Summary
Yes, international advisors can join Fora
Many Fora advisors operate globally (UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and beyond)
Some countries have specific licensing requirements (e.g., Ontario requires TICO exam)
Cruise bookings have supplier-specific cross-border restrictions
Commissions can be paid in local currencies through Routable
Advisors from OFAC-sanctioned countries (countries under US Treasury economic sanctions) cannot be onboarded
International advisors should focus on hotels/tours for maximum flexibility
Yes. All 50 US states are eligible, and Fora supports international advisors across many countries as well.
A common misconception: Fora maintains seller-of-travel registrations in California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada, and Washington—the states that require them by law. This does not mean advisors in other states are excluded. If you're in Texas, New York, Colorado, or anywhere else in the US, you can join without any additional licensing.
Supported regions
United States
Full support across all 50 states. No additional requirements.
Canada
British Columbia: Fully licensed and supported
Ontario: Licensed; TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) exam required before booking travel
Quebec: Not available—Fora is not currently licensed in Quebec
United Kingdom
Can join. Note: UK advisors cannot book flight-plus-hotel packages due to air travel regulations. Hotel-only and cruise bookings are fully supported. No ATOL/ABTA required.
Mexico
Can join. Commissions are processed in MXN through Fora's payment partner.
Other countries
Fora has advisors in 140+ countries. Most countries outside the US, Canada, and Mexico can join at standard USD pricing ($99/quarter or $299/year). OFAC restrictions apply—see below.
Countries that cannot join
Advisors from OFAC-sanctioned countries (countries under US Treasury economic sanctions) cannot be onboarded. For the complete list of restricted countries, see Restricted Countries and OFAC Sanctions.
Contact joinus@foratravel.com if you're unsure whether your country is eligible.
Operational considerations for international advisors
Payments & currency
Fora supports local currencies through Routable (EUR, GBP, MXN, CAD, and others)
If your currency isn't supported, payouts via international transfer through Mercury
Quote clients in supplier currency; provide exchange-rate reference in their home currency
Taxes & documentation
Complete W-8 (typical for non-US persons) or W-9 (if applicable) at time of first commission
Fora provides an earnings statement (typically January)
You are responsible for reporting income per your home country's rules
Fora cannot provide tax advice—consult a local professional
Time zones & support
Live training sessions run on US time zones. All sessions are recorded and available on demand, so you can access them on your schedule. Lean on async support (email/community) for non-urgent questions.
Supplier considerations by category
Hotels & resorts
Most flexible category. Most hotel/resort bookings can be made globally without issue. VIP programs and preferred perks typically still apply.
Tours / DMCs / Experiences
Varies by operator. Some are global; some apply market restrictions. Confirm policies per supplier.
Cruises (most complex)
Each cruise line sets its own cross-border policies regarding which client countries/residencies can be booked, what currencies can be used, and which agency markets can service which clients.
These policies often apply to where your client resides, not just where you live. View each cruise line's cross-border policy in the Fora Portal before quoting a cruise.
Recommended strategy for international advisors: Focus on hotels and experiences (high flexibility + strong VIP perks), and check cruise line policies carefully before booking for international clients.
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
You live in Canada (BC) | Can join; fully licensed |
You live in Canada (Ontario) | Can join; must complete TICO exam |
You live in Canada (Quebec) | Cannot join; not licensed |
You live in the UK | Can join; cannot book flight+hotel packages |
You live in Australia/Europe | Can join; pay USD pricing |
You want to serve US clients remotely | Allowed and common |
Your client is in a restricted country | Cannot complete commissionable booking for them |
FAQs
Can I serve both local and US clients?
Yes. International advisors can serve clients in their home country, US-based clients remotely, or a mix of both.
Will I be covered by Fora's E&O insurance?
Fora's E&O insurance covers advisors if the claim is brought against Fora in the United States. Claims brought in your local country are not covered.
What local requirements might I have?
You may need to register as self-employed, form a company entity, comply with local licensing or consumer protection rules, or register for local taxes. Fora cannot advise on local requirements—consult a local professional.
How do I handle currency for client quotes?
Quote in the supplier's currency. Provide an exchange-rate reference in the client's home currency to reduce confusion.