this page. However, full and comprehensive information on all aspects of moving to your host country can be found in the UK government ‘Living in’ guides. We would strongly recommend that you sign up to receive email updates on changes to the ‘Living In’ guide for your host country for any updates to the information provided there. Links to the ‘Living In’ guides are included at the end of this page.

Key Considerations

Immigration Status – Passports, Visas and Residency

If you are a UK national, please check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice regarding immigration status and passport validity for your host country. This can be found in the Passports and travel and Visas and Residency sections of the ‘Living In’ guides. Work placement students should also refer to the ‘Working In’ section. Read the guidance carefully and make sure you understand whether you need to take any actions to protect your immigration status (for students abroad prior to 31^st December 2020) or to enter the country (for those arriving from 1 January 2021 onwards). You should also check that your passport remains valid for travel within the EU

You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling from 1 January 2021.

On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:

• have at least 6 months left
• be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

You can use this online checker tool to see if your passport will remain valid: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe-1-january-2021

[Please be aware that immigration advising is complex and requires specific training – if you need further guidance or have concerns relating to your immigration status you should seek guidance from the local authorities in your host country, the British Embassy in your host country and/or the relevant Embassy/Consulate here in the UK.  The FCDO webpages also provide some useful links.]

Healthcare and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC)

Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) have replaced the EHICs for travel to EU countries (not including Norway Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland). 

This will give you the rights to access state-provided healthcare during your stay. For full information, including how to apply for an GHIC, please click here.

Each country's healthcare system is slightly different, for more information on what is covered, see this guide to healthcare in the EU and this guide to healthcare in the different EU countries.

The University of Manchester Travel Insurance for Emergencies will remain valid for the duration of your placement.  This will provide cover for any unexpected medical situation, for example, if you need to see a doctor because you have a chest infection or you twist your ankle or for a serious accident.  You are not covered for routine check-ups or ongoing medication for a pre-existing condition etc, but any emergency relating to a pre-existing condition will be covered unless you travelled against medical advice.  

If you have a pre-existing condition that requires ongoing treatment it is very important that you discuss with those providing your healthcare in your host country the likely costs, possible health insurance options etc. 

Useful links:

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/healthcare-when-travelling-abroad/ - you can access NHS guidance by country via this link

http://www.goabroad.manchester.ac.uk/emergencies-and-insurance/insurance/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

Funding and Finance

Erasmus

For 2020/21, Erasmus funding has been secured so all eligible, approved placements will be fully funded. Please note that as previously this remains conditional on complying with all compulsory Erasmus requirements e.g. timely submission of Learning Agreement, Certificate of Arrival etc. 

For 2021/22, Erasmus funding has been secured up to the end of May 2022. Any eligible, approved placement activity which will be completed before the end of May 2022 will be fully funded. Any activity which goes beyond the end of May 2022 will be funded up to 31 May. Any remaining months/days will not be fundable. Please note that as previously this remains conditional on complying with all compulsory Erasmus requirements e.g. timely submission of Learning Agreement, Certificate of Arrival etc. 

Banking

Banking charges associated with the use of UK credit and debit cards and the rules associated with any bank accounts that you have set-up in your host country may change.  Make sure that you check with your bank(s) and card providers so that you don’t incur any unexpected costs. 

Mobile phones

From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end.

Check with your phone operator to find out about any roaming charges you might get from 1 January 2021.

A new law means that you’re protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without you knowing.

Once you reach £45, you need to opt in to spend more so that you can continue using the internet while you’re abroad. Your phone operator will tell how you can do this.

‘Living in’ Guides

Use the links below to access the guide for each country. Please do read through these carefully to understand what requirements have already been confirmed and any actions you may need to take. The ‘Stay up to date’ section near the beginning of each guide includes a link which you can use to sign up to receive email alerts when any changes are made to the guide. We would strongly recommend that you sign up for these alerts so that you are aware of any changes to the current guidance as soon as these are announced which will then give you as much time as possible time to take any action required.