Hosting with Servas has many benefits. It can introduce you to new people and cultures, help build peace and understanding around the world through meaningful and diverse personal exchanges.

Note: Although a 2-night stay is the preferred hosting period, Servas allows host the option to offer just 1 night accommodation as their preference. Day Hosts do not provide overnight hosting but can meet to converse over a meal or coffee or to explore together.

*If you wish to download a PDF of these responsibilities, click here 

Servas hosts have the responsibility to:

• Reply promptly to every request — even if you are unable to host. Many travelers are waiting for your response before they contact others.
• Keep your host information up to date, especially your email address, phone number, photo, and if applicable, WhatsApp number. Include in your profile your expectations, if any, regarding travelers having a Covid-19 vaccine or any other vaccine that you require for visitors. State upfront if you would like to see a vaccine card. Clearly describe physical accessibility and any dietary restrictions within the household. Be sure to complete the More Hosting Details field for these or other details.
• Provide a comfortable (but not necessarily luxurious) place to sleep for the agreed upon time (one or two nights, as specified in your profile). Consider offering the use of laundry facilities. Provide instructions for appliances as applicable. Explain any nuances such as a sticky latch or a step that might be problematic.
• Discuss with your guest ahead of time what kind of accommodation, meals, length of stay etc. you can provide, especially if these will be limited in some way. Discussing any special needs or situations ahead of time could make a big difference to the quality of the visit.
• Clearly explain any house rules to your Servas guests (for instance shoes off, curfews, etc.). People from different cultures may have different expectations, so explain how you would like things done in your home.
• Spend as much time with your guests as is practical for you. Remember, an important goal of Servas is to learn about the country, culture, and life of your guests, while sharing information about your own way of life. Discussion of topics that promote peace and understanding worldwide are important elements of the Servas visit. Suggest activities your guests can do, especially when you are unavailable. Be considerate of guests who need time for rest or relaxation.
• Notify the traveler immediately if you are unable to host them after you have agreed to do so. Perhaps you can suggest another host in the area that the traveler might want to contact.
• Welcome all travelers regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. 

• Decline to host at any time if it is not convenient, or if travelers provide insufficient notification. You are never required to host a guest who shows up without notice.
• Decide the length of hosting whether you will accept travelers as a day host, for one night or two, or invite travelers to stay longer.
• Determine the level of hospitality you provide. Many hosts provide meals, but you can determine whether you will provide meals, allow guests to use your kitchen, or provide no food service. You may provide transportation for sightseeing or to the airport, but are not required to.
• Request that travelers not remain in the house when you are away. Restrict your hosting to “male only” or “female only.”

All hosts have the responsibility to help Servas thrive and grow as an organization that maintains true to its goals and values, and should:

• Accept only travelers who provide you with a current and valid Letter of Introduction (LOI). If they don’t send it with the initial contact, please request it. LOIs must have a valid eStamp with an expiration dated after the time of their visit.
• Discuss situations with travelers if they behave in ways that you think do not reflect appropriate Servas values. If the issue is not resolved, or they arrive without a current LOI, contact US Servas at https://usservas.org/contact-us.