Your child’s tour is going to change their world for the better
You’re probably here because an educator in your community is leading an EF tour. That’s awesome news! Educational travel gives students lifelong memories and helps them grow in countless ways. (Like gaining more confidence and developing a greater sense of empathy, just to name a few.) But before your child leaves for their tour, we’re here to answer all of your questions.
Travel is for everyone
We believe every student should have the ability to travel. That’s why we offer the lowest prices possible, and give you a variety of tools and resources to help manage student travel costs.
Personalized payment plans
Choose to break the cost of your trip up through our Automatic or Manual Payment Plans, or decide to pay in full.
Fundraising tips and tricks
We’ll set you up with fundraising ideas and an easy-to-share page where friends and family can contribute to your child’s tour.
Global Citizen Scholarship
Every year, we award $100,000 worth of scholarship to up to 100 students.
Passports, visas & more
We want all students to have access to international travel, and we’ll help you make sure your child has all relevant documents and materials they need before departure. If you have specific questions not addressed below, our bilingual Traveler Support team is always available. Call 800-665-5364 and press 6 for Spanish, or chat with them in the lower right-hand corner of this page.
Passports, visas & more
What documents are required for travel?
A passport is required for all EF Educational Tours itineraries. We recommend applying for a passport as soon as you enroll, as it can take up to 12 weeks to process. U.S. citizens traveling abroad must bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after the tour’s return and has at least three blank pages.
Does my traveler need a visa?
Depending on where they’re traveling or their citizenship, your child may need a visa for their tour. Because visa applications must be personally completed by the applicant, all travelers must obtain their own visas, both for destinations they are visiting and those they are passing through. Depending on the country, you can apply for an electronic visa, a paper visa, or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Starting in 2024, passport holders from the United States and many other countries will need to apply for a new type of travel authorization—the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)—to visit 30 European countries. We are closely monitoring this requirement and once there is an official start date, we will follow up with information and next steps. In the meantime, please refer to the European Union’s official ETIAS website.
Electronic visa
Many destinations, like Cambodia and Vietnam, allow for travelers to apply for an eVisa. We recommend using Sherpa for visa processing for your destination as applicable.
Paper visa
Some destinations, like mainland China, require a paper visa for entry. For these destinations, we recommend using Visa Central, [MP1] which for these destinations, which gives a discount to EF travelers for visa processing.
Electronic Travel Authorization
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary for countries like Australia or New Zealand. The eTA is an online application completed using the specific country’s government website. Please visit the applicable government website directly to submit your application.
Please note: We don’t recommend beginning the visa application process until your tour itinerary is confirmed, which happens at approximately 70 days before your scheduled departure date.
Please visit travel.state.gov for the most up-to-date requirements.
My traveler is not a U.S. citizen. What documentation do they need to travel?
All travelers are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and/or travel documents for all locations on their tour. Once the tour itinerary is confirmed at approximately 70 days before departure, non-U.S. citizens should visit Sherpa, contact Visa Central, or contact the embassies or consulates of all locations they will be visiting and traveling through to verify which documents are required. If proof of insurance coverage is required, travelers who purchased insurance through EF should call Traveler Support at 800-665-5364 and press 6 for Spanish to obtain this documentation.
Please note: Visa requirements do apply even if travelers only have a short layover or a stop at the airport in a particular destination. Travelers should inquire at relevant embassies and/or consulates two weeks before departure to ensure that requirements haven’t changed. For instance, if you are flying to Madrid via Frankfurt, check with both the German and Spanish embassies.
For a list of embassies and consulates in the United States, visit state.gov.
The embassies and/or consulates of your destinations may require that you submit documentation from EF verifying your travel plans. If so, our Traveler Support team can provide a sample template. Contact them by calling 800-665-5364 and pressing 6 for Spanish.
Hear from fellow families
“When you go into the world, you’re able to talk to new people and change is inevitable. You evolve and grow. I saw that change in my daughter.”
Briscilla A.
Parent of an EF student traveler
“As parents, you’re writing checks for all these things that you do—soccer, cleats, show choir…This, to me, when I look back now that my kids are in college, is the best thing we did for our kids.”
Janice Z.
Parent of an EF student traveler
“It’s an investment for life. By traveling, by broadening your perspective, you’re helping yourself in ways that are impossible to predict.”
Michael A.
Parent of an EF student traveler
Your child’s safety is everything
Safety is our number one priority. We would never send a traveler to a location we believe to be unsafe—and with our best-in-the-industry experience and our collaboration with U.S. and international authorities, that’s a statement we can back up with real insight. Thanks to our extensive global presence, we have staff available 365 days a year in over 50 countries. Whether it’s a worldwide pandemic or a sprained ankle, a missed flight or confusing medical paperwork, we’ve seen it all and we have the resources to handle it.
Hear from fellow families
Safety First Program
From our global presence to our dedicated, 24/7 Emergency Service and Support Team, this program helps ensure the safety and welfare of all of our travelers.
Individual Coverage
Help protect your investment and yourself from unexpected events and expenses while on tour with Global Travel Protection or Global Travel Protection Plus.
Peace of Mind Program
This benefit is built into every EF program. It provides groups with flexibility to change the dates and destination of their tours in uncertain times.
Let’s get your traveler enrolled
Ready to sign your child up for their tour? Simply enter the Group Leader’s tour number on our enrollment page and click “enroll.” (If you don’t have the tour number, reach out to your child’s teacher who’s leading the trip and they can provide it!) Then scroll to the bottom of the page to find the option to sign up your traveler in Spanish.
Whatever you need, we’re here to help
We’re happy to support you on everything student travel-related, from getting your child enrolled on tour to answering questions after they return home. For one-on-one assistance, reach out to one of our bilingual Traveler Support Specialists by calling 800-665-5364 and pressing 6 for Spanish, or live chatting with them in the right-hand corner of your screen. Want to do your own research? You always have access to our detailed Help Center, which provides information on everything from packing and passports to meals and destination guides.
Put your child a step ahead
Not only can your child earn high school credit through our Personalized Learning Guide, but they can also get college credit for what they experience on their student travel program. That new food they try and like? The conversations they have with locals? Yes, experiences like these can help them earn college credit with our exclusive online course offered by Southern New Hampshire University. The best part is, they’ll gain the confidence of completing a college-level course before they’re even out of high school!
See life-changing travel in action
Student Jenny G. always wanted to see the world, but never thought she’d actually be able to do it. But when she became a freshman at Indio high school and learned that math teacher Yolanda M. was leading a tour to Japan, Jenny’s travel dreams became a reality. Watch the video below to learn more.
Getting ready to go
For parents of travelers getting ready to depart for tour and need some more information, please reference our Booking Conditions and the frequently asked questions below.
Online accounts
What can I see on my online account?
Within your online account, you’ll find information about payments, your tour itinerary, a pre-departure checklist, your personal fundraising page, and more helpful links as you prepare to travel.
How do I access my online account?
For travelers who were under 18 at time of enrollment, use their primary contact’s email address. This is usually a parent or guardian. Travelers over 18 can sign in using the email address they provided when they enrolled.
I’m having trouble logging in—what do I do?
Check out this Help Center article for troubleshooting tips. If you continue to have issues, call a bilingual Traveler Support Specialist at 800-665-5364 and press 6 for Spanish.
Payments
What are my available payment plans?
We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel. That's why we offer the lowest prices possible while also providing our travelers with more choices for managing their payments.
Option 1: Pay in full at enrollment (free)
Pay the entire balance at the time you enroll.
Payment methods accepted: Visa or MasterCard, ATM/debit card and personal checks.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (free)
After you enroll with the $95 enrollment fee, payments are automatically deducted from your bank account.
Choose your payment frequency:
Monthly payments based on a preferred date
Bi-weekly payments on a preferred weekday
Payments are scheduled until 30 days prior to departure
Payment methods accepted: ATM/debit card or checking account only.
Option 3: Manual Payment Plan ($75* plan fee)
Receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent installments.
Payment schedule:
$95 enrollment fee due upon enrollment
$190 Global Travel Protection plan fee due upon enrollment (if required by your Group Leader or requested by traveler)
$500 due 30 days after enrollment
$500 due 90 days after enrollment
Remaining balance due 110 days prior to departure
Payment methods accepted: Visa or MasterCard, ATM/debit card and personal checks.
*$75 is the current cost for tours departing on or after October 1, 2024.
For specific plan details, see our fullBooking Conditions.
How do I enroll in the Automatic Payment Plan?
Watch this video, which outlines how to enroll through your account.
How do I make a payment?
Watch this video, which outlines how to make a payment through your account.
Can other people contribute to my child’s tour?
We make it easy for travelers to raise money for their trip by providing an online fundraising page that they can share with others. Secure online contributions from friends, family, and community members are applied directly to a traveler’s tour balance. You can find the shareable link in the payments section of your online account underneath your remaining tour balance.
The tour experience
What’s included in the tour price?
So much! Scroll to page 9 of our Parent Guide to see the full list, including transportation, hotels, select meals, unforgettable activities, expert local guides, and more.
What are the hotels like?
You'll spend most of your time on tour exploring and learning, but you should also know what to expect when you settle in for the night.
Hotels
A good night’s sleep is important, so travelers can count on safe, clean and comfortable hotels with private bathrooms. And rest assured, we inspect every hotel personally.
Please keep in mind that groups may not all be roomed next to each other and may be on different floors. Some hotels may be located outside the city center.
Also, some common differences from North American hotels include:
Rooms are usually smaller and have multiple single and/or shared double beds (read more on rooming)
Rooms seldom have air conditioning or televisions
Not all hotels have elevators
WiFi may not always be available or only accessible in the lobby
Please note: If your tour involves a Greek cruise, you’ll receive specific details about those accommodations later.
Overnight ferries
Overnight ferries are a fun and efficient way to travel from one destination to another. To ensure smooth sailing, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Students will room 3-4 to a cabin. Adult travelers (age 20 and older) will share twin cabins with adult travelers based on the sex/gender identified on their passports (with the option to upgrade to a single cabin). If twin cabins are not available, adult travelers will room 3-4 to a cabin. Double beds are not available on overnight ferries.
Cabins are exclusive to EF travelers.
Basic cabin amenities include air conditioning and a private bathroom.
The services offered onboard vary by ship, but all ferries include a self-service restaurant, Internet access and shops.
There is very limited luggage space on overnight ferries. With that in mind, please pack light if your tour includes an overnight ferry.
How does assigning roommates work on tour?
All hotels that work with EF are required to meet rigorous standards for quality, safety and cleanliness, so you can count on safe, clean and comfortable rooms with private baths.
Student rooms
Students (aged 19 and younger) are automatically placed in student rooms of two to four people based on the sex/gender identified on their passport. If you tell us you identify as a different sex/gender, we will work to accommodate you. Students will be assigned roommates from their group or from another group with whom they are traveling. Since hotel styles and accommodations vary among destinations, room assignments are made while on tour and travelers who share a room in one city may not do so in the next. Student rooms may contain single beds, double beds that are shared by two students or a combination of the two. Students may upgrade their room type to Twin at an additional cost.
Adult rooms
Adults (aged 20 and older) are automatically placed in Twin rooms with another adult based on the sex/gender identified on their passport. If you tell us you identify as a different sex/gender, we will work to accommodate you. Adults will be assigned a roommate either from their group or from another group with whom they are traveling. Adults who wish to request a specific roommate may do so with their Group Leader. Couples rooming together may request a Double room at no extra charge, and adults may upgrade their room type to Single at an additional cost. Families of three who wish to room together on tour may request a Family room through their Group Leader, though not all hotels can accommodate this request.
Rooms on overnight trains and ferries (when applicable)
Sleeping compartments on overnight trains are very small. Adults and students will sleep in couchette cars of up to six beds that fold down from the wall. Couchettes may not be exclusive to EF travelers and may be co-ed. Bathrooms are typically located outside the sleeping compartments in the corridor.
Ferry accommodations vary depending on the tour. Generally, adults and students room in cabins of up to four beds.
Changing your room type
Any traveler who wishes to change their room type should submit this request to both their Group Leader and EF’s Customer Service team at 800-665-5364 as soon as possible. The deadline to make a change is 110 days before departure. Please note that any changes you make will not impact accommodations on overnight trains or overnight ferries. In addition, Single and Twin rooms are not available on tours to Africa.
Roommate assignments
It is the Group Leader’s responsibility to confirm roommates for their group by 110 days before departure. Once all travelers—chaperones included—have enrolled, Group Leaders should contact their EF Experience Specialist to submit roommate assignments. They’ll be asked to confirm roommates for travelers in Twin, Double and Family rooms at that time. Since the breakdown of Student rooms varies from hotel to hotel, the EF Experience Specialist can also help the Group Leader prepare to assign student roommates when they’re on tour.
Room types
Student rooms: Three or four student travelers in single and/or shared double beds (standard for student travelers)
Twin rooms: Two single beds (standard for adult travelers; students may pay to upgrade)
Single rooms: One single bed (adults may pay to upgrade)
Double rooms: One double bed (adult couples may request)
Family rooms: Two twin beds and a cot, or a double bed and a cot (families may request)
What are the meals like?
Generally breakfast and dinner are included on tour, with lunch on your own. Please refer to your detailed itinerary for tour-specific information.
Breakfast at your hotel typically includes cereal, bread or rolls, jam, juice, coffee and tea.
Lunch is your chance to make culinary discoveries of your own. Your Tour Director can make recommendations.
Included dinners will be a mix of familiar dishes and local specialties from a set menu, either at a local restaurant or at your hotel. Table water is always provided free of charge; bottled water is provided in locations where deemed necessary by locals. Travelers are expected to pay for soft drinks and other beverages at dinner.
Travelers should expect portion size to be smaller than what they are accustomed to at home. Any travelers with dietary restrictions should communicate these details to EF prior to tour and reiterate them with their Tour Director.
For a list of sample meals in your destination, visit one of the following:
How much free time is there on tour?
Some itineraries offer time for students to explore the city with fellow travelers and their Group Leader or chaperones. Your Tour Director knows the area well and can recommend local favorites and activities. Options might include a visit to a museum, sitting at a cafe to people-watch, souvenir shopping, taking pictures, listening to local music—the choices are endless. Travelers should check in with their Group Leader with any specific questions about free time during their tour.
Can I cancel my tour?
No longer able to travel? Please call our Traveler Support team at 800-665-5364 and we will try to accommodate you in any way we can. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to travel. Our Traveler Support team will be happy to discuss the options available to you.
To review our Cancellation Policy in detail, please refer to EF’s Booking Conditions.
Have more questions?
Our bilingual Traveler Support Specialists are here to help. Just give them a call at 800-665-5364 and press 6 for Spanish, or live chat with them in the box in the right-hand corner of your screen.