The worst piece of advice you’ll ever get about international house sitting is to “just be honest” at the border. It sounds right, it feels right, but it’s the kind of well-intentioned guidance that can get you put on the next flight home before you’ve even had a chance to pet a single cat.
We’ve seen the panicked forum posts and the frantic messages. Someone lands, full of excitement for their next adventure, rolls up to the customs desk, and proudly announces, "I'm here to house sit!" The officer’s face tightens.
Questions start. Before they know it, their dream of looking after a cottage in the English countryside is replaced with the stark reality of an interrogation room and a denied entry stamp in their passport.
It’s a brutal, trip-ending mistake. And it all comes down to a simple, frustrating misunderstanding of one word: work.
Why "House Sitting" is a Red Flag for Border Agents
We used to think like most people: house sitting is just staying at a friend's place, right? You’re not getting paid. It’s a simple, informal arrangement. How could that possibly be illegal?
The issue isn’t with house sitting itself. The problem is with tourist visas. Most countries, including the US and UK, have incredibly strict rules about what constitutes "work." To them, it’s not just about money changing hands. If you receive any form of compensation for a service, it’s considered employment. In the world of house sitting, your free accommodation is that compensation. The pet and home care are your services.
It’s an "in-kind exchange," and to an immigration officer, that’s unauthorized employment. It’s a violation of your tourist visa terms, plain and simple.
This is the bureaucratic trap that catches so many travelers. You see a fun, affordable way to travel; they see someone taking a potential "job" or resource (housing) without the proper work visa.
The Unofficial Guide to Crossing the Border (Disclaimer First!)
So, what should you actually say? This is the point where we have to put on the big, flashing neon sign.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice. The information we’re sharing here is a collection of stories, cautionary tales, and common strategies we have gathered from years of reading online forums and countless Reddit threads. We’ve simply pasted it all together in one convenient place to help you navigate this tricky situation. Always do your own research for your specific destination.
With that out of the way, the overwhelming consensus from the global house-sitting community is this: reframe your purpose. You are not a "house sitter." You are a tourist visiting friends.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Officer: "What is the purpose of your visit?"
Your Answer: "I'm here for tourism and to visit friends."
If they press for more details about where you're staying, the conversation might continue.
Officer: "And where are you staying?"
Your Answer: "I'm staying with my friends, [Homeowner's Name], at [Their Address]. I'll be helping look after their pets while they're away for a bit."
This phrasing is crucial.
"Visiting friends" is a standard, acceptable reason for entry.
"Looking after their pets" frames it as a casual favor for a friend, not a formal service. It’s something anyone would do.
It completely avoids the trigger words "house sit," "work," or "exchange."
This isn't about lying; it's about using the correct language to accurately describe your situation in a way that immigration officials understand and accept. You have, in fact, built a friendship with the homeowner through one of the house sitting platforms you found in our last article. You are there as a guest in their home.
Your Border Crossing Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Scared
Your words are only part of the equation. You need to back them up with solid preparation. An officer is looking for confidence and proof that you are a genuine tourist who intends to leave.
Know Your Host's Details: Have their full name, address, and phone number memorized or easily accessible. It shows you have a legitimate place to stay.
Have Proof of Onward Travel: A booked return flight is non-negotiable for most countries. It’s the single best piece of evidence that you plan on leaving when your tourist visa expires.
Show Proof of Funds: Have a bank statement or access to your online banking ready. You need to prove you can support yourself during your trip without needing to work illegally.
Keep it Simple: Don't volunteer extra information. Answer questions clearly and concisely. Nervous rambling can look suspicious. The goal is to have a boring, forgettable conversation.
Have a Tourist Itinerary: Even a rough one helps. "I'm staying with friends in London for two weeks, and I'm hoping to see the museums and maybe take a train trip up to Edinburgh." This reinforces your tourist intentions.
Navigating customs is often the most stressful part of an international house sit. But by understanding the rules and preparing your answers, you can turn a moment of potential panic into a smooth, simple formality. This small shift in vocabulary is the key that unlocks a world of international housesitting opportunities and keeps your travel dreams on track.
Good luck with your travels!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
Is it illegal to house sit on a tourist visa?
It exists in a legal gray area. While you aren't being paid money, immigration authorities in many countries (like the US and UK) consider receiving free accommodation as an "in-kind exchange," which they classify as unauthorized work. This can lead to denial of entry.
So, should I lie to the customs officer?
It's not about lying, but about framing. The most accurate and safest way to describe your trip is as a tourist visiting friends. You are a tourist, and the homeowners are effectively your friends. This avoids using trigger words like "house sitting" or "work" that can cause immediate problems with officials who don't understand the nuance.
What happens if I tell them the truth and say I'm house sitting?
You run a significant risk of being denied entry. The border agent may view it as a violation of your tourist visa conditions. The consequence is typically having your entry refused and being put on the next available flight back to your departure city at your own expense.
Should I get an invitation letter from the homeowner?
Yes, it's a great idea. A simple letter from the homeowner stating they've invited you (as a friend) to stay at their home for the duration of your trip can be very helpful if the customs officer asks for more details about your accommodation. Ensure the letter does not mention the term "house sitting."
