Frequently Asked Questions: EF Future Travel Vouchers

These Terms and Conditions apply to any COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher (“COVID-19 Voucher”) issued by EF Study Abroad (“EF”) in connection with EF programs scheduled to depart after February 24, 2020 (and EF programs traveling to China after January 28, 2022) through September 30, 2022. By enrolling on an EF Study Abroad program pursuant to a COVID-19 Voucher redemption, the traveler is agreeing to the most current version of the Participant Agreement which is available here.

 

COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher


What is a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher?
A COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher retains the value of all money paid into a traveler’s account which can be applied to any EF tours or language product with a departure date prior to the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher’s expiration date. COVID-19 Future Travel Vouchers that were issued to travelers whose original program was scheduled to depart on or after February 24, 2020 may be redeemed for travel departing on or before September 30, 2025. Vouchers issued and redeemed by the original traveler may not be combined with future discounts, scholarships, or other special incentives if the same discounts, scholarships, or other special incentives existed on the original program. The original discount amount will apply.

Original scheduled departure was on or before May 28, 2020
If not used for travel, a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher can be exchanged for a refund of all money paid into a traveler’s account with a deduction of $565. Travelers or their transferees can redeem the voucher for the refund at any time prior to September 30, 2025. Vouchers are not redeemable for their full cash equivalent. The $565 includes items such as the non-refundable deposit and other non-refundable fees.

Original scheduled departure was from May 29, 2020 – September 30, 2020
If not used for travel, a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher can be exchanged for a refund of all money paid into a traveler’s account with a deduction of $500. Travelers or their transferees can redeem the voucher for the refund at any time prior to September 30, 2025. Vouchers are not redeemable for their full cash equivalent. The $500 includes items such as the non-refundable deposit and other non-refundable fees.

Original scheduled departure is from October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2022
If at 44 days or less prior to departure of your program, travel restrictions, governmental orders, or other conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic make it impossible or impracticable for EF to operate your program as scheduled, or any of the COVID-19 travel related events referenced in the COVID Peace of Mind program are newly imposed such that a postponement of your program becomes necessary, travelers will receive a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher that can be exchanged for a refund of all money paid into a traveler’s account less $500. Travelers or transferees can redeem that voucher for the available refund at any time prior to September 30, 2025. Vouchers are not redeemable for their full cash equivalent. The deduction of $500 includes items such as the non-refundable deposit and other non-refundable fees.

For travelers who had booked their program by redeeming a previously issued COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher, the cash refund option available will be based on the originally issued voucher terms (e.g., travelers who received a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher for a program originally scheduled to depart between February 24, 2020 and May 28, 2020 may exchange their voucher for all monies paid, less $565).


When will I be issued a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher?

  • If your Group Leader has rescheduled your original program, the group will be moved automatically onto the new program. Once EF has processed and notified you of this move, you may opt to receive an Electronic Future Travel Voucher valued at 100% of monies paid toward your original program. If your Group Leader has chosen not to reschedule your original program, you will receive an Electronic Future Travel Voucher valued at 100% of monies paid toward your original program.
  • If your original program has been postponed but you have not yet been notified of your Group Leader’s decision or been issued a voucher, you may request a voucher or a refund by calling our Traveler Support Team at 877-485-4184.

What EF products can a COVID-19 Future Traveler Voucher be applied to?
A COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher can be applied to travel on EF Educational Tours, EF Tours for High School Graduates, EF Explore America, EF Study Abroad, EF Tours for Girls, EF Ultimate Break, EF Go Ahead Tours, EF Gap Year, and EF Language Schools. Rebooking is subject to availability on travel programs. 

How can I enroll on an EF product using my COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher?

EF Educational Tours
Call 800-665-5364 to enroll

EF Tours for High School Graduates
Enroll online or call 800-766-2645

EF Explore America
Call 888-333-9756 to enroll

EF Study Abroad
Call 877-485-4184 to enroll

EF Gap Year
Call 800-726-9746 to enroll

EF Ultimate Break
Enroll online or call 800-766-2645

EF Go Ahead Tours
Call 800-590-1161 to enroll

EF Tours for Girls
Call 800-665-5364 to enroll 

EF Language Schools
Call 800-992-1892 to enroll

What can a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher be used for?
It can be used for all components of the program booked through EF prior to departing on your program including the deposit, program price, Global Travel Protection plan, optional excursions, optional extensions, and rooming supplements.

A COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher cannot be used for:

  • Beverages and meals (when not indicated in itinerary)
  • Transportation to free time activities
  • Customary gratuities for your Field Director
  • Porterage
  • Any applicable baggage-handling fees imposed by the airlines
  • Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations, or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather, or events beyond EF’s control
  • Passport, visa, and reciprocity fees or any other fees associated with entry to a specific destination

When I redeem a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher can I split the value across multiple accounts?
A COVID-19 Travel Voucher is not able to be divided into multiple accounts, unless the traveler applies the voucher to a future program and the voucher amount is higher than the price of the new program. The traveler can then utilize the remaining portion of the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher on another EF product for themselves or a member of their immediate family. All travel needs to be departing prior to the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher expiration date.

If I elect to exchange a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher for a refund how long will it take for me to receive my refund?
Travelers should expect to receive a refund approximately 4-6 weeks after it is requested. Instructions on how to request a refund are located on the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher, which can be found on the traveler secure site.

Cancellation Terms when rebooking with a COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher

What options or Cancellation Terms apply to a traveler who has rebooked on a new program with a departure date between October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2022 using an COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher?

Original scheduled departure was on or before May 28, 2020

  • Before or at 95 days prior to departure: A voucher for the same amount of money applied to the program can be reissued or the traveler can receive a refund of the amount on the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher with a deduction of $565.
  • 94 to 45 days prior to departure: Full refund less $95 non-refundable deposit, all Non-Refundable Fees, and 50% of program price.
  • 44 days or less prior to departure: No refund will be issued.

Original scheduled departure was on or after May 29, 2020 until September 30, 2022

  • Before or at 95 days prior to departure: A voucher for the same amount of money applied to the program can be reissued or the traveler can receive a refund of the amount on the original COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher with a deduction of $500.
  • 94 to 45 days prior to departure: Full refund less $95 non-refundable deposit, all Non-Refundable Fees, and 50% of program price.
  • 44 days or less prior to departure: No refund will be issued.

Transfer of COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher

If I cannot use my COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher can I transfer it to someone else?
Yes, COVID-19 Future Travel Vouchers can be given or sold to any person in your family, school district, or community for future travel or participation on any EF program. 

How do I transfer my COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher?
Travelers can share their Voucher Redemption Code, and the person to whom they transferred the Electronic Future Travel Voucher can provide that redemption code to customer service. Or the original traveler can call our Traveler Support Team and provide the individual’s name to whom they are giving or selling the COVID-19 Future Travel Voucher.