Visiting Your Sponsored Child

Due to current travel restrictions and for the safety of all sponsored children, their families, our staff and volunteers, we’re asking that sponsors delay any trips they may have had planned. As soon as operations in your sponsored child’s country return to normal and are safe, we encourage you to visit for an experience of a lifetime. Check back to this page for the most up to date information.

Meeting your sponsored child is an unforgettable experience for you and your sponsored child. You will see the real and lasting changes that are unfolding for your sponsored child, their family and entire community thanks to generous Canadians like you.

Visiting your sponsored child adds to the relationship you have with your child and their family. It will also deepen your understanding of how World Vision’s programs benefit the development of your child’s community.

Arrange it

Visiting your sponsored child takes careful planning. We’re here to help. Here’s how to get started:  
 

1. Apply at least two to three months prior to your preferred visit dates. You only need one application per family. Allow 4-6 weeks for confirmation.
2. Download and complete the legal forms. Please note that each visitor must complete the forms.
3. Get a criminal record/police check. This is required for all visitors over 18 who reside in Canada and is obtained through your local police service.
  1. Submit your forms by:
    1. Email: sponsorvisit@worldvision.ca
    2. Fax: 1-905-696-2162 (Attention: Sponsor Visits)
    3. Mail: Attention: Sponsor Visits
      World Vision Canada
      1 World Drive
      Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4

Experience it

Once the visit has been approved, we’ll contact the local staff where your sponsored child lives to confirm details of your visit. Then we’ll share the great news with your sponsored child’s family so they can look forward to seeing you!
 
Once you’re in your sponsored child’s country, notify World Vision’s national office of your arrival. Our staff there will be handling all the arrangements for your visit. Your time spent with your sponsored child is sure to create memories you will cherish forever. Be sure to take lots of photos and keep a journal of your trip to look back on for years to come.

Share it

Be sure to share your life-changing adventure with your friends, family and colleagues when you return. We want to hear about is at well. Please email your photos and stories to sponsorvisit@worldvision.ca so we can share your visit with other Canadians and World Vision supporters.​​​​​​

Sponsored Child visits are suspended at this time. If you have any questions and would like to connect, please send us a note at sponsorvisit@worldvision.ca or call 1.866.595.5550.

Frequently Asked Questions

A visit to your sponsored child and their community is a rewarding way to see the benefits of your contributions. Please contact us at least two to three months before your intended departure date and before you make any travel arrangements.

Sponsor visits typically take place at a World Vision office, community centre or school. It is important to note that in some countries, due to their child protection policy, the visit is held outside of the sponsored child’s community.

Sponsor visits take place on weekdays and are typically a few hours, not including the travel time to and from the community. It is understandable that you may want to extend your visit, but we ask that you respect the length of time the local World Vision staff has allotted for your visit. Bear in mind that a lengthy visit may disrupt the normal daily routine of your sponsored child, their family and the community.

No. World Vision Canada will organize the necessary arrangements for you to meet your sponsored child only. For all other travel-related logistics such as; flights, hotels, passports, visas and health/vaccines, please contact your local travel agency. For information on country specific travel advice and advisories please go to: https://travel.gc.ca

You are responsible for covering all the expenses related to visiting your sponsored child. This may include transportation, meals and lodging for yourself, your sponsored child, and the local staff accompanying your visit.