Testing for and vaccination against COVID-19 is not required to participate on an EF Explore America program unless required by a destination on your itinerary or by a tour-related supplier or activity provider.

Although COVID-19 vaccination and pre-tour testing are not required by EF, in the absence of any tour-specific destination or supplier requirements, EF highly recommends that travelers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including being up to date on all eligible booster doses) and take a COVID-19 home test within 24 hours prior to departure. These steps help to safeguard travelers’ health and safety while on tour and can help avoid an interruption of the tour experience.

EF will take all reasonable efforts to notify travelers and their groups in the event any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirement becomes applicable to their tour program. Travelers are, however, ultimately responsible for verifying, monitoring, and complying with any such requirement based on their tour itinerary.

Should a traveler be required by their first destination to present a negative COVID-19 test result, it is their responsibility to schedule and pay for the test. Travelers don’t need to send EF proof of their negative test. However, travelers must be prepared to show their results on tour to any other parties that require them, like airlines and suppliers.

If a traveler tests positive within 10 days prior to tour departure, they may not be able to travel unless they can satisfy the current CDC guidelines. If you would like to discuss your situation to better understand if you are eligible to travel, please call EF’s Traveler Support Team. If the traveler has purchased the Global Travel Protection Plan and is not able to depart as scheduled, they can review the coverage benefits and required documentation in the policy and contact the licensed insurance provider, Academic HealthPlans.

Vaccination and other entry requirements applicable to your tour program are a condition of travel set by the governmental authorities and/or suppliers for the destinations you are visiting and are outside of EF’s control. EF does not have the ability to make exceptions or allow waivers of these requirements. Should you need to cancel for this reason, please refer to EF’s Booking Conditions.

Travelers who are a “close contact” of a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within 10 days of their departure date must comply with the applicable CDC testing and masking guidelines prior to departing on tour (and, if applicable, while on tour). Please contact our Traveler Support Team at 888-333-9756 to discuss any specific questions related to your situation.

Travelers will be required to mask in accordance with domestic and local health guidelines currently in place at the time of travel. Failure to comply with health and safety guidelines could result in missed activities or immediate removal from tour without eligibility for a refund or voucher.

If local health authorities require a formal test for isolation, EF will pay this cost. Should a traveler choose to test for COVID-19, the traveler will be responsible for the cost.

If a customer has purchased a Protection Plan through EF and visits with a medical professional who indicates they are not medically fit to participate on tour, they should review the coverage benefits and required documentation in the policy and contact the licensed insurance provider, Academic HealthPlans. Upon returning from tour, the customer can file a claim with Seven Corners, who will evaluate if the traveler is eligible for any refund.

Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate according to local public health regulations or the CDC isolation guidelines (whichever is stricter). Generally speaking, travelers will be required to stay in their hotel rooms and food will be delivered to them via room service, or they can order meals through contactless delivery. Travelers who need medical attention due to contracting COVID-19 will be connected with local medical professionals or EF will schedule a telehealth appointment for them.

EF’s COVID Care Promise will cover the cost of hotels and meals during the isolation period. Travelers may need to pay for some expenses relating to their isolation and then submit approved costs for reimbursement to EF upon their return home. Please review EF’s COVID Care Promise for additional details.