Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination FAQs
Who is responsible for securing and paying for any pre-tour COVID-19 Antigen and/or PCR tests required for entrance into a country?
When it comes to scheduling and payments, travellers are responsible for their own pre-tour COVID-19 antigen and/or PCR test if the country they are travelling to requires it for entry.
How much does a COVID-19 test cost and how long does it take to get results?
The cost of a COVID-19 test ranges by location and type. In some areas there is free community COVID-19 testing, and in others the pricing can range significantly. The timing of test results also ranges widely—it is important for travellers to understand the timeline with which the testing type they select will return results.
Can a traveller satisfy a country's pre-tour testing requirement with an antigen COVID-19 test?
Many destinations and suppliers will accept proof of a negative COVID-19 Antigen test. Some countries may require a COVID-19 PCR test. Confirm you meet all entry requirements for your chosen destination including any transit stops or connections.
Which vaccines are accepted?
Accepted vaccines are those approved for use by the traveller’s departing country. Eligible vaccines are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD. Please note, destination countries may have additional vaccine requirements. Confirm you meet all entry requirements for your chosen destination including any transit stops or connections.
Does a traveller need to send EF Educational Tours proof of their negative test pre-tour?
No. Travellers should not send EF proof of their negative test. However, travellers must be prepared to show the results of the test to any other parties that require them on tour including, but not limited to, airlines and other suppliers. The traveller should carry their test results with them for the entire duration of the tour program and it is recommended they make a copy.
What vaccine requirements do travellers need to comply with?
Travellers must comply with government and/or supplier vaccination and booster dose requirements in the destinations they will be visiting on their program. Although some destinations allow travellers to submit a negative COVID-19 test in lieu of vaccine documentation, due to the group travel model of educational travel programs, EF cannot facilitate on tour testing for individual travellers in order to meet requirements for entry or to obtain travel-related services. In such scenarios, travellers will need to comply with any vaccination requirements applicable in those destination(s). EF does not require travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in the absence of government or supplier vaccination regulations on a particular tour program. For the health of you and your group, however, full and up to date vaccination for COVID-19 it is still highly encouraged.
Please note that COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose requirements are subject to change at any time and with little to no notice. Travellers should be willing and able to meet all vaccine and other entry requirements, including testing for COVID-19 at their own expense, even with little advance notice. While EF will make reasonable efforts to inform you of vaccine requirements applicable to your tour program, it is the responsibility of each traveller to stay up to date with the entry and other travel-related requirements related to their tour. EF cannot assist individual travellers or provide any refunds or reimbursements of costs in the event that travellers experience a denied or delayed entry or are refused travel-related services while on tour as a result of a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. To the extent they apply to your tour program itinerary, vaccination and other entry requirements 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.
What does “fully vaccinated” mean?
According to Public Health Canada and the Government of Canada, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving your second dose of a two-dose vaccine series (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and/or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD) or one dose of an approved one-dose vaccine (currently the only one-dose vaccine approved for use in Canada is Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). For the purpose of this guidance, each destination defines fully vaccinated from COVID-19 according to their own rules. Confirm you meet all entry requirements for your chosen destination including any transit stops or connections.
What happens if a traveller gets a positive test result from their COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for their tour?
A traveller who receives a positive COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departure may not travel on their tour. They must immediately call Traveller Support who will cancel their tour and issue the traveller a Future Travel Voucher for the full amount of money paid toward their tour, including the $199 non-refundable deposit and less any other non-refundable fees.
If a traveller has purchased The Global Protection Plan through EF, will insurance provide coverage if a traveller gets a positive test result within 72 hours of their departure for their tour?
Travellers should review their Travel Insurance policy and/or certificate of insurance to confirm if their policy covers Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical claims related to COVID-19.
Each policy will have different inclusions, limitation, definitions and exclusions. Please take special note of anything related to:
- Government travel advisories and travel health notices
- Pandemic/endemic diseases
- Policy definitions regarding unforeseen reasons, known risks.
As government regulations and guidelines continue to evolve, please make sure you understand how these changes could affect your travel policy coverage.
For travellers who have purchased the Global Travel Protection Plan, please review your respective policy documents below.
Policy Number 9908-69-85 (Purchased after February 1, 2021)
Certificate of Insurance
Summary of Coverage
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
Policy Number 9908-50-37 (Purchased between April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020)
Chubb Insurance Policy
Certificate of Insurance
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
For travellers who have travel insurance with a different insurer (through a parent’s work plan, for example), please review the policy.
What if a traveller indicates a reason - religious, medical, or other reason - that prevents them from getting a COVID-19 test or vaccine?
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.
Will travellers need to show proof of their negative test results or proof of vaccination during their tour?
While EF is not collecting negative test results or proof of vaccination, travellers should be prepared to provide this proof while on tour, as some suppliers and activities require them for entry. This underscores the importance of travellers carrying their test results and proof of vaccination with them throughout the entire duration of the tour.
Pre-Departure COVID-19 Exposure FAQs
What is the definition of “close contact”?
“Close contact” is defined by Public Health Canada as being within two metres for a total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of whether one or both people were wearing masks.
What are the requirements a traveller must meet if they are aware that they were in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of their tour departure date?
Travellers must ensure that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (received both shots AND passed a waiting period of two weeks since the second shot). They must also remain symptom free AND received a negative COVID-19 test result. Travellers should also consult with their health care provider.
Pre-Departure Symptoms FAQs
Will EF require that a traveller’s temperatures be taken at the airport prior to departure?
No, not at this time. Travellers are required to monitor their own health, paying specific attention to the development of any symptoms associated with COVID-19. While EF is not requiring this, it may be a requirement from specific suppliers on the tour program including airlines, hotels, restaurants, etc.
What happens if a traveller has symptoms associated with COVID-19 in the 72 hours prior to departure and/or on the day of departure, and/or at the airport prior to departure?
A traveller with symptoms associated with COVID-19 in any of these periods may not travel on their tour. They must immediately call the Traveller Support Team at which point their tour will be cancelled and the traveller will be issued a Future Travel Voucher for the full amount of money paid toward their tour, including the $199 non-refundable deposit and less any other non-refundable fees.
If a traveller has purchased The Global Protection Plan through EF, will it provide coverage if a traveller cancels their tour due to the development of symptoms prior to departure for their tour?
Travellers should review their Travel Insurance policy and/or certificate of insurance to confirm if their policy covers Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical claims related to COVID-19.
Each policy will have different inclusions, limitation, definitions and exclusions. Please take special note of anything related to:
- Government travel advisories and travel health notices
- Pandemic/endemic diseases
- Policy definitions regarding unforeseen reasons, known risks.
As government regulations and guidelines continue to evolve, please make sure you understand how these changes could affect your travel policy coverage.
For travellers who have purchased the Global Travel Protection Plan, please review your respective policy documents below.
Policy Number 9908-69-85 (Purchased after February 1, 2021)
Certificate of Insurance
Summary of Coverage
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
Policy Number 9908-50-37 (Purchased between April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020)
Chubb Insurance Policy
Certificate of Insurance
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
For travellers who have travel insurance with a different insurer (through a parent’s work plan, for example), please review the policy.
EF Educational Tours and Local Regulations on Tour FAQs
What happens if a traveller refuses to follow EF and/or local guidelines while on tour?
In addition to being subject to local penalties for the failure to follow local regulations (which may include measures like fines, tickets, imprisonment, etc.), if there are multiple instances of a traveller refusing to follow EF’s guidelines or local regulations, they will be removed from the tour and sent home at their own expense.
Wearing a Mask on Tour FAQs
What kind of mask is acceptable on tour?
The masks that are acceptable for tour follow the Public Health Canada mask guidance.
What is acceptable:
How many masks should a traveller bring with them on tour?
While facilities to wash cloth masks may be available throughout tour, travellers should plan to bring enough cloth or disposable masks to use throughout their entire time on tour, without relying on the ability to wash them.
What happens if, before their program, a traveller decides they are not comfortable complying with a mask requirement on tour?
Any traveler who chooses not to travel for any reason, including newly imposed COVID-19-related requirements, is subject to EF’s Standard Cancellation Policy as outlined in the Booking Conditions.
If a traveller is wearing a mask, do they still need to socially distance?
Yes. A mask is not a replacement for social distancing, and all travellers should plan to socially distance as much as possible while on tour.
What happens if a traveller refuses to wear a mask on tour when required?
They will not be permitted to participate in any tour activities until they are wearing an acceptable mask. If there are multiple instances of a traveller refusing to wear a mask when required, they will be removed from the tour and sent home at their own expense.
Will travellers need to wear masks while on the bus on tour?
Travellers must wear a mask on the coach bus on tour if required by local regulations.
Does a traveller need to wear a mask on tour, when required, if they have been fully vaccinated and/or have recovered from COVID-19 within the last three months?
Yes. While on tour, all travellers must wear a mask when required, and must wear a mask on their group’s private motorcoach if required by local regulations.
Health on Tour FAQs
What symptoms are associated with COVID-19 that need to be checked daily when a traveller is on tour?
Currently, Public Health Canada indicates that people with COVID-19 have had a wide array of symptoms reported—ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms include:
Will EF require that traveller’s temperatures be taken on a daily basis while on tour?
No, not at this time. Travellers are required to monitor their own health on a daily basis, paying specific attention to the development of any symptoms associated with COVID-19. While EF is not requiring temperature checks, there may be a requirement from specific suppliers on the tour, including airlines, hotels, restaurants, etc.
What happens if a traveller develops any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 while on tour?
If a traveller has any symptoms associated with COVID-19, they should immediately contact their Tour Director and should not participate (at minimum) in that day’s tour activities. Depending on the situation, the traveller may be required to visit with a doctor, take a COVID-19 test, and/or quarantine in their hotel room. Additionally, we will follow all local public health guidelines in this scenario which may involve a required visit with a doctor, a COVID-19 test, and/or a quarantine period. The Group Leader or chaperone on tour will be required to remain at the hotel with the traveller to ensure proper supervision requirements are met.
If a traveller wants or needs to get a test for COVID-19 on tour due to the development of symptoms, or due to being exposed to a person diagnosed with COVID-19, who pays for the test?
In the event that a traveller has symptoms, and a medical professional or health authority has recommended testing for COVID-19, or if a traveller is known to have been in close contact on tour with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, EF will pay for the on-tour test.
If a traveller has to miss a day or days of tour because they have symptoms associated with COVID-19, will they get a refund for missed days of tour?
EF is not issuing refunds for missed days of tour for symptoms associated with COVID-19. If a traveller has to interrupt their tour as they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, EF will provide a non-refundable, non-transferable Future Travel Voucher to the traveller with the following terms:
If a traveller has to miss a day or days of tour because they have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, will they get a refund for missed days of tour?
If a traveller has been in close contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19 while on tour and as a result must miss all or a part of their tour, EF will facilitate care and/or quarantine for the traveller/group as part of our COVID Care Promise, and will issue a non-refundable, non-transferable Future Travel Voucher to the traveller with the following terms:
If a traveller has to miss a day or days of tour because they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, will they get a refund for missed days of tour?
If a traveller has to interrupt their tour as they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, EF will provide a non-refundable, non-transferable Future Travel Voucher to the traveller with the following terms:
Quarantine and/or Isolation on Tour FAQs
What happens to the individual traveller who tests positive for COVID-19?
The individual traveller who tests positive for COVID-19 will be isolated according to, at minimum, local public health guidelines. Generally speaking, travellers should expect to stay in their hotel rooms (likely in a single room) and food will be delivered to the hotel rooms. Travellers who need medical attention due to contracting COVID-19 will be connected with local medical professionals. This may involve bringing a medical professional to the hotel or bringing the traveller to a local medical facility, depending on the location and nature of the situation.
How long will the isolation period last on tour for the individual traveller who tests positive for COVID-19?
The duration of isolation due to a positive test for COVID-19 varies slightly based on the local requirements specific to the location and the traveller’s individualized situation. To leave isolation, a traveller must meet certain local requirements including (but not limited to) remaining symptom-free or (if symptomatic) the significant reduction of symptoms for a period of time (i.e. no fever, etc.).
Who pays for the hotels and meals during the isolation period?
According to the COVID Care Promise, EF will provide for hotels and meals during the quarantine or isolation period. See the COVID Care Promise for terms.
Does insurance pay for medical care needed due to contracting COVID-19?
Travellers should review their Travel Insurance policy and/or certificate of insurance to confirm if their policy covers Cancellation, Interruption and/or Medical claims related to COVID-19.
Each policy will have different inclusions, limitation, definitions and exclusions. Please take special note of anything related to:
- Government travel advisories and travel health notices
- Pandemic/endemic diseases
- Policy definitions regarding unforeseen reasons, known risks.
As government regulations and guidelines continue to evolve, please make sure you understand how these changes could affect your travel policy coverage.
For travellers who have purchased the Global Travel Protection Plan, please review your respective policy documents below.
Policy Number 9908-69-85 (Purchased after February 1, 2021)
Certificate of Insurance
Summary of Coverage
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
Policy Number 9908-50-37 (Purchased between April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020)
Chubb Insurance Policy
Certificate of Insurance
Additional documents for residents of Quebec:
Summary — highlights key elements of the Global Travel Protection Plan
For travellers who have travel insurance with a different insurer (through a parent’s work plan, for example), please review the policy.
Will a traveller get a refund for missed days of tour during an isolation or quarantine period?
If a traveller has to interrupt their tour due to isolation or quarantine, EF will provide a non-refundable, non-transferable Future Travel Voucher to the traveller with the following terms:
Does a traveller need to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated (received both shots, and it has been at least two weeks since the second shot) and/or has recovered from COVID-19 in the last 3 months?
If a traveller satisfies specific requirements related to their vaccine and/or having recovered from COVID-19 in the three months prior to tour, there may be exceptions made to the quarantine requirement, depending on local guidelines. These situations will be evaluated and directed by trained contact tracers.
Will a traveller need to get tested if someone else on their bus tests positive for COVID-19?
Close contact guidelines are based on local public health guidance in your tour destination. EF will inform you if any testing requirements are required for close contacts should someone in your tour group test positive for COVID-19. The duration of a quarantine due to exposure varies slightly based on location and the specific situation including whether or not travelers are vaccinated.
Who pays for the hotels and meals during the quarantine period?
According to the COVID Care Promise, EF will provide for hotels and meals during the quarantine or isolation period. See the COVID Care Promise for terms.
What if the quarantine or isolation duration causes travellers to miss their originally scheduled return flight?
If a traveller is unable to leave quarantine or isolation in order to return home on their group flight, our travel team will rebook their return flight at no additional cost to the traveller.
What would cause a quarantine period to be extended beyond the minimum required period?
Different factors may require the extension of a quarantine, including (but not limited to) further positive COVID-19 test results, development of symptoms, specific public health guidance, etc.
What if a traveller does not want to quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19 while on tour?
We require travellers to follow local public health guidance related to quarantining due to possible exposure to COVID-19. We will do everything possible to facilitate the quarantine period including hotel booking, changing flights, etc., and keep the group informed of any and all quarantine requirements.
If EF is made aware that an individual has tested positive for COVID-19 who has interacted with the group but is NOT in the tour group (e.g., a hotel staff member, restaurant server, etc.), will the group be informed?
Whenever possible, if, through contact tracing, EF is able to determine that an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 was in close contact with any tour group members, the group will be informed and may need to quarantine in accordance with local public health guidance.
Pre-Return COVID-19 Testing FAQs [international tours only]
Is there anything the Government of Canada requires of travellers returning to Canada?
As of October 1st, 2022 there are no vaccination, testing or quarantine requirements for entry into Canada as per the Government of Canada. Check here for the most up-to-date and current information and requirements: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid
Post-Tour Advisories and Guidelines FAQs
If federal, provincial, and/or local travel guidelines require or recommend a traveller to quarantine upon return home from international travel, will EF pay for missed days of work or a substitute teacher if applicable?
No, EF will not pay for missed workdays or substitute teachers in the case of extended on-tour or post-tour quarantining.
Post-Tour COVID-19 Diagnoses FAQs
How will EF let a traveller know if someone they were travelling with is diagnosed with COVID-19?
If made aware that a member of the tour group has developed symptoms or is diagnosed with COVID-19 within a 10-day period of tour, EF will conduct contact tracing to understand who in the tour group must be informed and advised to quarantine and get a COVID-19 test based on the exposure timeframe. EF will not release the identity of the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.