Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ties has been communicating and assisting adoptees with international travel in the last year. We've had hundreds of adoptees from Guatemala, Colombia, China, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and other countries come back into the U.S. and none of them have had issues. Many have said that it was their easiest immigration experience yet.

    Legally, as U.S. citizens (check out our blog post, Is Your Citizenship Status Correct?) you cannot be stopped from coming into the U.S. at the border. You can be held if you are creating a disturbance or detained if you broke the law. As an extra precaution we provide all travelers with the name of an immigration attorney, just in case. As of October 2025, no one has needed to use their services.

  • The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.

    For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.

    We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.

  • Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.

    To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.

  • Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.

    Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.

  • Yes, solo travelers are encouraged to join us! This is about your journey as an adoptee and if you prefer to travel solo with the group, that is perfectly okay.

  • This depends on the program. All ages programs will have anywhere from teenagers to adults. Our 21+ programs will have adoptees who are at least 21 but can range into their 50’s. For Korea First Wave, all adoptees are 50 years of age or older.

  • Yes, feel free to arrive in the country early or stay later. Our travelers frequently add on days to our programs, and we are happy to help you plan those days.

  • Absolutely! Our itineraries include designated free time where participants can explore independently, relax, or pursue personal interests. This allows adoptees and their loved ones to customize their experience and make the most of their journey. Costs are adjusted accordingly based on the activities participants choose. Travelers are not required to attend every activity on the itinerary. You are welcome to opt out of an activity or day as long as you inform your group guide. Additionally, some of our trips offer days with options to choose between activities or to enjoy free time instead. Please note that the program fee covers all planned activities, and opting out of certain activities is a personal decision that does not affect the program fee.

  • Yes! You are welcome to stay at the hotel or to branch off on your own adventure for the day. All we ask is that you let the on-site Ties team know so we know not to expect you for that day.

  • This trip is about you and your journey, whatever that looks like. If that includes a birth search, that’s great - we will support you. Sometimes people start a tour not wanting to do a birth search and then change their mind during their journey. And sometimes people never change their minds about birth search. All of this is okay and we will support you wherever you are in your adoption journey. If you do change your mind, let us know as soon as possible so we can make arrangements for you to review your file and/or visit your agency, orphanage or meaningful places.

  • Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country. Some countries may require visas for entry, while others allow visa-free travel. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool. On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy. It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your travel dates. Our team can assist you with visa information and guidance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

  • Some meals are included in the program fee. Details about which meals are included will be provided in the detailed itinerary that you will receive after requesting information about a specific trip. This itinerary will outline all meal arrangements and provide clarity on what to expect during the trip.

  • International flights from your current country of residence are not included. We do give careful direction for booking flights: some families use points, others may use a travel agency or book directly with their preferred airline. Flights within the country during the tour are included.

  • Our partner organization, Gift of Identity offers grants specifically for adoptees traveling on our group travel Signature or Lite trips. You can find more information about this grant and how to apply on the Gift of Identity website. Additionally, please visit our Financial Assistance page for more ideas and resources to support your travel plans.

  • Upon registering for a Ties Program, you will receive a payment schedule. Registering at least 10 months ahead allows you to pay in installments without interest. We recommend signing up during the early bird registration period for the best options. Feel free to peruse our Financial Assistance page for resources such as grants.

  • Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.

    Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.

    Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.

    We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

  • Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.

    Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.

    Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.

    As of August 2025, join Ties Together Monthly Chats, free virtual webinars on the first Tuesday of every month, which bring Connect & Chat and Talk Time from the tour to your home.

    *Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.