Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for getting traveler’s passports and visas? Every WCI participant must be in possession of the appropriate documentation prior to departure. If a WCI participant is unable to obtain a passport or any applicable visas, WCI’s standard cancellation policy will apply. Visa costs are not included in your programmed fees except if explicitly stated in your Tour Brochure. In most cases, your passport must be valid 6 MONTHS past the time of our return.

How do I get a passport? Obtain an application at your nearest passport office, courthouse, or post office. You will need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs measuring 2” x 2”, taken within six months of application. For more info regarding passports, you can go online to: www.travel.state.gov.

Will I need a visa? Your project manager will communicate to you whether or not U.S. citizens will require a VISA for entry into any country on your itinerary. Tour participants with non-U.S. passports will need to contact the embassy or consulate of all the countries visited to determine if they require a visa to enter.

What vaccinations are necessary for international travel? Please contact your local doctor or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov for information on any recommended or required vaccinations for your destination countries well in advance of your trip.

Is there a luggage limit? Each airline has specific weight limits for checked-in luggage. WCI will alert you to the specifications and limitations. If you are flying on more than one airline, please be sure to adhere to whichever weight limit is lower to avoid having to pay extra. Please do remember that each individual is responsible for carrying his/her own luggage.

How much luggage am I allowed to bring? Due to limited space available on buses for luggage, only ONE suitcase (limited to 50lbs) and one small carry-on bag such as a backpack or briefcase per person is allowed. Your final itinerary package will include two Worship Convergence Internationall luggage tags to be placed on your checked luggage and carry-on. We strongly recommend you also add your own luggage tag on both your checked and carry-on luggage.    Note: Carry-on luggage must fit under seat or in overhead compartments of the plane and under the seat or in your lap while on the bus. Most airlines will accept 54 maximum linear inches (length + width + depth) for checked luggage. Suggestions for packing: If you are traveling as a couple, you may want to pack clothes for both in each suitcase. This way, if one suitcase is lost, each person will have clothing to wear.

Will our mobile phones work abroad? This will depend on what type of handset you have and who your mobile contract is with. Most phone companies offer international voice and data plans. Please contact your mobile phone provider for further details. Please make people aware that it can be quite expensive for you to use your mobile abroad.

What if I do not have a roommate? While WCI will try to match you with a roommate, we cannot guarantee one will be available. Therefore, you should try to find a roommate and notify us of your selection no later than 120 days prior to departure. If no roommate can be found, you will receive an invoice for the single room supplement charge(s) as listed in the Terms and Conditions under Accommodations. This notification may come as late as 30 days prior to your departure.

Will my tour schedule ever change? Every effort will be made to ensure you see the sites listed in your program; however, we reserve the right to alter the sightseeing itinerary to accommodate changes in local conditions and/or circumstances. If possible, you will be notified of any changes that are made to this itinerary prior to departing the U.S.

Do we need adaptors for electric items? Yes, you will need to bring adaptors when traveling outside the US for most countries.  Your final tour documents will contain Travel Tips that provide specific information.

What meals are included? Which meals are included depends on your destination. On most tours breakfasts and some evening meals are included – please see your specific tour itinerary for more details.

When are payments due? Your tour price is split into multiple payments throughout the year; please check the Deposit Schedule in your Tour Brochure for more details.

What airline will be used for group reservations (groups of 10 or more traveling on the same dates from the same location)? We use many airlines depending on the global destination, time of year and budget.  Generally, WCI will determine which airline will be used between 6-9 months prior to departure.

May I choose the airline I travel on? If you elect to purchase a land-only package you can book your air ticket directly with your preferred airline. Please note, transfers from and to the airport in your destination are based on the arrival and departure times of the group air booking. Coaches will not be able to wait for passengers who arrive later on flights booked directly with another carrier. For groups of 10 or more booking a group reservation, you cannot select the airline for your travel.

When may I receive my complete flight information? If you are traveling with a group of 10 or more, international flight information will be available approximately 60 days prior to departure; domestic flight information will be available approximately 45 days prior to departure.

May I purchase my own international tickets? Yes, but in order for Worship Convergence International to arrange your ground transportation to and from the overseas airport, you must book your air on the same schedule and airline as the group. If you choose to book your own air that does not coincide with the group air booking you are responsible for your own ground transportation from the overseas airport to the hotel. You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to/from your domestic airport. NOTE: Due to increased security at the airports, we recommend arriving at least two to three hours prior to departure for domestic flights. Arrive at the departure airport at least three hours prior to departure for international flights (whenever possible).

Who is responsible for any airline schedule changes and/or expense? All flight times are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice. WCI is not responsible for changes and/or delays in airline schedules, nor the expense associated with such changes.

What if I miss my flight or it is canceled on the day of departure? Contact our office immediately so we can inform all necessary parties.  The airline’s responsibility is to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Be sure to call the emergency contact phone number listed in your travel documents as soon as possible.

May I request special seating and/or meals on the flights? In general, group purchased seating arrangements cannot be organized before departure. Airlines will assign seating for group bookings based on their internal rules and regulations. If you have a special meal request it should be submitted in writing no later than 90 days prior to departure. We cannot, however, guarantee your request will be honored by the airline.

Will my group travel together on the same airline? Every effort will be made to keep groups together if they are traveling from the same departure city; however, depending upon the size of the group and the availability of seats on the same flights, some groups may be on several different domestic and/or international flights. NOTE: If part of the group is participating in an extension, they may not be on the same international flights as passengers doing the basic program only.

Will my group sit together on the plane? We do request that our groups are seated together. However, depending on your group’s size, you may or may not sit together. You will receive seating assignments when you check in.

What happens if there are travel delays? In the event of travel delays during your tour, WCI will assist in making such alternative travel arrangements as it considers appropriate to the circumstances. WCI will not accept the additional costs incurred for delays beyond its control and for which it is not liable.

What are the latest security regulations for what can and cannot be taken on a plane? These regulations and restrictions change frequently. Please see www.tsa.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Will we be fed on the plane? This depends on the length of your flight and what airline you will be flying with. On trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights you will be given meals on the plane free of charge. For flights within the US and Europe food will generally be offered, but it is not always free of charge.

What happens if bags are lost? It is the responsibility of the airlines to recover any lost luggage. Please be sure to file a report with the airline at the airport where you arrive. Although WCI will do everything we can in helping with the process, we cannot help to recover lost luggage. It is an issue between the luggage owner and the airlines.

Do we have to fill out immigration and customs forms? Yes, when en route to certain countries individuals will need to fill out landing cards and/or other immigration forms. The forms which need to be completed will vary depending on whether or not individuals needed visas to enter the country to which they are traveling. Generally, airline staff will distribute all necessary forms either prior to boarding or during the flight.

What about free time? There will be some free time on every tour – for shopping, sightseeing on your own, extra activities, etc. WCI Tour Directors are happy to provide ideas for free time and evening activities. The cost of these activities is not included in the package price so you will need to budget for this before you depart.

What amenities are provided at our hotel? This will depend on which hotel you are staying in. Each hotel room will be ensuite and linens will be provided. Each hotel will vary in terms of supplying hairdryers, safes, etc. For some student groups WCI may book multi-bedded university dorm accommodation but only if specifically requested.

What if my luggage is lost or damaged? File a claim at the airport before you leave the baggage claim area. It will be the airline’s responsibility to get lost luggage to you or to compensate you for damaged luggage. We will do our best to follow-up with the airlines but the responsibility ultimately rests with the airline. We strongly suggest that you pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag. If you purchased Travel Insurance you will also need to file a claim with the respective insurance company.

What to expect upon arrival at the airport! After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage (luggage carts may be free or available for an extra charge) and pass through customs. You will be met by an airport representative outside the baggage claim area. Please follow instructions from our representative.

What is the time difference in our time zones? Time zones vary by location in the world.  A great resource for determining the time difference for a particular place is: http://www.timeanddate.com.

How long will it take to travel from the airport to the hotel? The transfer time can vary greatly from city to city.

What about my luggage? Your luggage will be loaded on and off the motor coach by the driver. You are responsible to transfer your luggage from the curb to your room and back to the motor coach upon departure. On some trips, porters may be available to assist you with your luggage.

What are the hotel rooms like? Each room will have a private bath, TV and phone. Most hotels do not provide small washcloths, so you may want to bring your own but do not leave them in the bathroom as the staff will whisk them away into the laundry and you will probably never see them again.

Are hair dryers available? Most hotels provide hair dryers in the rooms. If you bring your own, be sure it is one that has dual voltage so you can switch between 125v and 250v.  You will need an adapter for your hair dryer. We do not suggest bringing curling irons or flat irons as the voltage is usually too high. If you choose to bring a curling/flat iron, be sure that it has dual voltage capabilities.

What meals are included in my journey? Generally, breakfast and some dinners are included. Lunches are only included when specified in the itinerary. Please consult your Tour Brochure for a detailed list of inclusions. Coffee and tea are served at breakfast but beverages at dinner, except for tap water, will be at a supplemental charge. All other meals are at your expense. Bottled water is recommended at all times outside the US.