Guidance on U18 International Travel Without Parents

Parents and guardians are responsible for checking the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel guidance Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK before their child travels overseas. This includes travel through transit countries. Some countries have specific age‑related entry or transit restrictions for unaccompanied minors, and it is essential that parents verify these requirements in advance to ensure the athlete can travel without issue.

In consideration of the above, and without any further mandates from BF, parents and guardians are responsible for deciding what is appropriate for their child and for carrying out their own risk assessment.

Please remember:

• Competitions can be stressful. Some young people manage these pressures well, others may not.
• There is always a risk of injury in sport. Consider who can make medical decisions on behalf of your child.
• Every young person is different – what is suitable for one may not be for another.
• Think about what checks you may wish to carry out on any adult you select as a Nominated Adult.

BF position:

• Under 14s must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
• 14-15 year olds should ideally have a parent or Nominated Adult present at all times.
• 16–18 year olds should be supported to develop independence, but must not be responsible for supervising others.
• All U18s are expected to have a means of communication with them at all times – eg a phone with a suitable roaming plan/SIM card and a spare battery pack (fully charged before travel) .

*There is an exception for fully managed, end to end group travel, professionally organised with trained and registered individuals, risk assessments etc in place. In this case any U14 must be accompanied end to end by a fully trained and registered nominated adult for the entire trip.

Parent / Guardian
The person who has day‑to‑day responsibility for the child.

Nominated Adult
An adult designated by the parent or guardian in advance, who agrees in writing to take responsibility for the child for the full duration of the trip.

Under 16s

• Must travel to and from the airport with a parent or Nominated Adult.
• Airport journeys can be complex, and delays may add unnecessary stress.

16–18 year olds
May travel independently, with parents maintaining oversight in case of delays or changes to plans.

Flying With a Nominated Adult

• 14-15 year old athlete meets their Nominated Adult at the airport, a clear handover should occur after check‑in, ensuring the athlete is not left alone.
• 16–18 year olds travelling independently to the airport should notify their parent once they have arrived and met the Nominated Adult.

Flying Independently

Parents should check the relevant airline’s policies for unaccompanied minors. Requirements may include:

• Pre‑booking specific services
• Consent forms
• Valid ID and travel documentation

For 14-15 years olds flying independently:

• The accompanying adult should remain at the airport until the flight has departed (required by some airlines).
• Athletes should be encouraged to link up with other travelling fencers for company.

For 16–18 year olds:

• Parents should monitor flight information and remain ready to intervene if delays, cancellations, or overnight stays occur.

• All 14-15 year olds must be collected at the airport by their Nominated Adult at the exit point from airside to landside (ie the first exit after security and baggage collection where the general public have access to).
• 16–18 year olds should ideally travel onward with other known athletes or adults.
• All athletes should inform their parents when they have arrived safely.

14 -15 year olds must not travel alone between the airport and hotel. They must be accompanied by their Nominated Adult.

16–18 year olds should aim to travel with other known athletes where possible.

Risks to consider:

• Language barriers
• Unwanted attention
• Misunderstood instructions
• Delayed flights affecting transport
• Taxis/onward travel not arriving or being unsuitable
• Phones not useable

• U18 athletes should not stay in a hotel alone.
• Hotel check‑in age requirements vary widely; many require a minimum age of 18 and in some cases up to 21.
• Some will require a parent consent form or notarised documentation if parents are not present.
• Parents must check requirements in advance and provide the Nominated Adult with any necessary paperwork.
• Athletes should notify parents once they have arrived at the hotel.

The Nominated Adult should ensure safe travel between the hotel, venue, meal locations and shops/supermarkets as required.

Injury can happen in fencing. Without a suitable in loco parentis arrangement:

• Medical treatment may be delayed.
• Some hospitals and ambulance services require payment before treatment.
•  Insurance companies may not respond immediately.

All U18 athletes must have a clearly identified adult responsible for medical decisions.

It is a requirement of the EFC and the FIE that every U18 athlete competing in an EFC or FIE event has a completed in loco parentis form which the organisers may collect in advance or at the event.

Other Practical Considerations

• What are your contingency plans if the event finishes late or transport is disrupted?
• Athletes should also have access to local currency for food and water at the venue, as cards may not always be accepted.

Agreeing to act as a Nominated Adult means accepting responsibility for the young person throughout the trip. This includes managing:

• Illness
• Injury
• Missing persons situations
• Inappropriate attention from others

Please consider carefully whether you are willing and able to take on this responsibility.

If a coach or a welfare officer takes on this role they must be on the corresponding BF Register.