Additional Information
Visas
You will more than likely need an entry visa to cover your stay in either Kenya, Tanzania or Malawi. Visas can be issued to you prior to arrival in your designated country via the countries High Commission in your country. At the time of writing entry visas were required for Kenya & Tanzania for U.K., U.S., Australian, Canadian & New Zealand citizens. Alternatively you can apply online for your visa.
NB. These processes usually mean you are required to send your passport away with a small postage fee incurred.
Most visitors tend to get their visa upon entry to their country of work at the airport by paying $25 in cash for a standard 3 month visitor visa (Kenya & Tanzania) for UK citizens. When filling in the form we suggest using your placement address as the place of residence and travel trip type is just “tourist” to avoid lots of waiting around at customs.
If you are unsure of your status concerning visas to our destination countries we suggest you read more at; http://www.projectvisa.com/, for the latest in visa information.
*Further visa information will be supplied to you in the projects pack which you will receive once you have booked and secured a project.
You will more than likely need an entry visa to cover your stay in either Kenya, Tanzania or Malawi. Visas can be issued to you prior to arrival in your designated country via the countries High Commission in your country. At the time of writing entry visas were required for Kenya & Tanzania for U.K., U.S., Australian, Canadian & New Zealand citizens. Alternatively you can apply online for your visa.
NB. These processes usually mean you are required to send your passport away with a small postage fee incurred.
Most visitors tend to get their visa upon entry to their country of work at the airport by paying $25 in cash for a standard 3 month visitor visa (Kenya & Tanzania) for UK citizens. When filling in the form we suggest using your placement address as the place of residence and travel trip type is just “tourist” to avoid lots of waiting around at customs.
If you are unsure of your status concerning visas to our destination countries we suggest you read more at; http://www.projectvisa.com/, for the latest in visa information.
*Further visa information will be supplied to you in the projects pack which you will receive once you have booked and secured a project.
Safety:
Be Prepared - It cannot be stated enough. It is vital you know the customs of the country you are traveling to. This saves misinterpretations and you ending up in a precarious situation.
Respect The Culture - Dress accordingly with the locals. There is nothing worse than under-dressing and then finding out you are in fact offending everyone. This also goes for greetings, it is important to know the proper greetings of the country.
Be Alert - Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around, never get worked up about a situation as this usually draws unnecessary attention to yourself.
Look Confident - One of the easiest methods to avoid trouble is to look confident. Even if your walking somewhere very unknown to you as long as you walk with confidence people will usually avoid you. Use a buddy system especially if your a female to avoid walking alone especially at night.
Personal Items - Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, its usually considered a good idea if you have a backpack to wear it on your front so people can't get in it from behind.
Keep It Safe - If its valuable then leave it in a safe, under lock and key or leave it behind the reception desk if your staying in a hostel.
Keeping In Touch - Its good to keep in contact, we advise you to leave photocopies of all your important documentation at home with friends or relatives. Calling or texting home to let loved ones how your are getting on.
Separate Your Money - Don't carry more than you actually need just in case you are unfortunate enough to get mugged. We advise keeping money in different pockets on your body as well as in your bag if you are traveling. It is a good idea to keep the rest of the money somewhere secure at the place you are staying either in a hostel or with a host family.
Whats Your Limit? - If you are a fan of partying the night away this is no problem. However we would advise not to drink to much alcohol as this makes you extremely vulnerable to robbery and sexual assault. Excessive drinking in a foreign country is usually a bad idea and frowned upon socially.
Don't Trust Everyone - However sad it may sound not everyone is trustworthy. A lot of people will approach you promising you this and that and seem like the nicest person in the world but end up being the complete opposite.
Use Your Brain - Don't go home with strangers, don't get in a car with a drunk driver. In general you should be a lot more careful than you are when you are at home.
*For more Information on travel safety visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Travel Plans:
We have put together a compilation of a few airlines who Sub Saharan Volunteers & Adventures consider to be reliable and efficient with alternative routes for volunteers to take on their way to their placement in Africa;
Kenya Airways , British Airways , Virgin Atlantic , Emirates
*If the above listings do not fly from your location check Expedia for all destinations & latest details in travel.
What To Bring:
Below is a list of the MUST HAVE's when you embark on your adventure to Africa;
- Mosquito repellent/coils
- Basic medical kit
- Lots of sunscreen
- A torch with spare batteries
- Malaria tablets (consult your doctor)
- Padlocks & keys + spares for your luggage
- Paracetamol/Ibuprofen for headaches etc
- Camera + film/memory cards + spare batteries
- Imodium; to cure Diarrhea, there is a very good chance you will get it at some point as you may not be used to the different diet. Best to carry it on you at all times as you never know when it may strike!
- Hygiene hand wipes/toilet tissue as most rural areas don't have sufficient running water
- Lots of magazines & books
* Further 'What To Bring' items will be supplied to you in the projects pack you will receive once you have booked and secured a placement.
Below is a list of the MUST HAVE's when you embark on your adventure to Africa;
- Mosquito repellent/coils
- Basic medical kit
- Lots of sunscreen
- A torch with spare batteries
- Malaria tablets (consult your doctor)
- Padlocks & keys + spares for your luggage
- Paracetamol/Ibuprofen for headaches etc
- Camera + film/memory cards + spare batteries
- Imodium; to cure Diarrhea, there is a very good chance you will get it at some point as you may not be used to the different diet. Best to carry it on you at all times as you never know when it may strike!
- Hygiene hand wipes/toilet tissue as most rural areas don't have sufficient running water
- Lots of magazines & books
* Further 'What To Bring' items will be supplied to you in the projects pack you will receive once you have booked and secured a placement.
Insurance:
Safety and enjoyment are paramount when you are travelling. Travel Insurance is one of the most important arrangements that you’ll need to make for your trip, and this is why we state in our terms and conditions that it is compulsory all volunteers have comprehensive travel insurance before leaving for their destination. At the time of purchase please ensure that the insurance you are taking out covers you for the activities you will be participating in. It is very important to read all of the wording in the policy very carefully.
It is advisable at the time of purchase that your insurance covers your pre departure. This covers all unforeseen circumstances including flight delays/cancellations and loss of baggage.
We have teamed up with Travel Insurance Guide to help offer you the best deals on Travel Insurance. Please visit Travel Insurance Guide to get your insurance quote today.
'Remember' - Ensure that the insurance policy you’ve selected covers you for your placement with Sub Saharan Volunteers & Adventures , as well as additional travel & activities you might have planned.
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