NOTE: Before planning any international travel, look at your visa (inside your passport). Check to see the expiration date printed on your actual visa. That expiration date printed on your visa is sometimes earlier than your actual end date. Au Pair in America discourages travel outside of the U.S. in your final month due to the risk of being denied re-entry. 

Travel Validation is Required to Re-enter the U.S. – Complete the Travel Validation Request Form (To obtain APIA’s signature on your DS-2019 before traveling outside of the U.S.) Note: The travel validation ensures that you are in good standing with the program, it is not formal permission to travel. 

• You may send the travel validation request form to Au Pair in America by email or regular mail. The form explains the process in detail.
• RECOMMENDED METHOD – Email the scanned form along with your scanned DS-2019 form to APIA as .pdf files, at least 1-2 weeks prior to international travel. The email address and complete instructions are on the form.

Travel Rules by Program Year

Year 1 Au Pairs can travel internationally as long as they have a valid J-1 visa.  APIA recommends that au pairs do not travel within 30 days of their visa expiration date.  You must get your DS2019 signed before travel.  You are responsible for checking the current visitor requirements for the country you plan to visit to find out whether or not you need a visa for entry.  This is generally based on your country of citizenship.

• Year 1 International Travel Checklist

Year 2 Au Pairs cannot travel internationally and return to the U.S., except for select destinations (Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent islands) through a provision in the federal regulations called the Automatic Revalidation Policy. No other international travel is allowed in Year 2. This policy allows you to re-enter the U.S. on an expired visa. You must get your extension DS2019 signed before travel. You are responsible for checking the current visitor requirements for the country you plan to visit to find out if it is possible and if you need a visa for entry.

• Year 2 International Travel Checklist 
• Carry the following:
  • Printed copy of Automatic Revalidation Policy
  • Printed copy of your participation letter (in your au pair portal)
  • Your travel validated extension DS2019 form

Additional International Travel Information

• Do I need a Visa to travel?
• Washington DC Embassy Directory
• Visiting Canada – Most au pairs will need a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. It is your responsibility to verify your requirements before making plans or purchasing tickets. The requirements vary based on your country of citizenship and are subject to change.

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Public Transportation in Our Area 

Public Transit Apps & Websites

• DC Metro App – Real-time information on DC Metrorail and bus service
• SmarTrip App – Add fare and manage your SmarTrip Card
• Transit App – Free app with all of the local public transportation options in one place.
• DC Metro Website – Metrorail & bus service to the DC, Maryland, VA area
• MARC Train Penn Line – A commuter train that goes between Baltimore and DC

Bus Information by County

• Anne Arundel County Bus & Train Service
• Montgomery County Bus Service
• Prince George’s County Bus Service

Circulator Buses (Free or Low-Cost buses in local cities)

• Annapolis Circulator Bus – Free bus around downtown Annapolis
• Charm City Circulator – Free bus around downtown Baltimore

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 Travel Inside the US

Travel/Tour Companies & Travel Websites

• Atlas Obscura – Unusual places to visit
• Intrepid Travel – Small group tours to popular destinations
• Kayak – Search flights on multiple websites at once
• Roadside America Offbeat tourist attractions
• Roadtrippers – Organize your road trip
• Trip Advisor – Guides for places to visit and things to do in various cities

Transportation

• AAA Bus Safety Reports
• DC Metro Website – helpful information maps and trip planner for Metrorail and buses
• FlixBus– trips between Baltimore, Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and DC
• Happy-Cars – car rental for 18+
• MegaBus – trips between Washington, DC, and many destinations up and down the East Coast.
• Our Bus – trips to Philadelphia, New Jersey Shore, Richmond, Wilmington & more
• Super Shuttle– transportation to and from airports in DC and all over the US
• Vamoose Bus – trips between NYC and Bethesda, MD, Arlington, VA, or Lorton, VA

Places to Stay

• Hostel World
• Hostelling International
• The Jane Hotel, New York
• The Pod Hotel (in New York)

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Departure Home

• You will be able to request your return flight in your au pair portal.
• You will receive an email with your flight itinerary no later than 4-5 weeks prior to departure.

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Money & Mail Info for Au Pairs

• How to Address an Envelope in the U.S.
• How to Fill Out a Money Order 
• How to Use U.S. Money and Write Checks

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