Travel Info

Below, you'll find info on:

• What to pack for the trip
• Immunizations and vaccinations you'll need prior to departure
• VISA requirements
• General trip information

Please go to the "Contact Us" page and click on the email link if you have any questions. Or, click on COMMENTS at the bottom of this page.

What to Pack

Note: Each team member will pack 1 duffel bag for personal items, 1 duffel bag for medical supplies for the clinic, and 1 carry-on bag for personal items.

Suggested items to pack in carry-on bag (Note: Your bag should total no more than 45 inches in width + depth + length, for instance 9"x13"x23"):

Passport

Picture ID (driver's license ok)

Just enough cash money for trip (approx. $35 for departure tax to exit country, $50 for food, $100 for misc. expenses)

Personal medications with ID

Chloroquine tablets for malaria prevention (get prescription from personal physician)

Personal hygiene items

Toilet paper with string

Hand sanitizer (pocket size)

Suntan lotion (high SPF)

Lip balm

Water bottle with cap and carrier

Trail mix, breakfast bars or other personal snacks

Cap or sun visor

Sunglasses

Lightweight poncho

Bible

Journal / pen

Camera & film

Suggested items to pack in personal duffel bag (Bag cannot exceed 50 lbs):

Bathing needs: Soap, shampoo, washcloth and 2 towels

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Individual food in plastic containers

Can opener

Eating utensils

Disposable bowls and plates

Personal drinking cup

Small pot and pan

Sleeping gear - mat, sheet, travel pillow, ground cover.

Sleeping cot (foldable, travel type). Army-type cots can be purchased in Haiti for $30-$40.

Lightweight blanket or sleeping bag

Matches

2 Flashlights (small is better)

Insect repellant with approx. 33% DEET

Small camp light/lantern

Extra batteries for flashlights, lantern, camera

Plastic trash bags

Clothing (comfortable walking shoes, socks, camp shoes or sandals, 3 changes of clothes- long pants for men, long dresses for women)

Duct tape

Fabreeze

Rope for tie-downs and tarp

Luggage tags

Toothpicks

Bathing shorts

Handkerchiefs

Your second duffel bag will be filled with various medical supplies and/or tools. We'll meet prior to the trip to pack. (Bag cannot exceed 50 lbs)

Immunizations recommended for travel to Haiti

Note: As of April of 2005, the U.S. Department of Health recommends the following immunizations and vaccinations prior to travel to the country of Haiti.  These recommendations can change, depending on the current health situation.   These need to be done well prior to leaving for the trip - the Hepatitis immunizations require follow-up shots.

All childhood immunizations, including measles and chicken pox

Tetanus

Typhoid (oral immunization)

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Malaria - get prescription for malaria meds from personal physician. This should be done well prior to departure. Chloroquine tablets are taken 1week before leaving, the week in Haiti, and then for 4 weeks after we arrive back home.

(Questions about immunizations? Call the Knox county health department: 865-215-5070)

VISA/Passport Requirements

A current U.S. passport will be required for entry and exit from the country of Haiti.  If you do not have a current passport, make plans to procure one well in advance of the trip.  Normally, this process takes approx. 6 weeks from start to finish, but can take up to 16 weeks.  You'll want to start the process early, in case there are issues along the way.  Cost is just under $100.  Passports photos and paperwork can usually be obtained at most large post offices.

During the trip, keep the passport with you or in a safe place.  The State Department recommends that travelers make a photocopy of the passport, and then keep that with you, in your wallet or purse.  In case your passport is stolen or lost, this copy will greatly speed to process of getting the situation resolved at the U.S. embassy.

General Information

Dinners in Haiti will be a group effort. Team members will be assigned a night to procure food and cook for the group. We will purchase Culligan drinking water while in Haiti.