Servas is an international, non-governmental, multicultural peace association run by volunteers in over 100 countries. Founded in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler as a peace movement, Servas International is a non-profit organization working to build understanding, tolerance and world peace. For more information and background on Bob Luitweiler’s vision, read his description in Seeds of Servas.
We operate through a network of Servas hosts around the world who are interested in opening their doors to travelers , and of Servas travelers who want to get to know the heart of the countries they visit.
Servas helpers are members who support the goals of the organization in other ways, through leadership and communication or perhaps as a representative at the United Nations. Servas International has consultative status as a non-governmental organization with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, with representation at many of the UN's hubs of activity.
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How does it work?
Servas Host
The hospitality offered by the "open doors" is the cornerstone of SERVAS.
SERVAS hosts offer hospitality to approved travelers of every race, creed and nationality.
A host should provide a bed for two nights (or longer, but only at the host's invitation) and usually invite the traveler to share in the evening meal.
The host is not expected to provide transport for the traveler, although some may want to show the traveler places of interest.
If the traveler does not present the Letter of Introduction on arrival, the host should ask to see it to make sure it is up to date.
The host should keep a record of travelers' names and addresses in a Visitor Book.
The host should explain the 'rules of the house' to the traveler.
A traveler should ask before using a host's phone and should pay for all calls.
A host should set aside some time to talk with a traveler. If it is not convenient for a host to have a traveler, the host should feel free to say 'no'. In such a case it may be possible to suggest the names of alternative hosts. Hosts should answer e-mail /letters from travelers asking to stay.
Hosts who are not able to provide overnight accommodation, may wish to join as Day Hosts. A Day Host will find a convenient time to meet the traveler, may provide information or a guided tour, or a work-place visit or a meal, or just find time for a chat
Servas Traveler's
A traveler must be 18 years of age or over.
All travelers must be interviewed to make sure they are responsible, open minded and likely to be a good member of SERVAS.
When approved, the traveler receives a letter of Introduction which is signed, stamped and dated and is the traveler's 'passport' in Servas. It is valid for one year.
The Letter of Introduction is shown on arrival in a host's home.
If possible, Host Lists are provided for the countries a traveler will be visiting.
A deposit is required for Host Lists, and this is refunded when the lists are returned together with a travel report.
If a Host List cannot be provided for a particular country, the traveler will be given the address and telephone number or a contact in that country from whom a list can be obtained. If writing for a list, a copy of the letter of introduction should be included.
Host Lists should be returned at the end of a trip so that they are available for other travelers.
At the end of a trip, the traveler should write a short report for the National Secretary, listing the hosts that have been stayed with, noting any changes of address or telephone number and giving advice that may be useful to other travelers.
