Welcome to the Smile Train’s Journey of Smiles to Vietnam! Below you will find some information that will be useful while planning your travels.
REGISTRATION FORM:
Please complete the following Guest Profile form at your earliest convenience (Click here). This allows us to easily record your vital travel information.
FLIGHTS FROM THE US:
International flights are booked by travelers independently. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Naomi (naomi@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights.
Main Program:
- Arrive in Hanoi at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) no later than 4pm on March 20*, 2017.
- Leave from Hue at Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) any time on March 25, 2017.
*While the trip officially begins on March 20th, we are happy to help make arrangements for you to arrive earlier, and encourage this for travelers who are sensitive to jet lag and would like extra time to adjust.
EXTENSIONS:
Elevate is pleased to support Smile Train’s great work by donating 5% of the profit of extension bookings back to them. Please let us know if you are interested in extending your travels before or after the Smile Train main program.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. We encourage you to review your travel insurance options before making payment to Elevate Destinations.
Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, Email alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648.
Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
PASSPORT:
Travelers to Vietnam should ensure that the validity of their passports extends at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and should have at least two blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport to enter the country. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
VISA/TOURIST CARD:
US citizens may apply for visas in person or by mail at the Embassy of Vietnam or through a visa-processing service. We recommend A1 Passport and Visa in Washington, DC, for their great customer service. The fee is $90.00 for a single entry 1 month stay, and $140.00 for a multiple entry 1 month stay, plus a processing service fee ($75 for regular processing through A1 Passport and Visa).
*Note that the visa is valid for three months from the date of issue, so we recommend applying for your visa between January 20 – February 10, 2017.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Please be sure check the CDC Website for Vietnam for updated information about vaccinations and health concerns, and check with your medical provider or travel clinic about your individual requirements.
In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel, the CDC recommends that most travelers be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. The CDC also recommends some travelers to be vaccinated for Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Yellow Fever*, and to take prescription medication before, during and after your trip to prevent Malaria.
*Note that there is no risk of yellow fever in Vietnam, however proof of vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.
Zika is present in Vietnam. Because of the risk of birth defects in babies born to women who were infected with Zika while pregnant, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their doctor and consider postponing nonessential travel to Vietnam. Travelers to Vietnam should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
In addition to luggage restrictions for your international flights to/from the US, please keep in mind the restrictions for luggage on the domestic flights for this trip. Travelers are allowed:
- 1 checked bag weighing no more than 20kg (44 lbs); max dimensions (width + heights + depth ) must not exceed 203 cm (79 inches).
- 1 carry-on bag weighing no mor than 7kg (15 lbs); max dimensions are 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 11 x 9 inches)
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Donor Travel Team:
Katherine Redington
katherine@elevatedestinations.com
Naomi Garner
naomi@elevatedestinations.com
