Frequently Asked Questions
India Gospel League Vision Trips · 2027
What documents do I need?
You will need a valid U.S. passport and an Indian e-Tourist Visa. Your passport must have at least two blank visa pages and must not expire until at least six months after your return date. The e-Tourist Visa is applied for entirely online through the Indian government website — no consulate visit is required. It takes 24–72 hours to process and costs approximately $25. IGL NA will provide complete, step-by-step application instructions.
When should I begin preparing, and what does the timeline look like?
IGL recommends beginning your preparation about three months before departure. Here is a general timeline:
• 3 months out: Submit your Team Member Application and a scanned copy of your passport photo page to the IGL NA office.
• 2 months out: Book your international flights. Send your itinerary to IGL NA for review before purchasing.
• 1 month out: Apply for your e-Tourist Visa through the Indian government website.
• 2 weeks out: IGL NA sends your in-country flight details and hotel confirmations.
• 1 week out: IGL NA provides final customs and immigration guidance.
Do I need immunizations?
There are no legally required immunizations for travel to India. However, IGL strongly recom-mends consulting your personal physician and a travel medicine clinic well in advance — ideally two to three months before departure.
How should I begin preparing spiritually?
IGL recommends beginning with prayer — for a teachable heart, sensitivity to the people you will meet, and humility to receive as much as you give. Come expecting to be changed, not just to serve.
How do flights work? Do we travel together?
You are responsible for booking your own international flights to and from India. IGL NA will advise you on which gateway city to fly into and will need to review your itinerary before you purchase tickets. Once you arrive in India, you will stay overnight at a hotel before taking a domestic flight the following morning to your final destination, where IGL staff will meet you. IGL arranges and covers all in-country flights, hotel stays, and transportation. Team members often coordinate to be on the same international flights, but it is not required.
A few important notes on booking flights:
Plan to depart the U.S. at least one day prior to your scheduled arrival in India, as travel typically takes a full day. Allow at least a two-hour connection time for international layovers. Most return flights from India to the U.S. depart late at night or very early in the morning. If your return flight is an early morning departure, you may need to book it for the day after your program ends.
Where will we be staying?
You will spend most of the trip at IGL’s mission base in south India — a beautiful, peaceful campus set in the foothills of a mountain range, surrounded by serene natural scenery. Guest facilities include spacious, air-conditioned rooms with private baths. All meals are prepared and provided on campus. Out of security for IGL’s local workers and ministry, specific location details are kept private and shared with confirmed travelers.
Is travel insurance included?
Yes. Travel insurance is included in your in-country trip cost. Coverage includes:
• Accident and illness medical expense (up to $50,000)
• Medical evacuation (up to $300,000)
• Security evacuation (up to $100,000)
• Accident death benefit (up to $15,000)
• Trip delay and baggage loss
• 24/7 travel assistance: emergency cash transfers, language services, legal referrals, and more
This coverage is for in-country travel. You may also wish to purchase separate insurance for your international airfare, which is not included in the in-country cost.
What does the trip cost?
The in-country trip cost is $1,500 per person, which covers all in-country transportation, lodging at IGL’s mission base, all meals throughout the trip, travel insurance, and IGL administrative support. This does not include international airfare, which you book and pay for independently.
Are there any additional costs I should plan for?
In addition to the in-country fee and international airfare, plan for the following:
• Nonrefundable deposit: $150 due at registration (refundable up to 30 days before departure)
• e-Tourist Visa: approximately $25
• Immunizations: varies; consult your physician
• Personal medications and health supplies
• Shopping and personal spending money
• Tips for hotel staff (IGL staff and drivers do not require tips.)
How does payment work?
$150 non refundable deposit per person is used to secure your spot on the team and will be credited to the overall in country costs for the trip. The first installment of 50% is due 4 months before departure.
What will we experience on the trip?
Over eight days, you will travel into the villages of south India and encounter the ministry in a way that brings to life every story you have read. Experiences typically include:
• A visit to and orientation at IGL’s mission headquarters
• Meetings with the village pastors your generosity is equipping
• Attending a church dedication or Sunday worship service with a village congregation
• Tours of IGL schools and the Sharon Children’s Home
• Witnessing community development programs: micro-credit distributions, well dedications, and more
• A debriefing session before departure
• The full itinerary is shared privately with confirmed travelers to protect the security of IGL’s local workers and the communities they serve.
What is the weather like in south India?
South India has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The coolest and most pleasant months are December through February. The October–December period brings additional rainfall. The June trip will be during warmer, more humid conditions. IGL recommends lightweight cotton or linen clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, and DEET-based insect repellent. All guest facilities are air-conditioned.
What should I pack, and how much luggage can I bring?
Domestic flights within India typically have a 33 lb luggage limit, so packing light is essential. Bring enough clothing for the full eight days. Dress code guidelines:
• Women: Conservative skirts at or below mid-calf and sleeved shirts. No sleeveless tops, tank tops, or shorts.
• Men: Khaki-style dress pants and collared shirts. No jeans or T-shirts for ministry settings.
• Both: A more formal outfit is recommended for church dedications and speaking engagements. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
*IGL provides a full packing list to all confirmed travelers, including recommended health supplies and what not to bring.
What are important cultural courtesies to know?
India’s culture is rich and deeply shaped by its history and faith traditions. A few key courtesies:
• Remove your shoes before entering homes or places of worship.
• Greet with a handshake or the traditional Namaste (palms pressed together with a slight bow).
• Address new acquaintances as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. rather than by first name.
• Public displays of affection between couples are considered inappropriate.
• Alcohol is not permitted on IGL trips.
• Eating with your right hand is traditional — the left hand is considered unclean for dining.
IGL staff will guide you through every cultural setting. You are never navigating it alone.
What about food and water safety?
At IGL’s mission base, all meals are carefully prepared for international guests and are safe to eat. Follow these guidelines throughout the trip:
• Drink only bottled or purified water. The campus has purified water taps available.
• Do not use tap water for drinking, brushing teeth, or washing produce.
• Do not put ice in your drinks.
• Do not purchase food from street vendors.
Bring an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication (such as Imodium) as a precaution, and ask your doctor about a prescription option for more acute cases. Carrying antibacterial hand gel is strongly recommended.
Will I be able to contact family back home?
Communication home is possible but can be limited by the time difference (10–12 hours), the full schedule, and varying internet access. The mission base has internet access, though it may be inconsistent. Check with your mobile carrier before leaving about international data plans, as roaming charges can be significant. Email is the most reliable method for non-urgent communication. IGL India’s contact information is provided to families at home for use in the event of a true emergency.
Why doesn’t IGL publish the detailed itinerary or specific locations online?
India currently ranks among the top countries in the world where Christians face persecution. While foreign travelers are generally at little direct personal risk, publicly posting details about IGL’s ministry locations, specific villages, or local pastors’ names can expose those believers to danger. For this reason, IGL asks all team members to refrain from posting IGL-specific locations or ministry activities on social media during or after the trip. The full itinerary is shared privately with confirmed travelers. General tourist photos are welcome—just no IGL-specific locations, pastor names, or ministry details.
Is it safe to travel to India?
IGL has been sending teams to India for decades and takes the safety and wellbeing of every traveler seriously. Foreign Christian visitors generally face little direct personal risk. IGL staff handle all logistics from arrival to departure and are experienced in navigating the local context safely. Standard precautions apply: keep your passport secure at all times, stay with your group, do not engage with strangers offering luggage assistance at the airport, and follow your team leader’s guidance. The Waiver of Liability provided to all travelers outlines the full range of risks involved in international travel, which IGL is transparent about so you can make a fully informed decision.
How do I reserve a spot?
To reserve your spot or ask questions, reach out to Kenny Roberts at [email protected]
He will walk you through the registration process, answer any questions, and send you the full trip details. Spots are limited and fill quickly—if God is stirring something in you, do not wait.
What happens after I reserve my spot?
After confirming your spot, IGL NA will send you the complete Member Application (including a Personal Profile, Photo Release, and Waiver of Liability), visa application instructions, and the detailed trip itinerary. From there, IGL’s team walks with you every step of the way—from booking your flights to preparing you for customs, packing, and arriving in India.
For more information, contact Kenny Roberts at [email protected]
or call IGL NA toll-free at 1-888-352-4451.