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Visits abroad activities

9a.3.1.1 Definitions 
For members based in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man a Visit Abroad (VA) is defined as: 

Any visit outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man on an approved Scouts activity or travelling in the name of Scouts. This includes adult-only and recce visits. 

For members of British Scouting Overseas and our Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Gibraltar a Visit Abroad (VA) is defined as: 

Any visit to destination(s) beyond the country where their Group is registered on a recognised and approved Scouts activity or when travelling in the name of Scouts. This includes adult-only and recce visits. 

9a.3.1.2 GHIC cards 
All eligible members should carry a valid UK EHIC or GHIC card for travelling within many European Countries including the Republic of Ireland. UK GHIC cards are applied for through the NHS website.

9a.3.1.3 Compliance 
A camp or residential activity abroad which includes Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, or Explorers must follow the nights away rules in POR 9a.2, including POR 9a.2.2.1 and POR 9a.2.2.2. For Scout Network visits abroad see POR 9a.2.5.4. 

9a.3.1.4 Approval process 
All visits abroad must follow the Visits Abroad (VA) Process and must be signed at both part A & part B, before the visit leaves the country where their Group is registered, as below:  

  1. England:
    District or County Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the County Visits Abroad Recommender.
  2. Northern Ireland:
    District or Country Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Northern Ireland Visits Abroad Recommender.
  3. Scotland:
    District or Regional Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Regional Visits Abroad Recommender. 
  4. Wales:
    District or Area Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Area Visits Abroad Recommender.
  5. British Scouting Overseas:
    District or Area Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Area Visits Abroad Recommender.
  6. Overseas Territories:
    Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Visits Abroad Recommender.
  7. Country Headquarters: 
    Country Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the Country Visits Abroad Recommender.
  8. UK Headquarters:
    UK Visits Abroad Approver, based on the recommendation of the UK Visits Abroad Recommender.

The Approver and the Recommender must not be the same person. 

9a.3.1.5 Notification 
The Visits Abroad Recommender must complete the online VA notification form, to inform UK Headquarters of the trip.  

For additional guidance on Visits Abroad, and the Visits Abroad process, visit scouts.org.uk or contact your County Visits Abroad Recommender.

9a.3.1.6 Travel insurance 
The Leader in Charge of a visit abroad must ensure that adequate travel insurance is in place for all members of the party (POR 5g.4.1.2(j)).

9a.3.1.7 InTouch
The Leader in Charge must make sure that suitable InTouch arrangements are in place (POR 9a.1.1.2(h)) 

9a.3.1.8 Northern Ireland 
For Scouts in Northern Ireland travelling to the Republic of Ireland, additional travel insurance is not required for trips lasting 48 hours or less. However, if it is assessed that cover is required for emergency medical expenses, personal possessions, or cancellation, then travel insurance must be purchased.  

This rule applies only to travel insurance. All other Visits Abroad rules apply for Scouts in Northern Ireland travelling to the Republic of Ireland for any length of time. 

9a.3.1.9 Qualifications 
The Leader in Charge of any adventurous activities abroad must apply the appropriate rules and hold the appropriate permits, within the rules at POR 9a.2.2.1 and POR 9a.2.2.2. This includes classifying the hills/mountains or waters as defined in Rules POR 9b.4.4, 9b.4.7, 9b.5.3, although the altitude criteria for hills/mountains do not apply in some areas. In case of doubt, consult your District or County Programme Team. 

9a.3.1.10 NSO activities 
Members may participate in activities being run by members of a host National Scout organisation (NSO) which is a member organisation of WOSM, following the host NSO’s guidance and rules. In this context only, Kandersteg International Scout Centre is deemed to be an NSO in its own right and is independent from The Swiss Guide and Scout Movement. 

There must be an adult member with a full appointment present who feels confident in stopping the activity if they have safety concerns. This adult member must stop the activity if they have safety concerns at any point 

Activities forbidden by The Scout Association remain forbidden for all Scouts members when visiting any country. If using external providers abroad see 9.6 for further guidance.  

9a.3.1.11 Home hospitality 
Members, including members of British Scouting Overseas, the Overseas Territories, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, under the age of 18, may only take part in group-based hosted hospitality experiences such as using group accommodation. They must not participate in home-based hospitality experiences, such as in private homes.