Traveling to the US comes with challenges, so we encourage you to be well-prepared.
Additionally, we want you to be aware that some countries have updated their travel advisories to the United States due to their citizens being detained at US borders, even with valid travel documents. Please read the following information carefully if you are traveling to the US from another country.
Visa & Immigration Requirements
- The US has extremely strict labor and immigration laws.
- If you need a visa to enter the USA, you must secure it before contacting hosts.
- Host farms will not assist with visa applications and cannot provide letters of invitation. Requesting such assistance may result in the loss of your WWOOF membership.
- It is your responsibility to determine and obtain the correct visa for your trip.
- No Guarantee of Entry: Even with a valid visa or ESTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have the authority to deny entry to any non-U.S. citizen at the border or airport. Entry is ultimately at their discretion.
Border Entry Considerations
If you are traveling to the U.S. specifically to visit a WWOOF host farm:
- Be prepared for rigorous questions at the border regarding your travel plans.
- Strict Enforcement of Entry Rules: The U.S. is known for strictly enforcing immigration laws. If a border agent determines that you plan to do something not allowed under your visa they may deny entry or detain you. This applies even if your intentions are non-commercial and educational.
- Serious Consequences for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with U.S. immigration laws can have serious consequences, including travel bans or visa restrictions. Travelers who are denied entry may be held in detention centers while arrangements are made for their return home. In some cases, a denial of entry may also result in future travel restrictions or visa bans.
- WWOOF is not responsible for any immigration or travel-related issues that may arise.
Connecting with Other WWOOFers
To better understand the experiences of other international WWOOFers, you may find discussions on platforms like Reddit and other travel forums helpful. Please note that WWOOF does not have an official forum.
Membership Refunds
If you have concerns and wish to cancel your membership, you may request a refund within 14 days of registration by contacting us.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you!