AFA Dating Tours Review (2025): Are They Worth It?
AFA Dating Tours: An Honest Look at the Cost, Success Rates & Real Experience
For any Western man serious about finding a wife abroad, A Foreign Affair (AFA) is a name that inevitably comes up. They are one of the oldest and largest international tour companies, promising to connect you with hundreds of sincere, beautiful women. But with a significant investment of time and money on the line, the critical question is: are AFA romance tours worth it? This definitive 2025 review cuts through the hype to provide an honest, in-depth analysis of the real AFA tour experience, from the social events and support staff to the true costs and realistic success rates.
What is an AFA Romance Tour, Really?
At its core, an AFA romance tour is a highly structured travel experience designed to facilitate in-person meetings between Western men and foreign women seeking marriage. Operating since 1995, AFA has guided tens of thousands of men on tours across Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Unlike solo travel, AFA handles all logistics—hotels, events, and introductions. The centerpiece of each tour is the “Socials,” large, invitation-only events where you can meet between 500 and 2,000 potential partners in a single trip. For a general overview, you can see our guide to Asian romance tours.
The AFA Experience: A Critical Breakdown
An AFA tour is a multi-faceted experience. Here’s a look at the key components and what you can realistically expect from each.
The Social Events: Quantity and Quality
The Socials are the main draw. You’ll enter a ballroom with 5-10 women for every man, all of whom have been invited by AFA’s local staff. It’s an incredibly efficient way to meet a high volume of potential partners.
Advantages of the Socials
- Unmatched Efficiency: Meet more marriage-minded women in one night than you might in a year of regular dating.
- Safe & Vetted Environment: All women are personally invited by staff, reducing the safety concerns of meeting strangers.
- Translators Provided: On-site interpreters are available to help break the ice and facilitate initial conversations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Can Be Overwhelming: The sheer number of introductions can be intense, especially for more introverted men.
- Competition is Visible: You are in a room with other Western men, which can feel competitive for some.
On-the-Ground Support Staff
AFA’s support system is a major selling point. From the moment you land, their team is there to assist you. This includes airport pickup, hotel check-in, and a 24/7 hospitality office to help you arrange dates, get local advice, and book translators.
Expert Tip: The hospitality suite is your most valuable resource. Don’t just rely on the Socials. Use the staff’s expertise to arrange unlimited one-on-one introductions with women from their extensive database throughout your stay.
Ready to Go? The new 2026 tour schedule is live! Check out the latest dates and learn exactly how to book your tour in our AFA Romance Tour Booking Guide.
What’s NOT Included: Understanding the Full Cost
Additional Costs to Budget For
While the tour fee is comprehensive, it does not cover all expenses. You must budget for these additional costs:
- Airfare: You are responsible for booking and paying for your round-trip flight to the destination city.
- Daily Expenses: This includes your meals (outside of the catered socials), drinks, and any personal shopping.
- Date Expenses: While many dates can be as simple as a coffee, you should budget for dinners, activities, and transportation for you and your date.
- Visa Fees: The cost of the K-1 Fiancée Visa process after you find a partner is a separate, significant expense.
AFA Tours: Overall Ratings (2025)
Alternative to Group Tours: The AFA Executive Plan
For clients who desire a more extensive and personalized service, AFA offers an Executive Plan. This is a high-touch alternative to the group tours, designed for men who want a completely tailored experience. You are assigned a Personal Consultant who works with you one-on-one to understand your personality and preferences. They then leverage AFA’s global network to vet and interview candidates on your behalf, presenting you with a curated list of the top 8-10 matches for private, individual meetings.
Executive Plan Success Story
“I have to tell you from the time I arrived in Medellin, until I returned home, I have not had better service with anything in my life… I met many women, but I feel like I have good chemistry with 4 of them… I never thought I would have interest from such smart, beautiful women like these, and I am a little overwhelmed because two weeks ago I had no one interested in me romantically. Now I have 3!”
– Eric L., 57, U.S. Army Dentist
Filipina Brides Online
Frequently Asked Questions About AFA Tours
Are the women on AFA tours paid to be there?
No, the women are not paid to attend. They are invited by the local staff because they have expressed a sincere interest in meeting a foreign partner for marriage. They attend voluntarily.
What are the chances of bringing a fiancée to the US?
The chances are excellent, and recent statistics are very encouraging. The Philippines is the #1 country in the world for K-1 fiancée visas issued by the U.S., with 3,404 visas in 2023. Furthermore, overall K-1 visa denial rates have dropped from 37% in 2022 to just 27.8% in 2023, while processing times have improved to an average of only 6.1 months in early 2025.
Is the tour cost a good value?
When you break down the cost of first-class hotels, two fully catered social events, 24/7 support, airport pickup, a city tour, and unlimited introductions, the price is generally considered fair for the services provided. It is significantly more expensive than a DIY trip but offers a much higher degree of structure and support. See our romance tour cost breakdown for more.
What is the biggest complaint men have about the tours?
The most common complaint is feeling overwhelmed at the socials. Some men find it difficult to have meaningful conversations in such a fast-paced environment. This is why using the hospitality suite for one-on-one introductions is so critical to success.
Are AFA tours safe?
Yes, they are considered very safe. AFA handles all logistics, provides secure accommodations, and offers on-the-ground support, which mitigates many of the risks associated with solo international travel. We still recommend reading our full romance tour safety guide.
Should I go on a tour or just use a dating site?
The best strategy is to do both. Use a dating site like Christian Filipina or PinaLove to make initial connections before you travel. This allows you to arrive with several dates already lined up, which you can supplement with the tour socials and introductions.
What is the age range of the women?
The age range is diverse, typically from early 20s to late 40s. Most women are in the 25-35 age bracket, but you will find women of all ages seeking a partner.
What is the first step to booking a tour?
The first step is to visit the official AFA tour order form, select your desired tour or an open reservation, and pay the initial deposit to secure your spot.
How do I get the best price on a tour?
The best way to save is with the “Early Bird Discount.” By paying for your tour in full 90 days before departure, you can save a significant amount. Check our complete tour discounts guide for the latest offers.
Can I combine tour discounts?
In some cases, yes. For example, a past tour client can often combine their repeat client discount with the Early Bird discount for maximum savings. It’s always best to call AFA directly to confirm which discounts can be stacked for your specific tour.
The Verdict: Is an AFA Tour Right for You?
An AFA Romance Tour is a powerful tool for the serious, committed man. If you are tired of the limitations of online dating and are ready to make a real investment in finding a wife, it is arguably the most effective method available. It’s not a guaranteed solution, but it is a highly efficient, supportive, and life-changing opportunity to meet the partner you’ve been searching for. The experience, support, and sheer number of introductions provide a value that is difficult to replicate on your own.
