Scheduling a trip

Before planning a trip to visit a missionary in Uganda, it is always best to contact that missionary before making any non-refundable deposits or purchases for a trip to Uganda. Arranging in-country transportation can be difficult and expensive. Staying in close contact with a missionary and allowing him/her to be directly involved in making travel arrangements can save time, money, and difficulty.

We can usually beat most publicly available prices on airfare, but if you are looking for sample public prices on airfare, hotels, or car rental anywhere in the world, please click HERE.

Airfare

For those (whether an individual or a church group) coming to assist a missionary, we are often able to purchase airline tickets at missionary fare which has multiple advantages.
1.) Except for off-season when airlines have deeply-discounted promotional fares, missionary fares are on average $300-$400 lower than typical Economy class tickets for the same seats.
2.) Missionary fares usually allow changes to the travel itinerary without penalties. Economy tickets usually have minimum penalties of $150-$250 per change.
3.) Certain airlines also give additional free checked baggage to missionary fare tickets.
4.) Many missionary fares allow us to book an itinerary without making payment. Even without any deposit, fares are typically guaranteed if purchased at least 30 days before the departure date; however, taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change until the payment is completed. If a lower fare becomes available between the time of booking and the payment deadline, the itinerary can be cancelled without penalty and the lower fare purchased instead.

Missionary fares are usually only able to be booked by select travel agencies and ticketing offices that specialize in missionary travel. It is often advisable to let the missionary you are visiting arrange your air tickets. That also ensures that he/she knows the dates of your visit. You, or that missionary, may also contact us by e-mail .

Sample Fall 2011 fares from Major U. S. International Airports to Uganda:
East Coast: $1350
Midwest: $1450
West Coast: $1550
Additional Costs:
For Minor Airports, add $100-200
For Summer 2012, add $200-$450

We will almost always beat publicly available prices on airfare, but for specific sample public prices on airfare, hotels, or car rental anywhere in the world, please click HERE.

Travel Insurance

Visit Requirements

BIMI - BIMU:
As a Non-Government Organization (NGO) registered with the Republic of Uganda, Baptist International Mission of Uganda (BIMU) must abide by certain policies. Additionally, as a part of Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI), all members and visitors of BIMU must abide by the policies and standards of BIMI.

To avoid conflict, disagreement, and potential violation of government requirements for our NGO, all visitors must signify in writing that they adhere to the Statement of Faith and will abide by the Policies of BIMU and BIMI. This signed document must be on file prior to assisting a BIMU missionary on the field. You may download copies of the Statement of Faith and Policies HERE. This document requires Adobe Reader, available through link above.

UGANDA GOVERNMENT:
For those traveling with round-trip tickets, a tourist visa can be purchased upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport at a cost of US $50. Some airlines require you to have Uganda Entry Visa in order to board the aircraft. Others will allow you to purchase upon arrival. The Uganda Governement currently requires a visa in advance only for those with one-way travel terminating in Uganda. It is best to confirm the requirements of the airline you are using. If you determine that you need or prefer to get a visa in advance, we recommend using Passport Visas Express to get the visa from the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Uganda also requires that your passport be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the date of entry. You can find instructions on how to apply for a new or renewal passport with express processing at Passport Visas Express. For more information on processing times, fees and how to apply for a passport, visit the State Department site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

MEDICAL:
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. You may search for the nearest (U.S.) provider of a Yellow Fever Vaccine HERE.

Malaria preventatives are not required but are highly recommended. We advise you to consult your doctor for malaria preventatives. Many medications (such as Doxycycline) are available in-country. You may contact us to inquire about the availability of purchasing your doctor's recommended treatment upon your arrival. See Dr. Dick Stockley's article on Malaria.

The United States Department of State also encourages every visiting American to register your visit with the U. S. Embassy in Kampala. Because of the benefits of registration in case of an emergancy, we also recommend that you register. You may do this online HERE.

Other Links

If you are planning to visit a BIMI / BIMU missionary, you may also e-mail us and we can assist you and that missionary in your travel arrangements.