Information for Travellers with a NJT Suitcase

Information for Travellers with a NJT Suitcase

Thank you for volunteering to bring a suitcase of medical supplies on your upcoming trip! There are many questions from people travelling with a NJT suitcase. We hope this information sheet will answer most of them.

Picking up your suitcase

· Once you have provided your travel information to one of our NJT suitcase coordinators, arrangements will be made for you to pick up your suitcase at the volunteer’s home.

· Most travelers bring their NJT suitcase within their luggage limits. If the NJT suitcase is excess baggage, we have arrangements with some airlines to waive the excess baggage fee for humanitarian aid with a letter from NJT, or on a "first come first-served basis". If you would like a letter, please let us know six weeks prior to your departure. We need the completed Traveller’s Form with the full name of each individual taking a NJT suitcase, flight number, date and time of departure, city of departure and destination city and country.

· The contents of the suitcase will be reviewed with you when you pick it up.

· Each suitcase/backpack/sport bag/plastic bag weighs no more than 10 kg, to conform to the customs regulations for most receiving countries and airline policies.

· Please re-pack the suitcase before you get to the airline check-in. Then, when you are asked if you packed it yourself, you can honestly say "yes".

· Not Just Tourists will try to provide you with a list of medical contacts in the area near your travel destination. Each has received a NJT suitcase before so they are aware of NJT suitcases, unless staff have changed. Please note that we are not able to contact clinics/hospitals in advance of your arrival. Telephone and email communications in most destinations are not yet reliable.

· From this list, choose a clinic/hospital near your hotel or in nearby communities you plan to visit.

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The NJT suitcase letter

· Depending on your destination, you will receive three (3) copies of our NJT physician letter, with your name and the destination city and country for the suitcase. If known, the name of the clinic or hospital will be included or you can write it in later.

· The three signed letters are for:

o Customs officials if they ask or it seems appropriate to provide it. Note: for people travelling to Cuba, you will receive an English and Spanish copy of Cuban customs regulations for medical humanitarian aid (www.aduana.co.cu) to give to customs officials along with the physician's letter. In some areas, the NJT letter is not used.

o Clinic/hospital receiving the suitcase for their records (it may be needed for audit purposes and to prove that the supplies/medicines were obtained legally).

o NJT: Please have our copy signed by the receiving medical person at the clinic/hospital. Please also make any corrections to the address, phone number, etc. to help us keep our lists up to date for other travellers. Please return the letter in the self-addressed stamped envelope we provide.

Going through customs at your destination

· Customs officials often set NJT suitcases aside from regular luggage. They know from x-rays that the suitcase contents are different. Please have the NJT letter (and regulations for Cuba if in that country) ready to show officials.

· Airport medical personnel may come to check the contents of the suitcase to ensure all supplies and medicines are allowed. Our suitcases are packed by nurses and do comply with all regulations.

· Usually, both customs officials and medical personnel will apologize for any delay and thank you for bringing supplies to their people.

· If, for any reason, there are difficulties with customs allowing the NJT suitcase through, please just leave it with them and carry on with your trip. The medical supplies have made it into the country and people will be helped.

Delivering your NJT suitcase

· You must make your own arrangements to deliver the NJT suitcase to a clinic or hospital. Hotel staff can be helpful in arranging taxi, bus or other transportation. You pay the cost of transportation locally. People often combine the suitcase delivery with a tourist activity.

· Please be sure you go to a hospital/clinic for residents. Some countries have tourist medical facilities, which NJT does not supply. Our mission is to support people who live in the country in need of medical supplies.

· Always leave the NJT suitcase behind. It will be put to good use.

· Enjoy your trip! Let us know about your NJT suitcase delivery experience when you get back. And, think about joining NJT as a regular volunteer when you get back. There’s lots to do.

Supporting the World’s Health – One Suitcase at a Time

À l’appui de la santé mondiale – une valise à la fois

www.njt-pqt.org

April 2011