Getting There

Arrivals + Departures

The preferred airport for all guests is Miami International Airport (MIA). Guests may also arrive at or depart from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), an often cheaper gateway from many US and Central American cities. We only offer ground transportation from MIA, but there are many shuttle companies which provide services between FLL and Miami.

Guests who are US citizens and on flights originating in the Americas may arrive at MIA on flights landing before 10 AM on August 16 or on an earlier date. All other guests must arrive on flights landing on or before August 15. If you are driving to Miami or arranging your own transport, please arrive at Miami Cruise Port by 10 AM on August 16.

Guests may depart on flights taking off after 1 PM on August 23.

Accommodations for Early Arrival

We will provide complimentary hotel accommodations only on the evening of August 15 for guests arriving early in the vicinity of Miami International Airport (MIA). We look forward to greeting you upon your arrival.

Visa Requirements

In order to attend Homeward Missions Week, you must be authorized to enter the United States. If you are required to obtain a US visa for legal entry, please do so immediately.

  • You will be required to travel with your passport for entry into the countries which the ship visits. Ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the last date of the program.

  • Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.

  • Citizens or nationals of countries participating in the US Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may enter the US for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

    In addition to holding a current passport of one of the countries listed (valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States), you must have a valid ESTA, an e-Passport (verified by the chip symbol on the cover of your passport), and not have traveled to or been present in one of the designated restricted countries.

    You must obtain an ESTA either before or immediately after booking flights and submit your ESTA with proof of air travel to be confirmed for the program.

  • Submit a photocopy of your passport and visa in your application.

    Both your visa and passport must be valid at the time of entry, and in most cases, may not expire within 6 months of entry.

  • Please immediately confirm a visa application interview date at your nearest US embassy. Current wait times for US visa interviews are significantly longer than historical norm in many US consulates. Your application will not be processed without an interview date.

    We do not sponsor visas. However, invited applicants will receive an invitation letter in support of their visa application.

    While there are several types of US visas, you may be able to qualify for and apply for a tourism (B-2) visa. Most visa applications require an online application, in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, current passport, and additional documentation.

Travel Funding

We understand the cost of airfare may be prohibitive to certain invitees. Therefore, we have set aside funds to provide travel assistance on a limited basis. Funding will be based on each family’s ministry context and financial need. Travel funding requests are separate from the HMW invitation.

We encourage invitees to first seek God in faith for travel funds, check with their own networks or sending churches, and only apply for our travel funding as a last resort.

The application for travel funding will be available after you submit your Request for Invitation. Please note that travel is the responsibility of the invitee, and we will only offer travel funding in extraordinary circumstances. We prioritize travel funding for invitees based on the following:

  • Long tenure as full-time missionaries on the field, typically 20+ years.

  • Strong focus on personal contact evangelism and outreach

  • Operating in remarkably difficult environments

  • Have not previously received travel funding

As you are preparing to apply, please collect your recent income tax filings and your recent bank statements. You will be asked to report your income and assets, with substantiation for both.

WHEN + HOW TO APPLY
WHAT IT COVERS

Travel funding covers airfare from your nearest international hub airport. You may still need regional flights to reach your nearest hub. Your preferred airport may not be offered. Funding will not cover ancillary expenses other than airfare.

FAQs

Will you cover other travel expenses in addition to airfare?

Travel support applies only to airfare from the nearest international hub airport. Families who receive travel funding will still have travel expenses - such as travel to the hub airport, visa fees, parking, baggage, etc.

I don’t have a visa yet to enter the United States. What should I do?

We will not be able to confirm your attendance until you have met the requirements to enter the United States. Please review the website section on visas above for more information. We suggest that you start applying for a visa as soon as reasonably possible.

How is travel funding determined? Will travel funding impact my application?

We make every effort to understand your financial situation and ministry context. We may prioritize certain attributes, such as tenure or geography. Invitation decisions are “need-blind” and issued independently from travel funding.