Payments

Automatic Payment Plan makes a world of difference

Travelling the world is a big adventure—but paying for it shouldn’t be. With EF’s Automatic Payment Plan (APP), you’ll enjoy flexible, interest-free payments designed to fit your life. 

Here’s why people love Automatic Payment Plan (APP):

Set it and forget it

Link your chequing account, credit card, or debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, then choose the date that works best for you. We’ll automatically withdraw your monthly or biweekly payments—no reminders needed.

Reserve your spot for just $199

Pay a low $199 deposit when you enrol and select APP, and we’ll hold your spot on tour. Easy.

Choose your payment frequency

Pick what works for you—monthly or biweekly withdrawals. And if you don’t choose a date, we’ll set one for you (the 14th of the month or Thursday).

No payments for up to 45 days

After your $199 deposit, your first payment won’t be due for up to 45 days. Time to breathe before take-off.

Interest free payments

The Automatic Payment Plan is always interest-free, with no set-up fees and no hidden charges—just an easier way to pay.

new for 2025

Credit cards are now accepted for Automatic Payment Plan (APP)

Big news! You can now use your credit card to enrol in EF’s hassle-free Automatic Payment Plan (APP)—along with debit or direct debit from a chequing account. Same flexibility, now with more ways to pay. 

More Ways to Pay

Pay in full

Want to get it out of the way? You can pay your full tour balance up front when you enrol. 

Manual Payment Plan

Prefer fewer payments on your own schedule? This plan allows for occasional instalments (based on enrolment date) and invoicing reminders.

Accepted payment methods: 
– Direct debit from chequing or savings account 
– Visa or Mastercard credit card 

Pay with FlexPay

Looking for extra flexibility? FlexPay is a trusted third-party financing option that lets you spread out the cost of your tour over low monthly payments—even beyond your travel date. 

  • Quick, easy online application 

  • Fixed monthly payments 

  • No late fees or pre-payment penalties 

  • Automatic payments to help you stay on track 

Note: FlexPay is an independent payment provider and not affiliated with EF’s internal payment plans. 

Fundraising ideas

Personal
fundraising page

Every traveller gets a personal fundraising page—shareable and secure. Contributions made by friends and family go directly toward your tour balance.

FlipGive

Travelling with EF is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we know that every bit counts when it comes to making that dream a reality. That’s why we’ve partnered with FlipGive, a free team-funding app that turns your everyday spending into travel savings. Earn cash back when you shop online, book hotels, dine out, or plan activities—all from brands you already love. 

The best part? Friends and family can join your team and help you earn even more. It’s a simple, impactful way to keep your tour goals within reach. 

Visit FlipGive or book a session with a coach

Invoicing and Payment FAQs

The Automatic Payment Plan (APP) is the simplest, most flexible way to manage your tour payments. Your balance is split into smaller, interest-free payments withdrawn automatically from your chequing account, credit card, or debit card (with a Visa or Mastercard logo)—monthly or biweekly until paid in full. 

View your payment plan and balance anytime at eftours.ca/login 
No late fees while enrolled in APP 
Final payment deadline extended to 25 days before departure 

You can enrol under the Payments tab when logged into your EF account. 

If a payment is returned or stopped, a non-refundable $30 processing fee will apply.  

1. Automatic Payment Plan (APP)Our recommended and most popular option 
Smaller, interest-free payments. No late fees. Choose your payment date and method (including credit card!) and let the plan run on autopilot until your balance is paid. 

2. Manual Payment Plan (MPP)Invoice-based payments at scheduled intervals 
You’ll be responsible for keeping track of deadlines. Late fees may apply. We’ll send an invoice around one month before your final payment is due, but it’s your responsibility to ensure all payments are made on time. 

Need to check your account? 
Log in at eftours.ca/login or call 1-800-263-2806

3. Pay in FullMake one full payment upfront.
Best for those who want to wrap things up early! 

Full Payment Plan details are available for review in EF’s Booking Conditions

Depending on your tour, charges may include: 

  • Program Price (flights or deluxe highway motor coach, hotels, meals, activities, transportation, taxes, and custom gratuities for tours travelling within North America) 

  • The Adult Supplement (for travellers aged 20+) 

  • Global Travel Protection Plan and/or CFAR Insurance Add-On 

  • Optional excursions, service fees, and rooming charges 

For full terms and inclusions, refer to EF’s Booking Conditions 

EF offers a Global Travel Protection Plan and Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance Add-On for additional flexibility and peace of mind. Global Travel Protection Plan and CFAR Insurance Add-On are only available, and can be only removed, for up to 30 days after your enrolment. CFAR Insurance Add-On cannot be added to the Global Travel Protection Plan if you enrol on your EF Tour within 69 days prior to your departure. 

The Global Travel Protection Plan includes: 

  • Illness and Accident Coverage 

  • Baggage and Property Coverage 

  • Tour Cancellation and Interruption Coverage 

  • School Board Tour Cancellation Coverage 

  • 24-hour Emergency Assistance 

CFAR Insurance Add-On allows travellers who cancel up to 24 hours or more before departure for any reason not covered under the Global Travel Protection Plan to claim up to 80% of their non-refundable cancellation fees outlined in our Cancellation Policy. 

The Global Travel Protection Plan, including the CFAR Insurance Add-On, is underwritten by:

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd (Canadian Branch) 100 King Street West, Suite 5500,
P.O. Box 290 M5X 1C9 Toronto, Ontario, Canada, pursuant to a Group Policy issued to EF Travel Canada Ltd. For complete terms, conditions, and exclusions, please refer to the Zurich Certificate found here

EF’s cancellation policy reflects the investments we make on your behalf—often years in advance. Cancellations must be submitted by the traveller, their guardian, or Group Leader. The date we receive notice determines your eligibility for a refund. 

Standard Cancellation Policy: 

  • 110+ days before departure: Full refund, less the non-refundable fees and $399 cancellation fee 

  • 109–45 days before departure: Full refund, less the non-refundable fees and 50% of program price 

  • 44 days or fewer before departure: No refund (100% of program and tour fees apply) 

*Non-refundable fees, as defined as the Global Travel Protection Plan, CFAR Insurance Add-On, Cancel for Any Reason Plan, Payment Protection Program, and any late fees, Late Payment Charge, Late Application Charge, Automatic Payment Plan decline charges, return or decline, direct debit fees, late special travel request fees which have been applied to the account at the time of cancellation, are also deducted from refunds. Travellers who have transferred between tours and subsequently cancel will be subject to the higher cancellation fee between the original tour and the new tour. 

Yes. Refunds for overpayments are available by request only and after the funds have remained on your account for at least 15 days. We process all refunds within approximately 4–6 weeks

If the payment methods on file are no longer active, refunds will be issued via e-transfer to the billing contact. Refunds are processed according to the following guidelines:  

  • If there is a single card on file, the refund will be issued to that card.  

  • If multiple cards are on file, the refund will be applied to the card that made the most payments, provided the refund amount is equal to or less than the total payments made with that card. 

  • If there is a single card on file, the refund will be issued to that card. 

  • If no single card meets this condition (i.e., all cards have total payments less than the refund amount), the refund will be sent via e-transfer to the billing contact.  

  • If the account has donations on it, the refund will be issued to the billing contact. 

This contract allows for price increases until full payment is received. If the increase is more than 7% (excluding sales tax increases), you may cancel for a full refund. 

To travel to the U.S. from Canada, a valid passport is required. Non-Canadian citizens should confirm visa requirements with the U.S. Embassy. 

For international tours, you must carry: 

  • A valid passport 

  • Any required visas or electronic travel authorisations (e.g. ETIAS) 

  • A notarised parental authorisation form (if applicable) 

EF will notify you if your destination requires travel documentation. However, even with proper paperwork, entry into a country may still be refused. 

Living standards and practices at the destination and the standards and conditions there with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found in Canada 

Medical documents, testing, or vaccination proof may be required. Please visit travel.gc.ca or contact EF for up-to-date requirements.

EF Educational Tours is registered under the Travel Industry Act and complies with relevant provincial protection bodies:

  • TICO (registration #2395858) 

  • Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) (permit #702732) 

  • Consumer Protection BC (registration #73991) 

In the unlikely event of EF bankruptcy or insolvency, your payments are protected by your province’s respective travel protection agency. Quebec residents may be eligible for reimbursement through the Travel Agent Client Compensation Fund at ficav.gouv.qc.ca/en 

All international tours (those travelling outside North America) are operated by EF Education First International AG Selnaustrasse 30, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland, organization number CHE-109.874.655, VAT number CHE–116.325.678 MWST. Note: The services provided are tax-exempt with credit in accordance with Swiss Federal Law with regard to Value-Added Tax Art. #23 

All domestic tours (those travelling within North America) are operated by EF Explore America Inc., Two Education Circle, Cambridge, MA 02141. GST/HST number 86346 8047 

EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Ltd. is an affiliate of EF Education First International Ltd. and EF Explore America Inc. and acts only as a promotional service for those companies. EF Institute for Cultural Exchange, Ltd. is not an agent of EF Education First International, Ltd. or EF Explore America Inc., does not provide any goods or services for your trip, and is located at 80 Bloor Street West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2V1 (t: 1-800-263-2806). Invoices pertaining to such tours are issued by EF Institute for Cultural Exchange Ltd. on behalf of EF Education First International Ltd. and EF Explore America Inc.