Travelling internationally, and bringing a good bit of luggage is no easy thing!  This article gives some important information and some tips to help you to plan well.

WGM provides a relocation allowance to help you bring your personal effects to the Field. These funds are considered personal income and are taxable. They may, therefore, be used at the discretion of the missionary, i.e. shipping costs, duty, or purchasing items on arrival instead of shipping them.

For more details see the WGM Missionary Handbook.

Shipping

The two methods of shipping are airfreight and excess baggage.  Currently it is advised to pay for the extra baggage to Uganda.

It is advisable to keep a packing list and keep it on your carryon 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. 

From the USA each person is generally allowed two 50 lb. bags and a carry-on (in addition to a purse or camera bag) while traveling. This is always subject to change by the airline, so be sure to check with your travel agent to find out what the current limits are.

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. Items checked only to your stopover in Europe will cost exorbitant rates to re-check through. For more information on shipping allowances, see policy section.

Suitcases footlockers, Action Packers, or duffle bags are good for packing your accompanied baggage. 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.

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. Duty on mission-owned equipment will be paid out of the ministry account of the missionary but duty paid on personal items is a personal expense of the missionary.

A special note if you fly on British Airways

Please keep in mind that if you fly with British Airways and originate in certain USA cities, it MAY be that you will have to change airports upon arrival in London. Specifically, departures from Atlanta fly only to Gatwick but the flights which continue on to Uganda only originate in Heathrow airport. This means a trek, with your luggage, carry-ons, etc., across the city by airport bus to Heathrow so you can continue on to Uganda. Flights passing through Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Miami and Washington, D.C. all fly into Heathrow. Check with your travel agent before booking flights, if you wish to avoid the change of airports. We recommend you try to avoid the change of airports, as luggage may get lost or damaged in the midst of the move.