Arranging for travel abroad
(Published July 2019)
You may be considering taking a group of young people abroad, but are unsure of exactly what is involved in organising a trip.
Why are you thinking of going abroad? Before planning your trip you need to be clear of the purpose of your visit. What will the group gain from the experience? How can you involve your young people in the planning of the trip?
Visits Abroad with Scouting
Going abroad with Scouting is often a lot easier than people think.
POR Rule 9.3 covers going on a Visit’s Abroad with Scouting and outlines a process to follow which applies to both trips with young people and adult only trips through Scouting.
If you're planning a trip for Beavers and Cubs, read our guidance on this.
There are lots of people with international Scouting experience to guide and support you on your journey if you have any concerns of questions. These include:
ACCI (or Equivalent) supports you through your visit abroad process, ensuring you have everything in place and making sure it gets approved by the relevant Commissioner. They can also notify Scouts in your host country that you’ll be arriving and issue you with a letter of introduction.
Headquarters: receive your visit abroad notification from your ACCI after it has been approved by the relevant Commissioner. This ensures headquarters know where UK Scouts are in the world and can offer support and assistance if needed.
Relevant Commissioner: approves your visit abroad, confirming that it is planned in line with TSA rules and guidance.
International opportunities is a list of international Scout camps, events and expeditions happening all over the world which you could consider taking a group of young people to. This is updated bi-monthly.
What to do next?
Download the Visit Abroad form (To view this form properly you’ll need to download and install the free Scouts font, Nunito Sans. Click to download this font.) and guidance. It contains the rule, process, form and some top tips to get you started
Submit Part A of your Visit Abroad form to your ACCI as soon as you’ve decided on the basic details: Where, When and Who is going. The definite numbers and dates can be updated and confirmed when you submit Part B.
Plan your trip with support from your ACCI, DC and other volunteers where relevant.
Submit your Visit Abroad form with Part B completed. This will confirm all the details of your trip including your programme, relevant risk assessments and details about your In Touch process. Your ACCI and relevant approving Commissioner will assess your visit and give approval for the visit to go ahead as planned or offer more support to ensure it’s a valuable and safe trip.
Don’t know who your ACCI is? Contact the Scout Support Centre to find out.
Once your ACC (I) and relevant Commissioner have approved your trip and are happy that you have the relevant permits and insurance they will notify HQ of your trip and then you can be on your way.
Visas
Visas