African Mission Partnership Pilgrimage 2020 Checklist
Personal Responsibilities
Passport etc.
Obtain Passport, if needed. Current passports need at least two blank pages and must be at least 6 months before expiration date. For new passports, apply no later than October 31, 2019.
Uganda Visa, required - Apply for travel Visa at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Apply no later than December 15, 2019.
In preparation, you will need electronic (scanned) copies of your passport biodata page and yellow fever certificate and a recent passport photo. Cheapest passport photo location is CVS with online coupon ($11.99). There is a $51.50 credit card fee to apply.
- Under Visa or permit type, select Visa
- Category = tourist visa
- Subcategory = single entry
- I characterized my passport type as “ordinary” and the place of issue as “United States Department of State”
- Our date of arrival will be 2-14-2020.
- The duration of stay is 14 days
- Point of entry will be Entebbe
- Put “Other” as the purpose of the visit and then listed “Medical mission to Amahoro Children’s Home, near Kampala".
- Enter “Caleb Rukundo, 256 772 629 448” as the name and phone
Note: I found that my scanned files were not being accepted because they were too large, even at the lowest resolution in greyscale. The maximum file size is 250 MB. To reduce the size of your file, go to http://www.shrinkpictures.com/
It is easy to upload the picture file. I reduced mine by 75% and then downloaded that back to my personal computer. You might want to rename it the same as the original file with the word “reduced” at the end, so you don’t get confused. Then just attached the reduced file where it asks you to upload your different documents.
If this file thing or application is way too confusing, Tommie Lou can help you through it. Just call 908-930-2390.
Smart Traveler App - (optional) If you have a smart phone, download the “Smart Traveler” App. This allows us to register with the US Embassy in Uganda. If there are any travel alerts, they will text your phone, or if we run into any unforeseen problems, we will want the Embassy’s help.
Register with STEP online (can also be done through the app)- Register our trip with the US Embassy under STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), to receive safety alerts.
When asked for a local phone number, put “Other” and then 256 772 629 448, which is Caleb’s number. You can also list your mobile phone as an additional number. I assume you will get texts to all numbers listed.
Our trip dates are Feb. 13-27. 2020
For addresses, there are two:
Amahoro Children’s Home Uganda
Plot 113 Kasalilwe
Matugga, Uganda
Amahoro Children’s Home Uganda
P.O. Box. 1971
Kampala, Uganda
Travel Immunizations:
yellow fever required - Make sure you get all travel immunizations as recommended by your family doctor or travel doctor no later than December 15, 2020, except where you are on a dose series schedule for things like Hepatitis B or Hepatitis A.
Note: Only Yellow Fever is required, however, Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Polio, Current Tetanus are recommended.
Make sure you get your yellow International Travel Immunization booklet with your immunizations documented and put this inside of your passport.
What's App
Download the “What’s App” app on your smartphone, which should be available in the Apple Store or wherever you usually find your apps. This will be an internal text communication system for the group and operates outside of regular texting or phone plans. We will be sending out an invite to join the group sometime in the future but you need the app first. You can also set up your own group within the app for your family and communicate with them while you are abroad with no phone charges.
Prescriptions
Get a letter from your doctor for medications you are bringing. All prescriptions should be in their original, labelled containers and carried in your carry-on.
Documents
Safeguard Your Documents! Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents (which you will also have with you). To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.
Dress
According to Caleb, while we are in the rural area, long skirts and tops are the accepted dress for woman. In the urban areas or safari, anything that makes you comfortable. I would err on the side of more conservative dress in general (no short shorts, tees with any political or controversial messages, cutoffs, etc.)
Money
Travelers cannot exchange or use US currency printed earlier than 2006. New crisp bills in the denomination of $100 or more are the best for monetary exchange. ATMS may not be safe and are often a target for crime.
Credit/Debit card – file a travel alert with your bank and credit card companies
Packing party date: TBD We are all being asked to combine dental and other supplies as our checked luggage. More information will be provided as we draw closer to launch.
Important contact information for family
Caleb Rukundo, 256 772 629 448
U.S. Embassy Kampala
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road Kampala, Uganda Telephone:+(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001 Emergency After-Hours Telephone+(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001 KampalaUScitizen@state.gov
Current travel Advisory for Uganda (from Dept of State website)
If you decide to travel to Uganda:
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Food and drinks should never be left unattended in public especially in local clubs.
Remain with a group of friends in public.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Keep a low profile.
Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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