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Travel and Return Trip Home

Camp Leaders is all about making the most of your summer in America.

Taking the opportunity to travel far and wide is a philosophy we encourage whole- heartedly. If you do decide to go further, know what to expect and what documents you will need.

There are times when you may need to depart the United States during your program and then return. In order to do this you must have a multiple entry visa (showing M under Entries) and will need to check with your visa sponsor and make arrangements to have your DS- 2019 form signed authorizing you to depart the United States and then return. In most cases, this can be done, but you will need to make arrangements to have Your DS-2019 form sent to your sponsor by US Post Office Priority Mail with tracking, Federal Express or UPS overnight. A return addressed postage/shipping charges paid label must also accompany your DS- 2019 form. The sponsor will then sign the DS-2019 Form and return to you promptly. Please contact the Camp Leaders US office to connect you with your sponsor to facilitate this process.

Departing the US After Your Camp Program Has Ended

If you wish to travel outside of the USA after you have finished your camp contract, your J-1 visa will end as soon as you leave the US. If you want to return to travel in the USA, or need to return to the USA to catch your flight home, you must return as a tourist with an ESTA or with a valid tourist visa. You must apply for your ESTA at least a few days before re-entering the USA. If you do not qualify for an ESTA you will not be allowed back into the USA without a new existing tourist visa, even just to connect to your flight home.

Please always clear all plans during your contract with your camp supervisor prior to finalizing them.

Getting Around America

When looking at your mode of transport during your travel time, look at the pros and cons of each and make sure to find what works best for your budget.

Bus: Buses are often the most cost-effective way of traveling in the USA. Despite the cheap cost of buses, they can often be slow and are subject to delays and changes. Be prepared for instances such as this to occur.

Train: There are many different ways to travel short distance by rail and many states will have their own railroad company for short distances. The national rail company is AMTRAK for longer trips. Trains are very efficient and clean, and provide a more comfortable, if a little more expensive ride than buses. They operate service to and from most of the major cities. Just like anywhere else, you should book in advance for cheaper fares.

Flights: Flying is the quickest form of transport while in America and internal flights are often very reasonable. Also look at other nearby airports as flight prices can sometimes be drastically different and the most obvious airport might also be the most expensive.

Car rental: You are permitted to drive in the USA as long as you have a full and valid drivers license in your home country. Most of the well-known rental companies will require you to have a major credit card (not a debit card), and be at least 25 years old. Some may accept younger drivers, but it may be more expensive.

Changes to Your Return Flight

For any questions regarding return flight changes, log into your profile, proceed to the travel and flight section and follow the clear instructions.

The change fee is always set by the airlines and not by Camp Leaders. The possibility and the cost of a change depend on the availability.

Return Flight

Please arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight’s departure as check-in and security can take longer in the USA.

We also advise you to be in your departure city forat least 48 hours before your flight home to avoid missing your return flight. A cancelled domestic flight could result in missing your scheduled return flight home.

COVID-19

As COVID-19 measures change frequently and vary based on departure country and camp location, your local country office/camp will do their best to provide you with the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines before your departure.

We are hopeful that many of the current restrictions will have eased by the time you return home, however it is your responsibility to check and follow any procedures that are in place regarding testing, quarantine or isolation. Failure to do so may result in denial of boarding back to your home country.

For information on guidelines for travelling to the US please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/index.html