Vision Trip Resources

Passports & Visas

Obtaining a Passport

To apply for a vision trip, you need a valid passport. Your passport should remain valid for at least six months after your trip’s return date.

Apply For Or Renew Your Passport

Do I need a VISA?

A visa is an extra certification document that certain countries require upon entry. Most times a visa can be applied for online. If you are finalized for a trip that requires a visa, the employee experience team leader will provide the steps you need to take to get your visa.

VISA Reimbursement Form

Regional Passport Resources

Travel Technology

Adapters & Converters

On many trips, you will likely need a universal adapter and power converter.

Check out this kit has been recommended and tested out by some of our very own!
Click here to read more about which hair appliances you should use overseas.

Mobile Passport Control

With this app, you can submit your passport control and customs declaration information on your phone and bypass the regular line upon entry. This only works upon entry back into the US and replaces the old blue-and-white declaration form. Check out the airports who support the Mobile Passport Control service and download the app here or by clicking on the icon. Just to note, this will not replace your actual passport – you still will need it for international travel!

Google Translate

This app could possibly be the biggest life-saver when traveling abroad. With this you will be able translate between 103 languages through typing, and 52 languages if you don’t have internet access. You can even access camera translation, where you can use your camera to take a picture, and Google Translate will instantly translate the text in up to 37 different languages. There is also a conversation mode where you can have two-way instant speech translation in 32 languages. Get the app here, or by clicking the icon.

WhatsApp

With WhatsApp, you can connect back to home (anyone with the app) without worrying about your cellular data. All you need is access to WiFi, and then you can text and make HD-quality phone and video calls for free. Download the app and see more of its capabilities here, or by clicking on the icon.

Trip Plans

With Trip Plans, you can view your detailed itinerary from your phone. No data or internet connection? No problem! All your trip details will still be there presented in a beautiful and easy to understand format. Download the app and see more of its capabilities here, or by clicking on the icon.

Bible App

The YouVersion Bible App is a free mobile and online platform for accessing and engaging with the Bible. It offers a wide variety of translations and features to help users read, study, and connect with scripture. Helpful features include: audio versions, reading plans and devotionals, note taking, guided prayer, and so much more!

Packing List & Tips

Where do I start?

How do I fit everything?

There are so many items now that can help you organize your clothes and essentials so that you never have to cram and shove them into a bag again. Use packing cubes, clear zip pouches, shoe bags, and packing envelopes to keep items as organized and wrinkle-free as possible.

PACKING CUBES >
You can fit two packing cubes side-by-side on one side of your carry-on. These are great to use for items like shirts, shorts, dresses, and even swimsuits. You might also consider packing in large (2 or 3-gallon size) Ziplock bags—not only will these keep your clothes dry in humid climates, but they can also double as a dirty clothes bag.

CLEAR ZIP POUCHES >
These are very handy for toiletries and to hold things that would normally be loose inside a bag. They are also TSA-approved for your liquid carry-on items.

SHOE BAGS >
Put your shoes into drawstring shoe bags! This will protect your clothes from getting dirty. If you’re not a frequent traveler, disposable shower caps will also do the trick and are easier on your pocket when packing for the whole family.

FLEXIBLE TOTE OR BACKPACK >
It’s always a good idea to bring a large tote or backpack to hold all of the small essentials you might need day-to-day.

WHAT SHOULD I LEAVE OR TAKE?

DO BRING:

Bring a cardigan and lightweight jacket (even warm places can be chilly at night). We also recommend a lightweight jacket for the plane/in your carry-on.
Pack your own refillable water bottle. Nalgene bottles or collapsible Que water bottles are great for travel.
Polyester is your friend! When traveling to hot climates, polyester, quick-dry material is easy to pack and can be washed/dried quickly if needed.
We recommend women bring a gauzy scarf that can be used on the plane, for warmth, or as a headcover if needed.

DON’T BRING:

Expensive jewelry
Too many electronics—leave the laptop at home
Books—if you have an e-reader, pack this instead!
Clothing that you love—if your trip requires a lot of physical activity and/or manual labor, you’ll want to pack clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or leaving behind
Any items that don’t meet TSA requirements

Generic Packing List

Carry-on items

Advil, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Dramamine
Electric converter
Notebook
Book / e-reader
Neck pillow
Portable charger
Sunglasses
Wet wipes / antibacterial wipes
Earplugs
Snacks
Change of Clothes

Personal Bag / Backpack

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Bible
Headphones
Refillable water bottle

Suitcase

Rain jacket / light sweater or jacket
T-shirts (DriFit will keep you cooler and weigh less)
Shorts / pants / capris (may differ depending on trip)
Tennis shoes / walking shoes
Crocs or sandals
Swim wear
Sunscreen, antibacterial cream, insect repellant
Shampoo, body wash

On person

Money belt (if desired)
Passport / visa
Spending cash
Credit card
Driver's license
Tipping cash

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

When can I go on a vision trip?

Who can I bring on my vision trip?

How do I know what year I am on for my vision trip?

Sign-ups

How many people can go on one trip?

What if you have too many people for one trip?

Each trip will have a maximum number of participants. If more than the maximum number sign-up for a specific trip, a lottery will take place. The lottery process is as follows:

Team leader and guests will be confirmed first.
Employee names will be put into a drawing.
Names will be drawn one at a time and spots will be confirmed for the employee AND their guests.
This process will be repeated until the trip reaches its maximum number.

Can more than one team member go on the same vision trip?

What are the age limits?

Do I have to use my own vacation time?

What is the duration of vision trips?

Can I go on more than one vision trip in a year?

How many people have to sign up for a trip to finalize?

Trip Preparation

Why do I have to go to a training and team meeting?

All first time trip participants, including guest(s), are required to attend at least one of the training weekends offered to all participants as well as attend one pre-trip team meeting.

These meetings are designed to prepare participants with the information needed as well as connect with others attending the trip. Meeting dates will be communicated so the participants can make them a priority. Vision trips are a large investment of time and resources, and the pre-trip training and meetings ensure participants are adequately prepared and get the most from their trip. If a participant does not attend any meetings, they could forfeit the privilege to attend the vision trip, which then will be treated like a cancellation.

Is there childcare during team meetings?

What trips require a visa? What is a visa?

What trips require vaccines?

Most international travelers should maintain basic, routine vaccinations. Some countries recommend additional vaccines. In rare occasions, select countries or ministry partners will require certain vaccines in order to enter. If you are finalized for a trip with specific vaccination recommendations, Employee Support or team leader will provide information on how to get the recommended vaccinations.

If you would like to see CDC recommendations for a specific country, click here.

Cancellations

What happens if I need to cancel my vision trip?

Does the Company ever cancel a trip? If so, why?

What happens if my trip gets canceled?

Passports

Do I need a passport to apply for a vision trip?

You and your guest(s) must have your up-to-date passport in order to sign up. If your passport is in the process of being renewed, you can provide a scan/picture of your receipt in place of your passport. You must then provide your final updated passport as soon as you receive it. If you fail to upload your receipt or passport by October 24th you are at risk of being removed from the trip. Passports only apply for international trips.

How long does a passport last?

I already have my passport. When should I get it renewed?

Do I have to pay for my passport?

I had a life event that requires me to update my passport (name change, citizenship change, etc.), what do I do?

Finances

What does the company pay for?

What do trip participants need to pay for?

How do I pay for my portion of the trip or any extra costs?

What can I be reimbursed for and how do I submit a reimbursement?

Extensions

Can I extend my vision trip with a personal vacation?

Can I travel before my vision trip?

How do I confirm my extension details?