COVID-19 FAQ - Evolve Tours

February 23, 2022

The safety of our groups, staff and the communities we visit has always been at the center of our Operating Standards, and we are developing and updating new protocols to keep everyone safe, and allow our travellers to once again, have the time of their life.

Our goal is to provide confidence to our school partners, teachers and parents, from before the group leaves, until they arrive home again. Every destination has specific requirements, and we are working with our partners and are guided by Government agencies to navigate seamlessly through each necessary step.

This is a general FAQ of our policies. Prior to your groups departure we will send the most current travel and safety advice to you for your specific destination that pertain to specific risk management protocols in place for each individual trip.

Does Evolve Tours require COVID-19 vaccination?

Evolve Tours does not currently require students to have a vaccination against Covid-19. HOWEVER, most destinations do have a vaccination policy and all students and staff will need to follow those policies in order to enter the country, board flights, use other modes of transport, enter public spaces or eat inside restaurants. We are happy to provide interested travelers with current vaccine requirements and other related information. IF you do require a vaccination against Covid-19, all doses must be administered at least 14 days prior to program departure. All travellers are required to bring with them hard copies of their proof of vaccination, along with any electronic copies.

What health and safety guidelines are in place?

We are constantly reviewing our guidelines, informed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Canada and respective federal health agencies for each of our destinations.

We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State and Government of Canada travel advisories and the guidance of Embassies in order to preempt any issues and effectively respond to travel restrictions or policy changes in our destinations.

What measures are in place on the trip?

Our hygiene protocols are aligned with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC’s) Safe Travel Protocols. The following measures must be met or exceeded by all participants while on an Evolve Tours program.

- - - Regular wellness checks and mandatory reporting should anyone develop symptoms.
    - Regular hand washing and use of hand sanitiser.
    - Wearing a face mask while on all public transportation, indoors in public areas, or when requested by your ET guide or any of our partners.
    - Social distancing when possible in public and when around others who are not part of our group.
    - Changes to our program and schedule where there is deemed significant risk of unnecessary exposure.

Any modifications to these measures will be discussed by the ET team, your school staff and any tour partners before being implemented.

What if the trip gets canceled?

If travel restrictions or closures due to COVID-19, which prevent the delivery of your tour, occur before 45 days for domestic tours and 60 days for international tours, the Group Leader can move the destination, or postpone the departure of the tour, at no cost.

If you choose to cancel the tour, a per person cancellation fee will be applicable (based on the destination and type of tour); International Tour $300 per person; Domestic Air Tour $200 per person; and Domestic Bus Tour $100 per person.

If a trip is cancelled within the 45 or 60 day window, you may be able to make a claim for the trip cost or non-refundable amounts from insurance, depending on the terms of the insurance policy.

If you want to make a change to the itinerary for any other reason, this needs to be done in writing by the Group Leader no later than 105 days prior to departure, and may incur additional costs.

Evolve’s regular Terms & Conditions apply for all cancellations not related to COVID-19.

What if a group member shows symptoms of COVID-19 while on the trip?

Any participant who shows symptoms of COVID 19 must report to the ET guide. Symptoms include:

- - - fever or chills
    - cough
    - shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    - fatigue
    - muscle or body aches
    - headache
    - new loss of taste or smell
    - sore throat
    - congestion or runny nose
    - nausea or vomiting
    - diarrhea

Measures will be taken to isolate individuals showing symptoms until they can be tested or otherwise cleared of having COVID-19

How will tests be carried out?

Part of our risk management for any program now includes locations and availability of COVID-19 testing facilities. The ET guide will aid in organizing tests being carried out by professionals if deemed necessary.

We also recommend that participants bring with them at home test kits where available.

Where tests are a necessary part of the program itinerary; such as before boarding flights to return to the USA or Canada, or for internal or international travel as part of the trip itinerary, Evolve Tours will organise and facilitate those tests to take place, and will inform all participants prior to the program start date.

Where tests are necessary outside of the program start or end date, schools and families are responsible for organising tests.

Test requirements for accepted test types and proximity to time of arrival differ by destination. Evolve will inform your group leader of these requirements at least 14 days prior to the program start date.

What if someone tests positive for COVID-19 while on a trip?

If a participant were to test positive, Evolve Tours will follow the protocols of respective local and national health agencies where the trip is taking place.

Parents, guardians and significant others of all participants would be notified.

Should a mandatory quarantine period extend beyond the expected trip end date, supervision of any remaining students will be undertaken by a teacher, chaperone or ET guide until a parent or guardian can arrive to accompany their child.

Any additional costs incurred will be covered by the family and insurance companies where applicable.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for all groups travelling with Evolve.

We can provide you with a competitive quote for an All-Inclusive policy.

Additional COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Insurance Plans are also available for purchase, which provide additional coverage.

At the time of registration, you will either need to confirm your insurance order through Evolve, or send proof of insurance from your own personal insurer.