As you make plans for the spring vacation, ensure you weigh all international travel plans against any potential risks, delays or flight disruption resulting from the current conflict in the Middle East. Keep in mind that the situation is impacting multiple destinations beyond the Middle East due to regional airspace restrictions.

You should check the latest travel Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice by checking the government website before any international travel. Please note that the guidance warns against all but essential travel to much of the Middle East at this time.

Student visa holders

If you are a student visa holder, please be particularly cautious around any international travel that may impact your ability to return to the UK for any reason. Make sure you consider your travel plans alongside the following risks:

• Absence limits: any absence from studies and/or absence from the UK must not exceed the permitted duration under the University of Nottingham’s UKVI Academic Engagement Monitoring Code of Practice (section 12).
• Sponsorship: any extended absence may result in the university being unable to maintain immigration sponsorship.
• Academic impact: remote study on a student visa is not permitted. There are currently no UKVI concessions around permitted absence or remote study related to any world event.

What to do if you choose to travel, but cannot return to the UK by Monday 27 April 2026

Student visa holders should inform the Visa and Immigration Team and should also inform your academic school or department.

For support, wellbeing advice and guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Support and Wellbeing Team.

We wish all students a safe and enjoyable spring vacation.