How to volunteer abroad from the UK right now
Volunteering is exempt from the UK overseas travel ban. This means UK citizens are allowed to travel overseas to volunteer with IVHQ! To ensure you don’t encounter any problems, we are providing those in the UK with volunteering verification letters.
Are you stuck in the UK and longing to go abroad? Catch up on lost time and make your next trip overseas really count with a volunteer adventure abroad. Unlike all other forms of holiday which fall within the UK travel ban, traveling abroad to volunteer is permitted. Based on the UK’s traffic light system, we’ve rounded up the top IVHQ programs that do not require quarantine for UK travellers.
With the UK’s speedy roll-out of vaccines and the government’s promising roadmap, we’re experiencing a surge in interest from UK travelers rescheduling their volunteer abroad programs that were cancelled in order to go in 2024 and beyond.
As a result, IVHQ’s popular programs are filling up fast. Spaces are limited, so if you’re thinking of volunteering this year, we strongly recommend you apply to ensure you don’t miss out! Our flexible booking policy enables you to make free changes to your dates, destination and program up to 14 days before your start date.
How to get a volunteering verification letter from IVHQ
IVHQ has successfully supported hundreds of UK travelers to volunteer abroad over the last few months by providing them with a volunteering verification letter. This enables you to get approval from the UK government to travel abroad on a volunteer trip. And the best part? It gives you the opportunity to give back and make a difference in a community overseas that really values your support – this year more than ever. You’ll also get to soak up the sun and explore beautiful parts of the world without the usual crowds of tourists!
How do you get a volunteering verification letter? Once you’ve applied by paying your Registration Fee, you can request a volunteering verification letter from your Program Manager. You can include this letter in your UK travel declaration form, which the UK government needs to approve before you’re legally able to travel abroad.
Where can you volunteer abroad from the UK right now without quarantine?
The UK government recently introduced a new traffic light system for travelling abroad that will come into effect on 17th May. Find out which IVHQ programs are in each list and click on the destination you’re interested in to find out more!
Green list travel destinations with IVHQ
UK volunteers can travel to green list countries with no quarantine. Portugal – one of our most popular summer destinations – is on that list with IVHQ programmes ranging from Wolf Conservation and Environmental Scuba Diving to Youth Support.
Amber list travel destinations with IVHQ
Amber list travel destinations are open to those travelling from the UK without any requirement to quarantine on arrival. IVHQ has programs open in many of these countries, including:
Before travelling, you’ll need to complete a declaration form and IVHQ will provide a volunteering verification letter. When returning to the UK, you’ll have to self-isolate at home for just 5 days if you pay for a Covid-19 test.
Top IVHQ programs without quarantine for UK travellers
Here’s a list of the most popular IVHQ programs with UK travelers right now that do not require quarantine. They are all open, accepting applications and already have UK volunteers on the ground making a difference.
Due to high levels of interest for 2024, programs are booking up fast, so we advise getting ahead of the surge by locking in your next volunteer adventure!
In just a couple of weeks time, you could be teaching local children in Costa Rica while exploring dramatic volcanoes or helping conserve precious marine ecosystems in the sparkling blue waters of Croatia…
Portugal
Get a taste of authentic Europe on one of IVHQ’s most popular summer volunteer abroad programs. Our Portugal program is based in the cultural hub of Lisbon, where you’ll get to experience all the wonderful flavors, architecture, cafes, museums and sights and stunning surf beaches of the region.
Choose from exciting and unique volunteer projects such as Wolf Conservation, Homeless Support, Food Rescue, Forest Conservation and more.
Wondering what it’s like to volunteer in Portugal at the moment? Watch recent volunteer Emily talk about her experience.
Explore the Portugal programApply to volunteer in Portugal
Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in diverse landscapes including lush rainforests and stunning beaches on IVHQ’s Costa Rica program. With 15 projects available, volunteers can choose from Childcare and Teaching to Medical, Eco Agriculture and Turtle Conservation.
Take your experience to the next level with exciting tour add-ons including volcano treks, coffee plantation tours, adventure sports and popular mini adventures.
Hear from recent IVHQ volunteer Alexandre to learn what it’s like volunteering in Costa Rica right now.
Explore the Costa Rica programApply to volunteer in Costa Rica
Belize
IVHQ’s Belize program is based on a stunning private island in the Caribbean. The special Marine Conservation project involves helping local scientists with a range of scuba diving tasks to protect marine life.
On this program, you’ll also have time to relax on the white sand beaches, hire kayaks or paddle boards and even take yoga classes. There are also ancient Mayan sites, spice farms and waterfalls you can visit within a day’s trip.
Explore the Belize programApply to volunteer in Belize
Ghana
Become part of the local community on IVHQ’s Ghana program and choose from 7 incredible projects, from Healthcare Outreach to Sports and Teaching. Projects are based in rural villages and townships within the Greater Accra Region.
Want to explore more of West Africa’s beauty? Arrange a long weekend to travel further afield such as Cape Coast.
Want to hear what it’s like to volunteer in Ghana at the moment? Read IVHQer Tonja’s story to find out.
Explore the Ghana programApply to volunteer in Ghana
Mexico
Make an impact and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most vibrant cultures. Volunteers on IVHQ’s Mexico program are based in the beautiful city of Mérida and can choose from incredible projects, including Sustainable Agriculture, Teaching English, Animal Care, Childcare and Special Needs Care.
Take your adventure to the next level and explore popular local sites, such as Chichén Itzá – the most famous of the Yucatán’s Mayan ruin sites and one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations.
Explore the Mexico programApply to volunteer in Mexico
Croatia
A glistening gem of the Mediterranean, Croatia is a beautiful coastal country that has fast become a favourite for travellers and volunteers from the UK - especially in the summer and fall. Our Croatia volunteer program is based in the stunning city of Split, where you might even recognise the iconic narrow cobbled streets and terracotta roofs from numerous Game of Thrones scenes.
Volunteer projects include Marine Conservation, Youth Support, Teaching, Animal Care, Special Needs Support and a unique Creative Technologies opportunity. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over the Mediterranean coast from an idyllic beach-side perch.
Explore the Croatia programApply to volunteer in Croatia
Jordan
Jordan is a beautiful country in the heart of the Middle East that boasts diverse landscapes and people - and it’s safe to travel around! You can experience the peaceful and humble Bedouin way of life in the desert, the fascinating ancient kingdom of Petra and the progressive vibrant city of Amman - where our volunteer programs are based.
We’re incredibly proud that our Jordan program was shortlisted as a finalist for the Innovative New Volunteer Abroad Program Award for 2020 in the GoAbroad Awards. Volunteer opportunities in Jordan include Arts and Music, Special Needs Support, Teaching, Women’s Education, Youth Support and a unique Ramadan project.
Explore the Jordan programApply to volunteer in Jordan
Greece
We love Greece for its beautiful weather, stunning architecture, blissful beaches and charming locals and it has always been a popular choice amongst UK travellers thanks to its stunning islands. Well, now you can explore one of the Greek Islands whilst making a positive impact within the local community!
Our Greece program is based in beautiful Chios, the fifth largest island of Greece. Volunteer projects include Food Outreach, Childcare Support, School Support and Special Needs Support.
Explore the Greece programApply to volunteer in Greece
Find out which IVHQ destinations are open to volunteers from the rest of Europe here.
Check your entry and visa requirements
Fill out the quick form below to find out what the entry and visa requirements are for the IVHQ destination you’re interested in, based on your country of residence. Some destinations require you to bring health documents, wear masks in public spaces, or apply for a visa.
