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 Visits Abroad Recommender 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 Visits Abroad Recommender, County Programme Team 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 Visits Abroad Recommender and Visits Abroad Approver 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 Visits Abroad Recommender is? Contact your County Programme Team or the Scout Support Centre to find out.
Once your Visits Abroad Approver has approved your trip and is happy that you have the relevant permits and insurance, they will notify HQ of your trip and then you can be on your way.
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