Mission Trips - common questions

A. To apply, please complete the application form and return it along with a non-refundable $100 deposit to: CFCA, One Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66103, Attn: MAT Coordinator. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible. Spaces are limited for each trip, and they fill up quickly. CFCA reserves the right to cancel any trip, in which case your deposit would be refunded.

A. The cost for 2008 trips to Latin America and the Caribbean is $450. Trips to India, Kenya, and the Philippines are $650.

The price is the same for all individuals, including children. This amount covers food, lodging and most in-country transportation. Airfare to and from the destination country is NOT included. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due with your application and the final balance is due four weeks before departure.

A. A valid passport is required to enter all countries. Be sure your passport does not expire just before, during or soon after your trip. Certificates of naturalization, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and photocopies of these or other documents are NOT considered acceptable alternative travel documents. U.S. citizens will need a visa to visit India and any African countries. Visas may be obtained by mail from the countries' embassies or consulates, typically located in Washington, D.C. Fees vary for visas depending on type and country. Many countries charge an entrance and/or departure tax or require the purchase of a tourist card.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to investigate any additional requirements for entering the country you are visiting.

A. Any recommendations regarding medical matters must be made by qualified medical personnel. Please contact your medical doctor and local health department for their recommendations on immunizations and where to get them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx has helpful information about immunizations.

A. Applicants should await receipt of the confirmation letter before making airline reservations. You are advised to make flight reservations as soon as you receive confirmation from CFCA that your registration has been completed. Book well in advance, as fares increase closer to the departure date. This is especially important around Christmas, Easter and Spring Break.

The first and last dates listed for each trip are the days that travelers will depart from and will arrive back in the U.S. For trips to Bolivia, Chile, the Philippines, India, and Kenya, you will arrive at your destination 1-2 days after your departure due to overnight travel and passing through multiple time zones.

A. It is the responsibility of trip participants to make their own flight arrangements with a travel agent, the airlines or via the Internet. If you need a travel agent, Sandy Gonzalez at Vista Travel, (800) 537-5066, may also be contacted. She is familiar with our programs and trip schedules.

A. Uniting sponsors with their sponsored friend is one of our highest priorities during a mission awareness trip. Sponsored friends and their families look forward to these visits. Everything possible is done to arrange a visit with your sponsored child or aging friend. In most countries,
the sponsored children will be brought to you at the retreat site. Due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, washed out roads, etc., we cannot make guarantees.

A. Click here for more information specific to the country you would like to visit.

For additional questions,call us toll-free at (800) 875-6564 or (913) 384-6500, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, or e-mail trips@cfcausa.org.