Certificate of good conduct: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?
What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
- A Certificate of Good Conduct is a statement that shows that your past behavior does not constitute an obstacle to fulfilling a specific task or function in society.
- Applications are often made via your municipality, local government or police (can often also be done digitally).
- It takes a relatively long time and often costs money.
What can you use a Certificate of Good Conduct for when traveling and backpacking?
- For volunteer work with animals, children or vulnerable groups
- For jobs in healthcare, education or NGOs.
- For applying for visas (e.g. Working Holiday Visa in Australia or Canada).
- For registrations with local authorities or educational institutions abroad.
When do you take a Certificate of Good Conduct with you when traveling or backpacking?
- It is rarely necessary, but depending on what you are going to do it is sometimes mandatory and it can be quite inconvenient if you do not have one. So, inquire in advance and don't just take it with you or apply for it if you're not going to need it.
- It is helpful to apply just before departure, because the document is usually only valid for a few months.
Where can you also buy a Certificate of Good Conduct locally in the world?
- You can usually only apply for a document in your home country (or sometimes via a representative online if you are already abroad).
- In some countries you can also apply for a local certificate of good conduct (e.g. "Police Clearance" or "Certificate of Conduct"), but that is a different document.
- Sometimes an organization abroad asks for both: your national and a local certificate.
