Summary
Most travel categories are bookable across borders without restriction
Restrictions are supplier-specific, not Fora-level—they vary by cruise line, tour operator, and hotel program
Hotels, tours, and luxury properties work well cross-border; VIP perks still apply
Cruises are the most complicated category—each line sets its own cross-border policies
OFAC restrictions apply to your clients, not just to you—you cannot book travel for clients in sanctioned countries
Advisors cannot book for any Quebec clients; advisors in all other regions can serve clients globally
The short answer
Fora does not restrict which clients you can serve based on geography. You can be in Canada and book for a US client, in the US and book for a UK client, or in Australia and book for clients anywhere in the world.
Where cross-border complexity arises is at the supplier level—not Fora's. Each cruise line, tour operator, and hotel program sets its own policies on which client residencies, which advisor markets, and which currencies it supports.
What works without restriction
Hotels and resorts
The most flexible category. Most hotel and resort bookings can be made globally regardless of where you or your client is located. Luxury consortium perks (Virtuoso, Signature, Fora Reserve) typically still apply across markets.
In practice: A Canadian advisor booking a New York hotel for a French client encounters no meaningful cross-border restriction.
Tours and DMCs
Most tour operators are globally accessible. Some apply regional pricing or market preferences—check with the operator—but outright restrictions are uncommon.
Experiences and activities
Generally no cross-border restrictions.
Where it gets complicated: cruises
Cruises are the most supplier-dependent category for cross-border booking. Each cruise line independently sets policies on:
Policy element | What it means |
Client residency | Which countries a client must reside in to be bookable through that line |
Advisor market | Which advisor markets (US, Canada, UK, etc.) can service which clients |
Currency | Which currencies are accepted for which client/advisor combinations |
These policies apply to where your client lives, not just where you are. A client in Australia may need to be booked through a different channel than a US client on the same ship.
Recommended approach: Before quoting a cruise to an international client, check that cruise line's cross-border policy in the Fora Portal. Policies vary significantly by line and can change.
For more on cruise-specific booking considerations, see Can I Join If I Live Outside the United States.
Where it doesn't work
OFAC-sanctioned countries
You cannot complete commissionable bookings for clients who reside in OFAC-sanctioned countries (countries under US Treasury economic sanctions), regardless of where you are. This is a legal requirement, not a Fora policy.
For the full list, see Restricted Countries and OFAC Sanctions.
Quebec clients
Fora is not licensed in Quebec. Advisors cannot book for clients who reside in Quebec.
UK package travel
UK-based advisors cannot book combined flight-plus-hotel packages due to UK package travel regulations. Hotel-only, cruise, and tour bookings are fully supported. This restriction applies to the advisor's location, not the client's.
Common scenarios
Scenario | Works? | Notes |
Canadian advisor, US client | Yes | No restrictions for hotels, tours |
US advisor, Canadian client | Yes | Check cruise line policies for cruises |
UK advisor, European client | Yes | UK advisor cannot book flight+hotel packages |
Australian advisor, US client | Yes | Standard booking; USD pricing applies |
US advisor, client in Mexico | Yes | Check cruise line policies; hotel and tours standard |
Any advisor, client in Cuba | No | OFAC-sanctioned country |
Any advisor, client in Quebec | No | Fora not licensed in Quebec |
Ontario advisor, any client | Yes | TICO exam must be completed first |
What you need to set up
If you are booking for clients in currencies other than USD, Fora supports local currency payouts through Routable. You quote clients in the supplier's currency and receive your commission in your local currency (or USD if preferred). See When Do I Get Paid for international payment details.
For clients paying in a foreign currency, provide an exchange-rate reference in their home currency at time of quote—this reduces confusion and builds trust.
FAQs
Do I need a US address to book US clients?
No. Your advisor registration is tied to your location, not your client's. You can serve US clients from anywhere Fora is supported.
What if I'm not sure whether a cruise line allows my client's residency?
Check the cruise line's cross-border policy in the Fora Portal before quoting. If you're still unsure, reach out via Slack support or contact the cruise line's advisor support line directly.
Can I serve clients in multiple countries at the same time?
Yes. Many international advisors build a mixed client base across their home country, the US, and other markets. There is no restriction on serving clients across multiple countries simultaneously.
Are there tax implications to booking for international clients?
Your tax obligations are governed by your home country rules, not your client's location. Consult a local tax professional for guidance on how to handle international commission income.
What if a supplier has a rate in a currency my client doesn't use?
Quote in the supplier's listed currency and include a note with the equivalent in your client's currency using a current exchange rate. You cannot guarantee exchange rates, but providing the reference is standard practice.
Does my E&O insurance cover international clients?
Fora's E&O insurance covers claims brought against Fora in the United States. If a client in another country brings a claim in their local courts, Fora's US-based E&O would not apply. For international advisors serving clients in their home country, local professional liability coverage is worth evaluating.