Since we consider it a special privilege to be involved in a ministry trip with Open Doors, we do require that travellers must first be receiving information from Open Doors on a regular basis. This enables you to be kept up-to-date with information about persecution around the world, the countries we work in and what Open Doors is doing.
It is also really difficult for our program staff to have people travelling with us when they are not already partnering with the ministry here in Australia. Sign up now to be kept informed.
You must also be between 18 and 70 years of age.
Open Doors' trips generally have a duration of 5 - 12 days, depending on the location and itinerary.
How much will my trip cost? Do I need to pay a deposit?
On average, your trip will cost between US $800 - $1800, excluding flights. The amount will vary depending on the location and duration of your trip. In addition, we charge a small, non-refundable fee of $100, to cover costs of processing your application. There is no need to pay a deposit for your trip.
Each traveller is responsible for the funding of their own trip. You can choose to pay the entire amount yourself, or ask friends and relatives to support you in this adventure. Unfortunately Open Doors is unable to sponsor or financially assist travellers.
Who arranges travel details such as flights and insurance?
We are happy to arrange flights and insurance for you, using our partnering and trusted Christian Travel Agent, Uplift Tours & Travel. If you are joining an international trip, you are welcome to arrange your own flights and insurance. But for Australian base trip, where the whole group is departing from Australia, we will arrange flights for the whole group.
Most likely, yes. However this depends on the country you will be travelling to. You will be notified if you do require a VISA for your trip. We will also provide information on how to go about applying for your visa.
Can I share details about my trip?
Yes, but please excerise caution. We always advise keeping information as general as possible.
The best thing to do is ask a small group of close friends or relatives that you trust to share the details with (country/dates/etc). Ask this group to be diligent in praying for you, both leading up to and during the trip.
Outside of that group, and especially in public places (e.g. church services), please refrain from sharing specific details. In some cases it is not wise to give out these details for the safety of believers and co-workers. We will inform you if this is case. Use phrases like 'East Africa' or 'South-East Asia', instead of the specific country name.
Please do not reveal any details regarding your trip on live chat sites, such as Facebook or Twitter.
If you are ever unsure, please call us on 02 9451 2999 for more information.
During your travel...
Will I be met at the airport?
In most cases, yes. You will generally be told to look out for someone holding a particular sign according to your trip. On occasion, you are asked to make your own way to a local hotel. You will be notified on the procedure before you travel and be given all necessary details to make this as stress-free as possible.
Can I visit a friend during my trip, or meet them at the airport?
While travelling with Open Doors, we ask that you do not arrange to meet with any friends or relatives during the trip. It is important that you stay with your team and follow instructions from your leader, in order to avoid complications and maintain strict security levels. However, if you choose to travel on afterwards, you are more than welcome to meet with friends outside of Open Doors Trip dates.
Am I allowed to take my own evangelistic materials to hand out?
While this seems like a great idea, we ask that you do not take your own evangelistic materials to hand out. Open Doors communicates with Field Operation staff, who are aware of the needs of the Christians there, and of the precautions needed for the safety of believers. We send materials specifically asked for by our staff.
Is there an option to travel outside of the trip dates, either before or after my trip?
Yes. In most cases you are welcome to travel further, not as part of the Open Doors Trip. We recommend doing this after, rather than before your trip, as this allows you to be more relaxed for your holiday, particularly if doing a Bible delivery.
After you travel...
Can I tell my friends about my trip?
Yes, but please exercise caution.
It is imperative for the safety of future travellers, Christians in the countries we visit and our co-workers, that we do not reveal specific details about the trip (such as particular cities you went to, names of people you met, delivery details, etc).
Please do not reveal any details regarding your trip on live chat sites, such as Facebook or Twitter.
If you want to share about your trip at your church, or in a public meeting, then please send information and photos you intend to share to Open Doors first, for approval.
If you are ever unsure, please call us on 02 9451 2999 for more information.
Can I share/publish my trip photos?
Before you publish or share any photos from your trip, please send them to Open Doors first for approval. This is the best way to keep persecuted Christians, Open Doors' workers and travellers as safe as possible. It is ok to show your photos to a small, private group, such as friends and family members.
Is there anything else I need to do once I return from my trip?
Upon your return, we would love to hear from you. We aim to welcome home each traveller with a phone call, but please feel free to contact us when you get the chance.
We also ask you to complete a short Trip Evaluation Form, which helps us improve our travel program for future travellers and also assists you in evaluating the trip for yourself. The best feedback we can get is from first-hand travellers. And we appreciate both positive and negative comments.
After travelling, I am keen to do more to help persecuted Christians. What can I do next?
Travelling with Open Doors greatly encourages and strengthens the believers you meet. In addition, it almost always challenges and inspires those who have travel to find out more, get more involved and do more to help persecuted Christians.
So what can you do? Here are some suggestions:
- Invite an Open Doors speaker to your church. Open Doors speakers can share about the ministry of Open Doors, provide up-to-date information about persecution around the world, focus on a particular country/region if preferred and give you the opportunity to get involved.
Request a speaker or call 02 9451 2999 to enquire.
- Travel again. Not everyone has the finances or the time to travel, but if you do, then you can make such a difference by being there. Choose a different country, or go back to the same country! The Christians will be greatly encouraged by your visit.
Email gotravel@od.org or call 02 9451 299 for opportunities.
- Become an Open Doors Champion. We need people who are willing to fight for a cause, people who will spread the message of the persecuted church within their sphere of influence. You could run an event, inspire people to write letters of encouragement, do a talk at your church...there are so many ways to make a difference.
Email champions@od.org or call 02 9451 2999 to enquire.
- Write to a believer. Throughout the year Open Doors gives you the opportunity to write to a persecuted believer. A simple message of encouragement, or a colourful card, or a note to say you are thinking of them can go a long way in making a positive impact in someone's life.
See current writing campaign
Can't find an answer to your question? Email us at gotravel@od.org or call us on (02) 9451 2999 with your query and we will get back to you as soon as possible.