Important Update: International Travel Policy for 2025-26 AFS-USA Programs
On July 7, 2025, an important policy change was announced for the 2025-26 academic year regarding international travel for AFS-USA students. International travel requests will not be approved for students during their 2025-26 AFS program.
We understand this news may be disappointing, especially for those living near the Canadian and Mexican borders who regularly cross for routine activities. We know this change will directly impact your ability to share these experiences with your host family. Please know that we did not make this decision lightly.
Our primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students. In these ever-changing times, the procedures at international border crossings have become increasingly unpredictable. We simply cannot guarantee how a student's re-entry to the U.S. will unfold if they depart the country during their program.
The reality is that AFS-USA has no capacity to intervene or assist a student who becomes stranded abroad (with or without their host family) due to unforeseen issues at airports, passport control, or border crossings. This could lead to a student being in a vulnerable and distressing situation. To prevent any possibility of a student being separated from their host family or facing difficulties re-entering the U.S., we must take this proactive measure.
We truly appreciate your understanding as we implement this policy to prioritize the security and continuity of every AFS-USA students' life-changing AFS experiences.
Participant Travel to U.S. Territories
AFS students may travel with their host families to U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because these destinations are part of the United States we are allowing this travel under
the same expectations that apply to domestic trips within the U.S. However, we remain mindful that immigration-related matters can shift unexpectedly and without advance notice. For that reason, we encourage participants and host families to consider travel plans carefully and to consult with AFS staff before finalizing any trip outside to U.S. territories.
Click here to read more about guidelines for participants when traveling within the U.S.