Ways to go overseas
Individual or Family Travel
Applying for an International Letter of Introduction
Any member can complete an application for an International Letter of Introduction (ILOI). The ILOI is a WOSM-endorsed document that serves as evidence to any overseas Scouts you encounter that you are a registered Australian Scout.
However, an ILOI is only issued to members whenever they have plans to participate in or visit a Scouting program or activity whilst overseas. If you do not provide detail of any planned Scouting involvement overseas, you will not be eligible for an ILOI. There is also a cost of $50.00, which includes the downloadable ILOI, two new Australian scarves, and postage to any Australian address.
Applications for an ILOI require the approval of both the State Commissioner – International (SC-I) and the International Commissioner, Scouts Australia (ICoA).
The process for applying for an ILOI is online via the Scouts Australia International Event System.
Instructions on how to apply for an ILOI can be found here.
To create an account on the Scouts Australia International Event System here.
Friendship or Service Trip
This is where there is a group of more than two registered members wanting to travel as Scouts for adventure, friendship, exploring, or service. These groups can be Scout Groups, Units, Crews, service trips, or small group travel. This type of trip requires a few more things to be organised as you are travelling as Scouts and we have a duty of care to make sure you are organised, prepared, and covered for anything.
Any member can complete an application for a Branch Friendship Tour/Service Project.
Start your planning early - preferably 12 months from departure. Branch Friendship Tour/Service Projects require the approval of both the SC-I and ICoA.
There are two stages of approval in this approval process.
Instructions on how to apply to travel overseas on a Branch Friendship Tour/Service Project can be found here.
To create an account on the Scouts Australia International Event System here.
- All those travelling over the age of 18 will need to hold WWCC, current police checks, and have completed their WHS and Child Safe online learning modules.
- Please remember to budget $50.00 per person for your travel party to cover the costs of the two new Australian scarves each and postage. The Australian scarves are non-negotiable at this time as they are a new design and Groups should travel on the current design.
- It is expected you check any advice or alerts issued on the Smart Traveller website for where you intend to visit in the lead-up to and during your trip, and sign up for notifications. Stay informed.
Please note: Registering your trip on Smart Traveller is not applicable as you can no longer register trips/holidays with the Smart Traveller site. - The ages of travelling members will also be taken into consideration. The minimum age for youth members travelling overseas on Branch Friendship Tour/Service Projects is 12 years of age.
- If you book through a travel agent, make sure you book through a reputable agent. If you are concerned, you can book through Scouts Victoria's preferred supplier, Corporate Traveller - contact SC-I for details.
National Contingents
The other and most popular way to travel overseas with Scouts is with a National Contingent.
A list of events and contingents is available here.
All you need to do is make sure your registration is up to date, you're in good standing within your region, and that you sign up according to the process set out by the contingent you wish to join.
Rovers and Leaders will also need to make sure that their Working With Children Check and Police Checks are current and up to date on Extranet and that both checks are current for the event you are applying to attend. You will need to make sure you are up to date on your online modules.
Please note: There are age restrictions on contingents so please check these to avoid disappointment.