Why do I need to give advance notice at least six weeks before my trip?

If you are planning a trip to the country in which your child lives and would like to visit him or her, please read the information below. 

Step One:
Sponsor provides arrival, departure and visit dates to Compassion's U.S. office six to twelve weeks in advance of travel. Compassion requests a minimum of six weeks' notice to arrange a visit.

Additional information required from sponsor:

• Reason for travel (e.g., mission trip, visiting friends, vacation, etc.)
• Contact information while in country
• Lodging information (hotel name, street address, city and phone)

Step Two:
Those in the country office receive the request from Compassion U.S. and do the following:

• Check dates of arrival and departure and visit date (to ensure there are trained staff available on those dates)
• Send request to child's Compassion student center (to ensure that the child and family are available for a visit)

Those in Compassion's student center then confirm to the country office a visit date.

Step Three:
Those in the U.S. office confirm visit date with sponsor and give final information to the sponsor before he or she leaves the United States.

* Note: If original dates are changed or the child is not available, the communication process might require additional time. The entire communication process can take from two to six weeks.

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