We are excited to welcome participants to Dublin, Ireland, for the 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation. As you prepare for travel, a little planning will help make your arrival and event experience smoother.

Weather and Clothing

Dublin has long daytime hours in the summer. Days are generally warm, evenings may be cooler, and rain is always possible, so plan accordingly. Most GYPC programming will take place indoors, and the hotel does have air conditioning. We recommend packing layers and checking the weather forecast during the week before arrival.

Participants should bring enough clothing for the full event. Laundry service is available at the hotel at the participant’s own cost. Comfortable, casual, or business casual clothing is appropriate for the event. Because GYPC includes participants from many countries and cultures, we encourage everyone to wear clothing that is true to their culture, comfortable for interpersonal interactions, and respectful of others.

Suggested Packing List

Please consider bringing:

• Clothing for three full days
• Layers for cooler evenings and indoor air conditioning
• Comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking in the hotel
• Personal toiletries; the hotel provides soap and shampoo
• Charging cables and electrical adapters for personal electronics
  • Type G plug adapter for Ireland, though many hotel rooms may include USB or international plugs
• Passport with at least six months remaining before expiration as of July 2026
• Visa confirmation, if required
• Phone, tablet, laptop, or another digital device that can connect to Wi-Fi for translation, event materials, program information, and other resources
• Credit card, bank card, or cash for use during travel
• Access to a Bible for devotions and reflections

Important Documents for Chaperones Traveling with Minors

Chaperones traveling with participants under the age of 18 should review Ireland’s official guidance for traveling with children before departure. Irish Immigration Service Delivery advises that adults traveling with minors, especially when the child is not their own child or has a different surname, may be asked to clarify the relationship between the minor and the accompanying adult. The guidance also notes that carrying supporting documentation can help immigration officers resolve questions more quickly.

Chaperones should collect and carry the following documents before travel, as applicable:

• A signed letter from the child’s parent(s) or guardian giving consent for travel and providing parent/guardian contact details
• A copy of a document identifying the parent/guardian, such as the picture page of a passport or a driving license
• Evidence of the parent/guardian relationship with the child, such as a birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship papers
• A death certificate in the case of a deceased parent
• If the child is not ordinarily resident in Ireland, the full address of where the child will be staying and the full contact details of who the child will be staying with

For groups traveling with minors, Irish Immigration guidance also advises group leaders to have a list of all group members and, for each child, consent documentation, relationship documentation, and a copy of the parent/guardian’s passport or state identity document.

Chaperones should also confirm visa-related requirements for any minor in their group who needs a visa to enter Ireland. Irish Immigration notes that additional supporting documents apply to visa applications for people under 18, including consent letters and parent/guardian identification documents depending on the young person’s travel circumstances. *Consider having both print and digital versions of these items.

To aid in the process of immigration and customs upon arrival in Ireland, chaperones traveling with multiple people who do not share the same last name (surname) can customize this template with information about their group and all attendees under their care 2026 GYPC Travel with Minor Letter Template.docx

Final Travel Reminder

Please do not wait until the last minute to gather passports, visas, consent letters, and other supporting documents. Chaperones should review documents with families before departure and keep copies accessible during travel. Preparing well helps everyone arrive ready to participate fully in GYPC, connect with young people from across the world, and enter the gathering with confidence and peace of mind.