A collection of tips, ideas, and links to help missionaries
Do you you want to know where your shipping container is? Here are the links to some major shipping lines, courtesy of Missionary Expeditors.
Missionary Expediters has compiled some helpful instructions and resources for shipping personal effects overseas.
On 01 June 2009, the second portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect. This means that US citizens traveling to Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico by land or sea will need identification documents that prove their identity and citizenship. A special clause refers to religious youth groups from the US and Canada, and allows border crossing with only a copy of the birth certificate.
Read the official regulation from the US Department of Homeland Security
There is a new procedure that relates to non-US citizens traveling to the US under the Visa Waver Program. Effective January 2009, visitors to the US under the Visa Waver Program must complete an online registration before traveling to the US.
“Department of Homeland Security began accepting Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications on August 1, 2008 ESTA is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be completed online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans. ESTA is now mandatory for VWP travelers who are nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Republic of Korea, and the Slovak Republic. Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an authorization via ESTA before traveling to the United States. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.”
Why would you want a second US passport? Most people do not need a second passport. However, those who travel very frequently may find that their passports are always in the mail to a consulate or embassy to obtain a visa and this impedes their ability to travel. Other travelers may find that certain countries will not permit the entrance of travellers whose passports show that they have visited another country with which they do not have good relationships. This is the case between some Arab states and Israel and has been the case between some African states. The solution is to apply for a second US passport. This is the exception to the rule, so some additional information is required. Please complete the following steps. These applications may also be made by mail if you are in the US.
To apply for a second valid passport, you will need to make an appointment at the US Embassy and submit the following documents in person:
If you already have a second passport and want to renew it, please submit the following documents in person:
This information was taken from the website of the US Consulate General in Amsterdam.
More Information:
Have you wondered what you can carry on you next flight and what needs to be in checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration has a helpful website. Dowload the PDF brochure Prepare for Takeoff.
What would you do if your US passport is lost or stolen? If overseas, you would contact the nearest US Embassy. You will often need a police report. If in the US, your need to report it lost or stolen and then apply for a replacement passport. You may call 877.487.2778 or 202.501.4444 for assistance. It is a good practice to carry a copy of your passport (and driver’s license) with you while traveling. You could also scan your passport and email a copy to yourself so that you can access it while traveling.