BBYO is continuing to plan for Summer 2026 programs in Israel and remains closely engaged with our partners while monitoring developments in the region. At this time, no changes have been made to our Israel travel plans. The FAQs below are intended to help answer common questions and outline how different situations would be addressed.
BBYO continues to plan for Summer 2026 Israel programs while closely monitoring the situation in the region. Our team is in regular contact with our partners in Israel and will make decisions based on safety, government guidance, and the well-being of our participants.
Final decisions are determined using a combination of factors, including whether Israeli airspace is open to commercial flights and whether organized group travel is permitted and supported by the Israeli government ministries and agencies. We closely monitor guidance from these authorities and align our decisions with their recommendations to ensure we are operating in a safe and approved environment.
In addition, we are in constant contact with our trusted travel partners and security experts on the ground in Israel to understand real-time conditions and how they may impact our programs. Because the situation may evolve quickly, decisions are not based on a single moment in time, but on consistent trends and verified guidance from the partners responsible for safety and operations in Israel.
As a result, we are not always able to provide a specific decision timeline. Conditions may change rapidly, and we want to ensure that any decision we make reflects the most accurate and up-to-date information available. While news coverage can provide general context, BBYO serves as your primary source of information, working directly with the appropriate authorities and partners to determine if and when we can safely operate our programs.
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our teens remain our top priority in every decision we make.
Read more about our approach to safety and security here. BBYO works closely with in-country partners, security experts, and trusted travel providers to monitor conditions in Israel. Safety is always our top priority, and decisions regarding program operations are made based on expert guidance and real-time developments.
BBYO strongly recommends booking the supervised group flight through Traveland. Group flights provide the most supported travel experience for teens and allow our team to assist families if flight schedules change.
At this time, the only payment required to secure your teen’s seat on the current group flight is a $250 non-refundable deposit. Waiting until after the Traveland booking deadline may result in higher prices or limited availability.
Families may choose to book independent flights, but BBYO and Traveland cannot assist with changes or disruptions for independently booked travel. Traveland has created an extensive flight booking website for BBYO families that includes:
Airline policies vary, and group flights are typically not fully refundable. In some cases, airlines may offer an e-credit or travel voucher rather than a cash refund. Traveland can provide guidance on the specific airline policy for your teen’s flight. In the event of a trip cancellation, BBYO will work closely with Traveland and advocate on your behalf with the airline to pursue the best possible resolution for your family.
If your family decides that Israel travel is not the right fit this summer, teens may transfer their registration to another BBYO Summer Program, pending availability. Per our Terms of Enrollment, refunds are not available for cancellations initiated by the family. If BBYO must cancel a program, we will communicate all available options with families.
Scholarship policies can vary, and in most cases, community-based funding is designated specifically for Israel travel. If your teen is considering transferring to a different BBYO Passport program, it is your responsibility to connect directly with the organization or local contact that provided your scholarship to confirm whether those funds can be applied to a program outside of Israel.
At this time, the $3,000 RootOne voucher is only available for programs that include travel to Israel, as outlined on our RootOne page. If a participant transfers to a program that does not include Israel, the RootOne voucher will not apply toward that new program, even if all eligibility requirements have been met.
BBYO and RootOne will communicate any updates should voucher policies change. Until then, current guidelines remain in place, and we encourage families to review their options carefully before making any program changes.
In the event that BBYO must cancel a program, families are typically offered the option to transfer to another program, roll their registration to a future summer, or request a refund. Refund amounts depend on the recoverable costs from in-country vendors and partners.
At this time, we have availability across several programs in Europe and the Americas. Our Summer Team will work closely with families to identify the best available option if a transfer becomes necessary.
If a significant program change or trip cancellation becomes necessary, BBYO will communicate this decision as soon as possible. Our goal is to provide families with at least one month’s notice prior to departure, so families have time to adjust travel plans or explore program transfer options.
BBYO strongly encourages families to consider travel insurance for their teen’s program, as it can provide valuable protection in a variety of situations.
However, most travel insurance policies do not cover claims related to war or political conflict, and “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage is not currently available for programs that include travel to Israel.
More information about the policy we recommend can be found here. Families with questions about coverage can contact our licensed insurance partner directly at [email protected].
These FAQs were last updated in May 2026