Working Abroad: Passports, Visas, and Permits

Working internationally can be exciting, but overseas productions often involve additional legal, travel and safeguarding requirements.

A child would not require a standard UK performance licence to work abroad. A parent must consent to police checks and sign declaratios so it would not be possible to procure this court order without parent contibution prior to the listing taking place.

While production companies typically manage much of the administration, parents and carers remain key decision-makers and advocates for their child’s safety, wellbeing and legal compliance.

Section 25 Permit: Even if a child has a standard UK Performance Licence, they will also require a "Section 25" permit from a Magistrates’ Court, or the Sheriff's Court in Scotland to work abroad. This process can take several weeks and requires a specific court hearing. Production will make these arrangements with the court.
- it is not the parent/carers responsibility to organise this. The employer is responsible for this, not the parent / carer. You have the right to check it has been done.
- You may wish to ask early about:
  - permit requirements
  - application timelines
  - who is responsible for submitting paperwork
  - any court, licensing or legal processes involved
Visas & Passports: Ensure your child’s passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of return and that it was issued in the last 10 years. The production’s travel department should handle visa applications, but you must provide the documentation promptly.
- This may not be needed if a child is travelling to Europe on a European passport.
Health & Insurance: Confirm what insurance arrangements are in place before agreeing to overseas work. You may wish to check:
- travel and medical insurance cover
- emergency healthcare arrangements
- coverage relating specifically to professional performance activities
- repatriation, cancellation or extended stay provisions (where relevant)
Standard leisure travel insurance may not always be sufficient for professional work.
Chaperones & Safeguarding Abroad: If you are not travelling with your child, safeguarding arrangements become particularly important. Understand:
- who will be responsible for your child’s supervision
- accommodation and travel arrangements
- communication plans with home
- emergency procedures and local contacts
All chaperone details must be included on the court order, whether it is parents or a licensed chaperone accompanying your child otherwise they are not approved to care for the child.
Where licensed chaperones are involved, their safeguarding responsibilities continue throughout travel, accommodation and working arrangements.
Tutoring Overseas: The UK rules apply regarding hours of tutoring required regardless of where in the world the project is located.
Copies of the licence are shared with the Foreign and Commonwealth Department to share with the local consulate.