Over the past seventy plus years, our members around the world have enjoyed the art of hosting visitors in the Servas way. Communication is the key to a successful Servas experience. The goal of Servas is not inexpensive travel – Servas exists to bring together people from different cultures to promote peace and understanding and to learn how other people live.

The system works remarkably well when Servas travelers remember to do the following:

*If you wish, you can download a PDF of these responsibilities.

• Be sensitive and respectful of your hosts’ values and customs. Learn about the area where you will be visiting, use travel guidebooks and maps so you can be prepared. Consider contacting hosts outside major cities. Often, they are less inundated with requests than hosts near transportation hubs or major tourist destinations. Find by searching hosts who Want More Travelers.
• Read the host listings carefully to understand what the host is able to provide. Each request should be individualized ... no mass emails. l Contact hosts well in advance and include a copy of your Letter of Introduction and the purpose of your travel.
• Only call at reasonable hours, usually between 9 am and 9 pm host’s local time; do not expect hosts to return your long-distance or out-of-country call at their expense.
• Consider noting your COVID vaccination status when contacting prospective hosts even if not requested.
• Confirm arrangements before arriving and notify your hosts if your schedule or arrival time has changed and ask if you should eat before you arrive. l Arrive on time. It is your responsibility for getting to the host’s home or agreed upon meeting place… and getting there on time.
• Present your Letter of Introduction (LOI) in email requests for hosting and be prepared to present it when you first meet your host if you have not already done so in an email or even text. Your LOI is your Servas “passport.” Note that some hosts like to keep a paper copy. Any travel companions (family members 18 and older or friends) must also be Servas members with their own valid LOI. Note, the LOI is the only place your emergency contact information is available to hosts.
• Stays are for one or two nights at the discretion of the host; the visit may be extended, but only by the host’s express invitation.
• Meals are not obligatory. While some hosts will invite you to share meals with them, they are not obligated to do so. Communication regarding meals or use of the kitchen is important.
• Hosts are not hotels and accommodations can vary greatly. Be tolerant and open-minded regarding what the hosts can offer as this is central to Servas’ culture. If you have particular needs, be sure to discuss them with your hosts ahead of time.
• Spend time with your hosts. This is the reason Servas exists. Some hosts will be able to show you around the area, but others will have less time or ability to do so. Don’t expect a tour guide. You may also be able to find a Day Host in the area to spend some time with. If you are attending a conference or have other commitments and have little time to spend with your hosts, please use a hotel instead and consider contacting a Day Host for what time you can dedicate to making a meaningful connection. 
• Discuss with your host/day host ahead of time how they will recognize you if meeting in public. Discuss any special dietary or physical needs that you yourself will need to accommodate and if you have any other commitments during or around your visit.
• Be polite, gracious and helpful – remembering that hosts are not hotels. Treat your hosts as friends. Follow the rules of the house, and accept whatever sleeping and eating arrangements that are offered.
• Offer to help whether it is cleaning up after a meal or helping with a chore that must be completed prior to taking an outing together. Servas means “we serve”. One host may not accept help, but the next may be grateful.
• Address any costs in advance of meals out or activities such as whether you are treating them as thanks or whether everyone will be paying their own way (typical). Plan to pay your own way for activities, meals, etc. l Use of the telephone, WI-FI or computer is at your host’s invitation. Offer to pay for any costs. In some countries, data charges are quite high. Public libraries in the US offer the use of computers, often free.
• Thank your hosts. Provide some token of thanks whether it is something from home, fresh flowers or cooking a meal. Leave or send a note of thanks.
• No Guarantees. Servas membership does not guarantee anyone the “right” to free hospitality. Servas hosts, on the other hand, do have the right to refuse a homestay request… even without an explanation. Be polite and understanding when a host, who finds it inconvenient to receive you, might say “No.” Do not expect last-minute requests to be filled or maybe even responded to.
• Your conduct should be above reproach. In the unlikely event that a Servas member acts inappropriately, please report the incident quickly to complaints@usservas.org. 

Information on Host Responsibilities.