Frequently Asked Questions
We realize that there’s a lot of questions when it comes to serving with Africa Freedom mission. Below you will find a list of our most commonly asked questions. so take a minute and learn from some of our previous team members.
If I sign-up and start raising funds for a trip with AFM, but am unable to go on my scheduled trip, can I be refunded?
Unfortunately, AFM does not issue any refunds. Per IRS guidelines, refunds can NOT be issued for donations made to Africa Freedom Mission. If an individual decides not to travel after a deposit is paid or other donations are receipted, those donations will be held in an account for up to but no longer than one year for a future trip with AFM. The deposit can also be transferred to another individual as their deposit upon request. For more information, please visit www.africafreedommission.org/financial-guidelines
What’s the difference between Flight Insurance and Travel Insurance? Should I purchase both?
Flight Insurance is usually obtained by paying the higher rate on an economy domestic airfare. For these Domestic Flight purchases, we recommend paying the extra fee when purchasing your so that you will be able to refund/change your domestic flight should your trip be postponed. Domestic flight changes and cancellations are not covered by International Travel Insurance plans and will not be reimbursed by AFM.
Travel Insurance protects an individual during travel and often provides coverage and medical evacuation for medical emergencies in country. Some Travel Insurance providers offer packages that cover additional expenses incurred because the insured has to change travel itineraries. These plans can be beneficial to have, especially during times such as these!
AFM recommends purchasing both of these types of coverage when traveling with our organization. Flight insurance is purchased at the time of purchasing your domestic flight. Travel Insurance is purchased separately by a reputable Travel Insurance Company.
Do I need to have the COVID vaccine when traveling with AFM?
No. At the current time, COVID vaccines are not required for any trip with AFM. If the country that you are serving in begins to require COVID vaccines, AFM will be forced to require them for your participation on a team. While AFM will make every effort to inform team members of any changes in these requirements, it is the responsibility of the team member to determine all vaccine requirements before their scheduled travel date. As previously stated, AFM does not issue any refunds on any donations received for any reason. Should vaccine requirements change and you choose not to be vaccinated, your decision will not be sufficient reason for a refund.
Do I need to be tested for COVID before traveling?
COVID Testing requirements are always changing. We recommend that you verify all COVID related travel requirements at the following website: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/travel-updates/updates-on-covid-19(coronavirus). As of now, Zambia has no testing requirements for entry and Zimbabwe has a 48 hour requirement for COVID testing. AFM team members will test at their own expense. Rapid Antigen tests DO NOT qualify for international travel. It must be a PCR test! It’s the team members responsibility to find an appropriate testing facility that can fulfill their trip requirements.
What happens if I get COVID while serving on a trip with AFM?
Should you test positive, you will quarantine at one of AFM’s guest houses in Lusaka for Zambia teams and Lions Den for Zimbabwe teams. Our staff and/or ministry partners will provide care for you until you have quarantined long enough to board a return flight to the States. Usually this period lasts between 10 to 14 days. AFM will work with the airline to rebook your international flight. It will be your responsibility to rebook your domestic flight home. This is why it’s important to pay the little extra and purchase flight insurance when booking your domestic flight.
What Expenses are Covered by AFM and what Expenses are not covered by AFM?
As part of your trip, AFM COVERS hotel, international flight and all food, lodging and transportation costs in africa. AFM DOES NOT COVER: Domestic flights, pre-trip COVID tests, immunizations and visas. For more information, go to: https://www.africafreedommission.org/travel-money-info
If I don’t currently have a US Passport, how long does that process take?
U.S. Passport Offices are currently backed up. If you are applying for one of our trips, and do not have a passport, please apply immediately and pay the expedite fee. Passport requests that don't include the expedite fee are taking several months to process. If you pay the expedite fee and 1 day shipping, you can expect to get your passport back within 2 months. Failure to receive a valid U.S. Passport will result in AFM having to postpone your trip and you having to pay cancellation fees associated with your international flight. So, be sure to get started on this ASAP!
If your passport is set to expire less than six months after the final day of travel, you will need to renew your passport before traveling with Africa Freedom Mission.
Also, some countries require your passport have two (2) to four (4) blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
Please be sure to check your passports against all of these requirements ASAP, as it can cause you to miss your trip with AFM!