The WYSE Travel Confederation Travel Safety Panel, which meets regularly every few weeks, has shared several key industry developments from its latest session in April 2025.

Ongoing political volatility and impacts on U.S. Exchange Programs

Linda Langin from CareMed International Travel Insurance pointed out the growing concerns about the political climate in the United States, particularly for J-1 and student visa programs. While application numbers for U.S.-bound programs haven’t declined, there’s still a lot of uncertainty among long-term international students. A recent incident where a large group of international participants faced questioning upon re-entry to the U.S. has heightened these concerns.

To address this, guidance has been developed by CareMed with support from a security consultant, advising students to be cautious about their digital presence, maintain a respectful appearance, and, where possible, travel in groups that include American peers. While no critical incidents have occurred, precautionary measures are being closely monitored, with some students returning home early as a preventive step.

Heightened focus on J-1 Visa Program ahead of summer peak

Furthermore, Jimmy Brazelton of GeoVisions underscored the significance of the upcoming summer Work & Travel season, noting that there are heightened concerns around entry into the U.S. regardless of visa category, which also affects J-1 participants and that most sponsors are proactively preparing participants for potential delays at ports of entry. Sponsors have also been providing detailed guidance regarding appropriate conduct and documentation.

Despite some minor delays and increased questioning, program enrollment levels remain strong, and there is a concerted effort to highlight the positive impact of cultural exchange programmes to counterbalance policy concerns.

Increased communication in the au pair sector

Strong demand from both host families and participants is driving growth in the au pair segment, according to Sarah McNamara of AuPairCare. The company is addressing community apprehension with increased proactive communication and digital storytelling. Internally, communication efforts have intensified, focusing on informing staff about legislative developments and collaborative advocacy efforts.

While maintaining a positive external narrative, organisations are prioritising internal resilience, recognising that staff are closely monitoring political developments and require support to remain effective in their roles.

European insurance sector adapts to new challenges

Claudia Reichstein of DR-WALTER provided insight from a European perspective, noting that the insurance sector is adapting to global developments. While Germany has not seen significant declines in programme participation, and key programmes like the Deutsche Bundestag exchange remain on schedule, insurance partners are increasingly emphasising compliance-related matters. These include data protection, sanction screening, and anti-money laundering checks, reflecting a broader shift towards risk mitigation amid geopolitical instability.

Furthermore, data indicates rising outpatient and inpatient claims from U.S.-based participants, driven by increasing healthcare costs and a trend among younger travellers to prioritise and proactively seek medical care.

Conclusion

The travel safety sector is adapting quickly to today’s complex and ever-changing world. As youth travel and exchange programs gear up for the busy summer season, close collaboration between program sponsors, insurers, and safety experts is key. These panel discussions highlight an industry-wide dedication to proactive risk management, clear communication, and the ongoing support of international travel, even with rising global tensions.