EF COVID Care Promise: Extra support. No extra cost. Read the details
As we look ahead to traveling in the age of COVID-19, health and wellness will have a critical influence in how we will design and operate tours. Your safety and well-being has never been more important than it is today. This is our Travel-Ready Approach for you.
A comprehensive approach for your well-being
Our new guidelines adhere to the global safety protocols from the World Travel & Tourism Council. The Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks.
Our protocols are developed based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and government authorities and health providers around the world. We’re prepared to add new elements—including enhanced health and hygiene measures—to our travel safety standards.
We’re also shaping new global safety standards with established partners including some of the largest airline, hotel, and transportation companies, global governmental agencies and health organizations, and tour operator associations.
When you travel with us, you’re backed by the EF Global Safety Network, comprised of:
EF staff on the ground, 365 days a year, in over 50 countries.
EF crisis response teams available 24/7.
The EF network of industry experts, healthcare experts, and government personnel, who liaise with country embassies, local government authorities, and local health providers.
EF team members living in nearly all our major tour destinations who stay up-to-date on local policies and communicate our high safety standards and requirements to local suppliers.
Provided to all travelers
If a traveler is either diagnosed with COVID-19 while on tour or required to quarantine on account of COVID-19 while on tour, EF will provide or arrange for the following, consistent with local requirements, at no additional expense to the traveler throughout the duration of any on-tour hospitalization and/or quarantine period:
Translation services
Communication between the traveler & their family back home
EF arranged flights home, once cleared to return, for travelers who purchased the EF Go Ahead Tours airfare package
The only hotel, transportation, meal, and activity suppliers we’ll work with are ones that are compliant with enhanced hygiene and social distancing standards aligned with local regulations. To make sure standards are met, our team will be performing in-person spot checks regularly.
Your bus will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before your group boards and regularly thereafter, with a specific focus on high-frequency touchpoints. All drivers will be trained in social distancing best practices and how to provide the safest possible environment. Hand sanitizer will always be available on our buses.
We will only partner with hotels and restaurants that adhere to strict guidelines, such as frequent cleaning of common areas and thoroughly disinfecting guest rooms between customers. Partner restaurants will follow enhanced protocols with staff trained in local health, hygiene, and physical contact guidelines.
Portions of your tour may be adjusted as we continuously work with our partners, local venues, and restaurants to provide the safest experience possible. Examples may include avoiding crowded locations and peak times, itinerary alterations to follow local guidance, and staggered timing for included activities.
With the EF Go Ahead Tours Right Size Advantage, we’ve carefully chosen each tour’s ideal size. Our groups are capped at a maximum of 14 to 38 travelers, allowing for extra space on the bus. Each adventure has its own Right Size, whether you’re embarking on a safari with 8–18 travelers or exploring Rome with a group of 15–38.
Please note: To allow for additional physical distancing based on local regulations, some tours may run at even smaller group sizes. We also offer private tour booking options with a minimum group size of friends and family members.
All local staff, including your Tour Director, will be ready to explain social distancing and hygiene guidelines in the destinations you're traveling to, and following these rules themselves. This may include the use of face masks in addition to frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer use. If you’re interested in taking public transportation during free time, your Tour Director will advise you on how to do so in the safest manner possible.
Traveling with EF means you have a worldwide support team behind you, monitoring and sharing the most up-to-date guidance. We react quickly to unexpected circumstances, which may mean changing your itinerary at a moment’s notice when necessary—at no additional expense to you.
You will receive details about COVID-19 protocols in advance of tour, and Tour Directors will provide additional details specific to the destination upon arrival. Traveler health checks and testing may be implemented as required by local guidelines. While on tour, you will be kept updated on any relevant changes.
Our enhanced measures are in place to support your health and well-being as we start to travel again, and we appreciate your flexibility. Please consider your responsibility to protect yourself and others.