Traveler Safety

General Safety Information:

 

All Travel Team Members (our Tour Directors, Group Leader, and Chaperones) regard student traveler safety and security as not only our primary focus, but also as the fundamental consideration of each decision made throughout our itinerary.

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EF Tours' Global Presence

With 600 schools and offices in 50 countries worldwide, including regional offices dedicated to on-tour support, EF's global presence is truly unmatched. EF Tours has 50,000+ staff and faculty members around the world who are able to react quickly and in person where necessary. Plus, the staff in each office and school are trained to respond to a wide range of emergency situations.

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Dedicated Emergency Service and Incident Response Teams

EF’s Emergency Service and Support Team is available 24/7 to resolve any issue, from a missed flight to a lost passport to more serious on-tour incidents. They also facilitate communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency at home. The Emergency Service and Support Team is made up of highly trained, dedicated EF staff based in the Boston, Denver, and Austin offices who are equipped to solve problems and answer questions that may come up, even outside of regular business hours. This team also maintains direct communication with the Operations Safety and Incident Response Team to jointly solve issues as needed.

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Adult Traveler Background Checks

EF Tours conducts background checks on all adults traveling on our student tours. This is meant to help provide a safer tour experience for all travelers, and is a similar process to what many school districts implement for adults who volunteer in schools or chaperone school activities. Background checks take place through a secure process that is meant to specifically identify individuals who could present a risk to student travelers while on tour.

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In-Transit Expectations

All travelers must remain caught up with the group while traveling by foot; we’ll be walking at a quick pace. Should the group become separated by a traffic signal, DO NOT attempt to cross on red, simply wait until the signal changes. Obey ALL traffic signals; European drivers are not as forgiving as those in the States. Note that many European countries have separate crossing signals for bicycles and pedestrians. DO NOT engage with street vendors or accept any gifts/tokens (friendship bracelets, etc.), from them. Carry valuables close to your person, either in a front pocket or in a cross-body/neck pouch.

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Free Time Expectations

All student travelers must inform their Chaperone of their intended destination(s) during free time as well as with whom they’ll be exploring. Student travelers must remain in groups of three (minimum) during free time. Student travelers must remain aware of their surroundings at all times and have means of communication (cell phones, contact numbers, EF Wristband, etc.) always available.

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Traveler Documentation

Each chaperone carries an electronic copy of our travelers’ vital information at all times.

Additionally, the Tour Director and Group Leader will have hard copies of database files available at all times. These database files include passport and traveler contact information, emergency contact information, medical, medicinal, and allergy information, and a color photocopy of the passport signature page.

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