The Visits Abroad Process
Going abroad with Scouting is often a lot easier than people think.
There is a very clear rule and process to follow and lots of people with international Scouting experience to guide you on your journey.
First things first – chat with young people to see where they would like to go and what they would like to do. There are a number of different types of international experiences that you can get involved with, these include:
- Exchange visits
- National Jamborees
- International Camps abroad or in the UK
- Explorer Belt
- Scouts of the World Award
- Queens Scout Expeditions
- Community Development projects
- Recreational Visits
- World Jamborees and Moots
The Process
Download the Visit Abroad form (to view this form properly you’ll need to download and install the free Scouts font, Nunito Sans) 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 (County/Area/Region (Scotland)/Chief 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 (County/Area/Region (Scotland)/Chief 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.
Who does what:
ACCI: supports you through your visit abroad process, ensuring you have everything in place and making sure it gets approved by the relevant Commissioner (County/Area/Region (Scotland)/ Chief Commissioner). They can also notify Scouts in your host country that you’ll be arriving and issue you with a letter of introduction. Your ACCI notifies UK HQ about your trip once it has been approved by the relevant Commissioner.
Headquarters: receive notification about visit abroad from your ACCI after it has been approved by the relevant Commissioner. This ensures they know where UK Scouts are in the world and can offer support and assistance where needed.
Relevant Commissioner (County/Area/Region (Scotland)/Chief Commissioner): approves your visit abroad, confirming that it is planned in line with TSA rules and guidance.
Rule 9.3 Visits Abroad
A Visit Abroad is defined as: ‘Any visit outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man on a recognised and approved Scouting activity or travelling in the name of Scouting. This applies to youth and adult Members and non-Members’.
Read the rule in PORVisits Abroad FAQs
Read the FAQs now