The length of each trip varies, and depends on the location, and the arrangements made by our Open Doors Travel Coordination staff. Generally they range between 6 and 14 days.
How much will my trip cost? Do I need to pay a deposit?
On average, your trip will cost between US $800 - $1,800, 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.
Do I receive a refund if I decide not to travel, or if my trip is cancelled?
The $100 Application Fee is non-refundable. However, Open Doors will gladly refund any amount paid toward your trip, if either you decide not to go, or if your trip is cancelled for security reasons. You may also wish to donate this money to the ministry of Open Doors. It is up to you.
Who arranges travel details such as flights and insurance?
To arrange flights and travel insurance, we will put in touch with our partnering Christian Travel Agent, Uplift Tours & Travel. They will gladly arrange all these details for you, ensuring you get in and out of the country at the right times.
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.
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. This will be confirmed with you before you travel.
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 with caution. Generally you can tell your friends/relatives general details such as country, dates, and activities. In some cases it is not wise to give out these details for security reasons. We will inform you if this is case. Once you return, please be mindful of the safety of other travellers and Christians in the country you visited. It is best to talk to people in person or over the phone. You can include some details in emails, but you should not reveal any details regarding your trip on live chat sites, such as Facebook or Twitter.
Do I need to fill out any more forms once I return?
Upon your return from your trip, we will send you a Welcome Home letter, enclosed with it will be a Trip Report Form. This is the last step in your travels with us. We ask that you fill this out for 2 main reasons. Firstly, it gives you the opportunity to effectively evaluate your trip, and comment on the pros and cons while you remembers them, by consciously thinking of the various aspects involved in your travels. Secondly, your thoughts and suggestions will help us to improve our travel program both for your next trip as well as other travellers. The best feedback we can get is from first-hand travellers.
Can I publish my trip photos?
Yes, you can generally publish photos from your travels. However, Open Doors will need to approve the photos before you do this. This is for the safety of the Christians in the country you visited, Open Doors staff, and yourself. You can send us your pictures, we will identify which ones are ok, and then you can go ahead with publishing them. Please note this mainly refers to web sites, Facebook, emails, etc. You can always show your friends and family your pictures in person without any concerns.
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.