Q: Can anyone join Servas?
A: Yes, Servas is open to everyone over 18 who share Servas values.
Q: Can I be just a traveller?
Yes, many people start off as travellers and later become hosts, who receive travellers in their homes for two nights.
Q. How do I become a host?
A. To become a host you will be interviewed. When you are accepted as a member and pay a membership fee, your details go into the host list (updated every year) for travellers to look up.
Q: How do I travel with Servas?
A: You have to become a Servas member to be traveller (or a host). First you have an interview. When you are accepted as a member and pay your membership fee you will be sent the host lists of the countries you want to visit and you make contact with the people you want to stay with. This will be explained in some detail at your interview.
Q. How long does it take to become a member?
You should allow takes three weeks from your initial enquiry.
Q: Is it possible to join Servas when I am already travelling?
A: In general, we ask you to become a member of Servas before travelling. However, some countries have special arrangements, which make this possible. Please contact Servasbritain.
Q. How long can I stay for?
A. A Servas visit is for two nights.
Q: Can I stay for longer than two nights?
A: No. You should not ask your host to stay more than the usual two nights. The only time you may ask is where hosts state that they accept longer stays, but ask about this before you travel.
Q: How much does it cost to stay with a Servas host?
A: There is no money involved in a visit, but some travellers like to bring a small gift from their country. The main point of your visit is to spend some time together and to share ideas. Travellers are expected to take part in the life of the household.
Q: Can young people join Servas?
A: Children and young people under 18 who are part of a host family can travel with their family. They can also have their details listed separately in the Servas Britain host list.
Servas has a Young People's programme to encourage contacts between young people from different countries.
Q: Are Servas host lists available on-line?
A: Currently Servas host lists are not on-line.
Q: How is Servas Britain run?
A: Servas Britain is divided into regions, each with a volunteer coordinator. There is a management committee of elected members. The organisation is non-profit-making, relying on an annual fee from travellers and hosts, see the current fees list.
Servas Britain is part of Servas International. Every three years there is an international conference. See the international website for more information.
Q: How did Servas begin?
A: Servas was started over fifty years ago, for more details see a brief history