Portugal: Getting There
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive in Lisbon, Portugal (airport code LIS), between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM on the first day of your service program. Your team leader will be at the airport to meet you from 3:00 PM until 6:30 PM, allowing time for the 6:00 PM arrivals to clear customs.
Plan your departure from Lisbon for after 2:00 PM on the final day of your service program. These flight windows are especially important because we will be taking a train to and from the community in which we will be serving. It is approximately two hours by train between Beja & Lisbon and there are only two trains per day. Please note: You will not be able to return to Lisbon in time if you arrange for a flight that is earlier than 2:00PM. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community.
Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are that of the volunteer.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date and you arrive on the scheduled arrival date within the arrival window times. Your team leader will meet you in the public area at the airport and will be holding a Global Volunteers sign.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. Please arrive on the scheduled arrival date of your service program.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, we ask that you not proceed to the host community without your team leader. You may meet your team at the airport within the designated arrival window on the first day of the service program.
