Free Baggage Allowances

From the USA each person is allowed two 50 lb. bags and a carry-on (in addition to a purse or camera bag) while traveling. Passengers from the UK are generally allowed one bag weighing 20 kilos, as well as one carry-on item.

Check with your airline to be sure the rules have not changed.

Luggage which exceeds the allowed limits will have additional charges.

Please note: Passengers from the USA need to check their luggage all the way through to Entebbe International Airport. If you break your trip in Europe, you will generally lose the higher US luggage allowance, and will have to pay a very high rate to re-check your bags through to Uganda. For more information on shipping allowances, see policy section.

What To Use for Packing

Suitcases, footlockers, Action Packers, or duffle bags are good for packing your accompanied baggage. But be sure that the size of these large suitcases or footlockers do not exceed the airlines maximum allowed dimensions, or you may be assessed an "oversize luggage" fee, even if you are within the weight allowance.  Do not use cardboard boxes, especially those with brand names on the outside. Mailing lists and important papers or items should be in your hand luggage in case suitcases are lost. Money, passport, entry permit, health certificate, etc., should be in your hand luggage or on your person.

Packing Lists

It is advisable to keep a packing list and keep it in your carry-on luggage. Each item needs to be marked as new or used and an “actual” (garage sale price) value attached to each item for customs declaration.

Wherever possible, things should be USED before they are packed. Some things can be declared USED if they are removed from commercial packing. ALL new items are subject to duty. Duty may be charged on some used items.

If you are coming for 3 months or less

If you are coming for 3 months or less, you will have only one piece of luggage for your personal items. The Uganda field asks to use your second piece of luggage, which will be filled with items for ministry use by the Ugandan field or by individuals on the field. You will be contacted by your MVP or VIA Coordinator regarding this piece of luggage.

In many instances, we ask you to consider helping us by doing some light shopping at your local Wal-Mart or other shopping center. These items which you purchase for us are reimbursable. Please keep all receipts and records of spending so you can be reimbursed.

When the MVP or VIA Coordinator contacts you regarding a shopping list, he/she will also pre-arrange repayment to you. This could include repayment once you arrive, or a deposit to your USA account prior to your shopping, so you can have enough funds to cover costs. You are not being asked to pay for ministry or personal items for us. We simply need your help (usually) to restock our supplies. These items CAN include ministry supplies such as construction paper, printer ink, teaching supplies or other. Personal supplies may include macaroni and cheese mix, microwave popcorn, candies or other items. Again, the MVP or VIA Coordinator will be in contact with you regarding these supplies.

Documents to Bring

Bring all of your important documents with you in your carry-on luggage. These include passport, plane tickets, vaccination certificate, international driver's license, good conduct report from your local police station, notarized copies of all of your professional certificates, marriage certificate, birth certificate, email/mailing addresses.

You should also have a photocopy of all documents in a place separate from the originals.

Safety Precautions Before and During Travel

Make a copy of the face sheet of your passport before leaving home. Keep it in a safe place separate from your passport. It is also a good idea to upload a copy of your passport to the internet so that you will have access to it from anywhere in the world. This makes it much easier to get your passport replaced if it is lost or stolen.

All luggage (including carry-ons) should be tagged with a name, address, and telephone number. When flying to Uganda, you should use the mailing address of the Uganda field office and the field director's phone number. It's also a good idea to put that information inside your luggage in case the outside tags are lost or damaged.

World Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 11788
Kampala,Uganda
+256-772-710-720

Secure your wallet or purse against theft.

Never leave your baggage with a stranger even if the person is nice and seems harmless. Never leave any bags unattended in any airport.

Hold on to your passport at all times, as well as your plane tickets, vaccination cards and other important documents. Passports are worth a fortune on the black market in many countries. Do not put your passport, vaccination card or plane tickets in your checked luggage for any reason while traveling.

Credit cards, debit cards, calling cards, personal checks, traveler's checks, and money must be kept in carry-ons or in a pouch that you keep with you at all times. Be sure that the credit card you carry is insured for overseas and that you know the number to call if it is lost or stolen.

We also suggest that you bring a few personal checks with you. They can be used to pay debts to WGM. Because of bank charges, the exchange rate may be lower than that for cash, traveler's checks, or an international credit card. The best rate is given at an ATM using a debit card.