FAQs
How much will it cost ?
The largest expense is the airfare. In past years, the cost for airfare has ranged between $1300 and $2000. This coming year we are asking each participant to arrange their own airfare or you can use the travel agent at Sidon Travel Agency. The travel agency does charge a small booking fee. The sooner you decide to join the team, the lower the airline costs will be. The in-country costs are not yet set but in the past they have been approximately $1000 and are all inclusive. This includes all meals, lodging, transportation, and entertainment. The only expenses that you might have would be for souvenirs and meals in the airport. For those who haven't gone before or those who want to go with the team, we will let everyone which airline we will be traveling on if you want to join us.
How can I fund raise? Each member of the team is responsible for raising their own funds for the trip. We are aware that this is a significant expense for all, but our experience has found that when team members have solicited support from friends and family, that people are very generous when they know that you are serving the Armenian people and Christ. Please let your potential donors know that any donations that you obtain for your trip are tax deductible and check should be made out to the AMAA.
When is the 2024 Armenia Medical Mission Trip?
The 2024 mission trip is 7/11/24 until 7/21/24
Can I go on the 2024 mission trip?
We are now accepting applications for the 2024 mission. In the past we have had more applicants than spot, so if you're interested please apply early.
What about travel arrangements ?
Please make your own airline arrangements. If you want a recommendation for help with this please call Sidon Travel Agency. Please call Carlo Avakian at 800 826-7960 and he will help you arrange your flight. Please remind him you are going on the AMAA Medical Mission to Armenia. You certainly can come earlier or stay later than the Mission trip dates.
Are the trip expenses tax deductible ?
Because you are primarily performing a missionary function, the AMAA will issue you a tax deductible letter for the expenses you've incurred to serve on the mission trip. How this works is that the Sidon Travel Agency will bill the AMAA for the cost of your flight. You will then write a check to the AMAA for that amount. You must use the agency that we have chosen to benefit from this service. If you have any questions, we can certainly answer them.
If you elect not to claim a tax deduction, you can pay the Sidon Travel Agency directly with a credit card or check for the trip.
Closer to the time when we are departing, we will know more accurately the in-country costs. Again you will write a check to AMAA to cover these expenses and mail it to us and we will send the checks as a group to the AMAA.
What passport, visa and vaccination requirements are necessary?
A valid US passport that will not expire for at least 6 months from the last day of the trip is necessary. A visa to travel to Armenia is currently not required for US citizens. No vaccinations are required for Armenia but I recommend that you have a COVID vaccine and a DTAP booster if you haven't had one in recent past. Canadian citizens will require a visa. We will provide information to our Canadian team members on what to do when you enter Armenia.
Do I need to speak Armenian or be Armenian to be a member of the team?
No. We have a number of native Armenian translators that travel with us and will help you if you need translation. We encourage you to learn some rudimentary Armenian so that you can say and understand some simple phases. We recommend Pimsleur CD language lessons. The have Eastern and Western Armenian language CD's. The Armenians in Armenia speak Eastern Armenian, but if you learn Western they will likely understand you. You can find the Pimsleur lessons online and cost approximately $40.
Also, there is an free app entitled AYOlingo that is a very good learning resource.