International – Ways to go Overseas

All International travel on behalf of Scouts Australia is now suspended until 31 July 2021.

Photo from Nick Linde

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 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 a 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 Branch Commissioner – International and the International Commissioner, Scouts Australia. The process for applying for a 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 click here.

Branch Friendship Tour or Service Project

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 Branch Commissioner – International and International Commissioner.

There are two stages of approval in this approval process. The process is online via the Scouts Australia International Event System. Instructions on how to apply to travel overseas on a Branch Friendship Tour/Service Project can be requested from the Queensland Branch Commissioner – International.

To create an account on the Scouts Australia International Event System click here.

Things to remember:

  • 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 in your travel party to cover the costs of the two new Australian scarves each and postage. The Australian scarves are non-negotiable.
  • 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. 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.
  • 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.

National Contingent

The other and most popular way to travel overseas with Scouts is with a National Contingent.

A list of events and contingents are 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.