World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 63
each morning and among the last to sleep; they
Border Crossings and Passports
may miss some World Youth Day central
Traveling internationally involves additional
events and moments (if, for instance, they may
challenges for World Youth Day pilgrims. As
be asked to take a pilgrim to the hospital or
noted before, U.S. citizens will need a valid
assist with the set-up for future activities).
passport to travel to Poland. The U.S. State
There are several tasks that you, as the principle
Department recommends that passports have
leader, can delegate to co-leaders and staff so
at least six months of validity left for
that you can keep your mind on the big picture,
international travel (they should be valid
such as attendance counts, tip distribution,
through February 1, 2017, or later). Non-U.S.
rooming lists, and other administrative tasks.
citizens with proper documentation should
check with their consulate to determine if a visa
Lodging and Accommodations
will be required. Unfortunately, undocumented
World Youth Day has a wide range of lodging
immigrants living in America will be denied
options from school floors and parish halls to
reentry into the U.S. so they should avoid
hostels and hotels. As part of your World
international travel and WYD.
Youth Day registration package, the organizers
provide simple housing options.
Passports may not be needed after entering
Europe; however it is a good idea for each
In this, pilgrims will need to bring their
pilgrim to carry a photocopy of their passport
own sleeping bag (and sleeping pad); a simple
and for their group leaders to have copies as
breakfast is also included. Shower facilities
well. If your group is staying at a hotel, you may
may be limited in these conditions. As an
want to collect your pilgrims’ passports and
inexpensive option, though, the basic pilgrim
lock them up in their hotel safe for safekeeping.
accommodation route matches the pilgrimage
Another safety tip is to leave one or more
spirit of keeping things simple. Its downside is
copies of the pilgrims’ passports with family
that leaders do not have much say in where
members or with parish/diocesan leaders who
they are assigned and, depending on the
remain stateside in the United States.
distance from the central events, pilgrims may
not be able to return to their housing sites
Alcohol in Poland
midday. Another option is a hotel that could
The drinking age in Poland is 18 years of age.
be more expensive but may also offer
A pilgrimage is not the proper place for minors
additional amenities and services.
to begin experimenting with alcohol, so group
61