CDS International: Resources

International Youth Travel Cards

CDS International is an official issuing office of the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). The following is information about the card as well as instructions on how to purchase it directly from CDS.

What is the IYTC?
The International Youth Travel card is an internationally recognized youth card that offers special privileges, discounts and benefits at thousands of places worldwide and here in the United States.

Who is eligible for the IYTC?
Anyone between the ages of 12-25 are eligible to purchase the card, regardless of citizenship or national origin. Individuals who wish to purchase the card must do so prior to their 26th birthday. To obtain your card, valid proof of age and a passport-sized photo is required.

How do I purchase the card?
Cards can be purchased directly from CDS International in a variety of ways. Participants may send in proof of age and a photo, along with a payment of $22 (US) along with their application materials, purchase the card at an orientation seminar held in New York City (for participants to the US only), or at any time during their program year. To do so in person, it is necessary to make an appointment, as building security prohibits unannounced walk-in visitors. Non-CDS participants are also welcome to purchase the cards. Follow the directions on this page and send the necessary materials (including fee) to:

CDS International, Inc.
ATTN: International Youth Travel Cards
871 United Nations Plaza, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017-1814

or call (212) 497-3524 for more information.

What do I need to submit in order to obtain the International Youth Travel Card?
The following must be submitted to CDS International to receive the card:
Payment of $22 (US),
Passport-sized photo with name written on back, and
Valid proof of age.

What are valid forms of proof of age?
Youth may submit only the following documents as valid proof of age:
A passport or copy of the personal data page from the passport,
A valid driver's license or government issued photo ID card, or
A birth certificate and accompanying photo identification matching the name on the birth certificate.

When is the IYTC valid?
The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Please note: Most of the benefits attached to the IYTC are age-based. If a cardholder turns 26 before their IYTC expiration date, the cardholder may become ineligible for some of the discounts offered with the card. However, the card will remain valid and the cardholder can still enjoy the other privileges.

What are some of the benefits of the International Youth Travel Card?
The card carries along with many benefits, including:

International Recognition: The card is endorsed and recognized by national and international organizations. Cardholders are recognized for their youth status and given special privileges, discounts and concessions.
Travel Insurance: Cardholders who purchase the card in the United States receive valuable additional travel insurance for travel outside the US. This insurance includes Emergency Medical Transportation, Accident and Sickness coverage, Passport Replacement coverage and Baggage Delay insurance. For a detailed description of coverage and exclusions, please click here and visit the Certificate of Insurance.
Reduced Airfare and Other Transportation: Cardholders are eligible for special youth rates on many airlines, train and bus carriers. (Note: All fares are subject to availability and some airlines set age restrictions for special airfares.)
24-Hour Traveler's Assistance Help Line: Cardholders have access to a toll-free help line for medical, financial and legal emergencies while travelling outside the United States.
ISIConnect: ISIConnect, a value-added benefit of the cards, is a full-featured suite of communications services, including email, fax, voicemail, disounted international calling services and a virtual document storage service. ISIConnect can be activated by visiting the ISIConnect website.
Discounts: There are more than 28,000 discounts and services worldwide for cardholders. A complete listing of discounts is available in the "Cardholders" section by clicking here.

For more information, please contact your Program Officer or email Helkin von Schwaab at hvschwaab@cdsintl.org. Please put "Travel Cards" in the subject line.