TRAVEL DOCUMENTS INFORMATION
A U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required to enter Honduras. A visa is not required for American citizens, participating in the medical mission. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that if questioned by local officials proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. We require that a color copy of the passport be kept on file in the Catholic Social Ministries office in the event that a traveler loses his or her passport while traveling. During the return of a Mission, one of our participants was detained in Houston due to mistaken identity. There was a wanted felon in the system with the same name, age and physical description. Even though he had his passport, he now travels with his Social Security card and a copy of his birth certificate to prove his identity.
Prior to departing on our mission trips, We will register all of our U.S. travelers with the U.S. State Department in Tegucigalpa. This again is a precaution and helps us stay in communication with the U.S. Embassy by providing our destination.
We are in constant communication with the Bishop’s office and the local Parish Pastor to insure the safety of our Missionaries. We also rely on the local communities medical staff and volunteers to keep us informed about any threats that may affect our safety.
Because of our focus as a Diocese all Diocesan Missionaries will go through Safe Environment background checks and training prior to traveling.
SAFE ENVIROMENT & SAFETY INFORMATION
As Missionaries representing the Diocese of Dallas, all participants must be cleared through an approved Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Dallas. A current certificate of clearance must be presented along with and application for the Mission Trip. As a result of this requirement all missionaries on Medical Mission trips must be 18 years or older to participate.
The safety of all missionaries is our number one priority. This begins with the departure from DFW Airport and the transfer to other flights in Houston for the safety of the group that everyone remains together. With the support of Bishop Jenry Ruiz and the priests of the Diocese of Trujillo, we rely on their awareness of the need for security of our missionaries.
If you have not gone through the Diocesan Safe Environment process please let us know on your application so that we can schedule a time to go through the training and background check.