Overseas travel questions and online help

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Do each of my children need passports?

Yes. Every traveler in your family must have a passport. Take care of this early so you are not delayed going to the field.

Do I have to pay for my own passport and all those inoculations?

If approved by staff committee to be an IMB missionary, the IMB will pay for your expenses getting to the field. This means reimbursement for passport fees and required inoculations. You will learn more about this at screening conference.

Does the IMB get a passport for me?

No. You are required to get your own passport. The passport-type photos you sent with your application are not for passport purposes. The place to start your passport process is the U.S. Post Office or online.

When should I apply for a passport?

Begin to apply for a passport as soon as you sense God’s leadership overseas. It takes a number of weeks to get a passport, (even if you have all your "proof" documents in order). So, when God leads you overseas, you will then be ready to go. If He leads you to stay, you will have a good source of I.D. and will be ready for any international volunteer trips that come your way.

What official documents do I need to travel overseas?

Our travel office will help you determine the documents needed to get into your desired country. Various documents may include passport, World Health Organization card, AAA international driver’s license; sometimes one needs a copy of a marriage license, university degree, ordination or birth certificate. Remember to take notarized copies, not the originals!

Will I need a valid driver's license overseas?

It is always a good idea to keep your personal documents up to date and in order. When you return to the states, you will not want to start all over taking a driver's exam!

Another incentive for having a valid driver's license is that many countries have a reciprocal driver's license provision. This means that your American driver's license may be enough proof that you have passed your state's exam and are a good driver, so they will grant a local license. Basically, you fill out their application rather than take an exam and road test.

Not all states enjoy this provision. You may inquire about getting a Virginia license while at orientation.

Some countries will charge unbelievable fees for the privilege of driving in their country. One Western European country charges $1,500 per exam attempt! This is not a good use of Lottie Moon funds!

Can I come home for Christmas?

The short answer is yes. Policy does permit you to take your accrued vacation days and spend Christmas back with family in the States.

The better answer is no. For younger missionaries, there will be a tremendous temptation (and family pressure) to stay in the States. Goodbyes will have to be said all over again, and you would have missed the best part, which is experiencing Christmas in another culture. Stay for the full two years. Send packages, special holiday e-mails, but by all means do not come home for the holidays!

History has shown that those who come home for the holidays seem to have a greater chance for premature resignation. Perhaps it is an issue of plugging in to field relationships for their support instead of maintaining significant ties to family back back home.

Can I take vacation back in the USA?

You are allowed to vacation back in the USA, but why would anyone want to do it? You will meet people at orientation that will end up in nearly every part of the world. Go visit them! Besides, you’ll be halfway there already. As with any vacation, travel and accommodations are your personal expenses.

History has shown that those who come home for the holidays seem to have a greater chance for premature resignation. Perhaps it is an issue of plugging in to field relationships for their support instead of maintaining significant ties to family back back home.

Can my family and friends come and visit me overseas?

By all means, yes. While we discourage your returning to the States before the end of your term, we encourage you to invite family and friends to come and visit you! They need to come and see where you live, how you live, and observe just what it is that you are doing. They will return to the States with a bigger heart for missions and will turn into an advocate for your people group

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