Join Us from Around the World

Bring your Scouts or Guides to Hampshire for a week of adventure, friendship and international community at HIJ 2028.

🌍 A Warm Welcome to Hampshire

Bringing the World Together

Every Hampshire International Jamboree is shaped by the friendships, cultures and experiences that international groups bring with them. Whether you're travelling from Europe or the other side of the world, you'll become part of a welcoming community from the moment you arrive.

Delivered by Hampshire Scouts, one of the UK's largest Scout Counties along with Hampshire Girlguiding, HIJ combines a fantastic programme with dedicated support for overseas visitors, helping make international travel as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

We understand that planning an overseas expedition is a significant undertaking. Our International Team will be on hand before, during and after the event to answer questions, provide guidance and help your group prepare with confidence.

Planning Your Journey

Travelling by Air

For many of our international visitors, flying will be the easiest way to reach HIJ. Hampshire is well served by several major airports, offering excellent connections from across Europe and around the world.

Our nearest airports include:

  • Southampton Airport (SOU) – Approximately 30 minutes 
  • London Heathrow (LHR) – Approximately 1 hour
  • London Gatwick (LGW) – Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Bournemouth Airport (BOH) – Approximately 1 hour

We'll provide guidance on the most suitable airport for your journey, along with advice on onward travel by coach, rail or private transfer. If required, we're also happy to discuss options for helping your group travel from the airport to the event site.

Travelling by Sea

For groups travelling from mainland Europe, ferry travel can be a convenient and flexible option, particularly if you're bringing your own camping equipment or travelling by coach or minibus.

HIJ is within easy reach of several UK ferry ports, with Portsmouth International Port offering the most direct route to Hampshire. Other ports, including Dover and Poole, also provide excellent onward road connections to the event.

We'll be happy to provide guidance on the best ferry routes for your journey, along with advice on travelling from the port to HIJ. If you need additional support planning your onward travel, our International Team is always on hand to help.

We're Here to Help

Planning an international trip involves much more than simply booking flights.

Our dedicated International Team will be available throughout the planning process to answer questions, provide advice and help remove as many barriers as possible.

We can offer guidance on:

  • Planning your journey to the UK.
  • Arrival procedures at HIJ.
  • Camping arrangements.
  • Equipment requirements.
  • Registration and payments.
  • Travel planning.
  • Communication before and during the event.

Every group is different, so we'll work with you to understand your plans and provide the support you need.

🏕️ Camping Equipment & Kit

We know transporting tents, cooking equipment and camp infrastructure internationally isn't always practical.

We're currently exploring a range of options to support international groups, including:

  • 🏕️ Equipment hire.
  • 🍳 Catering and cooking equipment.
  • 🚛 Equipment deliveries.
  • 🤝 Shared resources with UK groups.
  • 📦 Advice on transporting equipment to the UK.

Final arrangements will be confirmed closer to the event, but we're keen to understand what support would make the biggest difference to your group.

If you have specific requirements, we'd love to hear from you as early as possible.

🌍 Before You Travel

As your plans develop, there are a few things every international group should consider before travelling.

We'll provide guidance and reminders throughout the lead up to the event, including information on:

  • 🛂 Passport and UK entry requirements.
  • 💳 Currency and payments.
  • 🔌 UK electrical sockets and charging.
  • 📱 Mobile phones and connectivity.
  • ❤️ Medical information and healthcare.
  • 🛡️ Travel insurance.
  • 📋 Event registration and documentation.

We'll always signpost you to the latest official UK Government guidance where appropriate.

🎉 Your HIJ Experience

HIJ is about much more than activities.

It's about meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and creating memories that last a lifetime.

International groups will enjoy:

Friendships Across the World

Meet Scouts and Guides from across the UK and around the globe.

A Welcoming Home

Friendly subcamp teams will help you settle in and support you throughout your stay.

Sharing Your Culture

Celebrate your traditions while discovering those of other countries through camp life, ceremonies and shared experiences.

Skills for Life

Build confidence, independence and leadership while taking part in an unforgettable international adventure.

A Place to Belong

At HIJ, every young person and volunteer should feel welcomed, valued and part of something special from the moment they arrive.

Dedicated Support

From your first enquiry to your journey home, our International Team and friendly volunteers will be on hand to support you every step of the way.

Let's Start Planning Together

Whether you're beginning to explore the idea or already organising your trip, we'd love to hear from you.

Our International Team can answer questions, discuss travel options and help you start planning your group's journey to Hampshire.