Travel Planning
2026 General Conference
June 9, 2026
For those who would like to stay informed, we encourage delegates and attendees to rely on trusted public health and travel resources for the most current information. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide regularly updated information regarding Ebola, public health guidance, and travel recommendations. Attendees may also wish to monitor official travel advisories issued by their respective national governments as travel dates approach. These resources are intended to help travelers stay informed and prepared and should not be interpreted as an indication that changes to General Conference plans are anticipated.
Helpful resources include:
June 5, 2026
As preparations continue for the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church, we are aware of the Ebola-related concerns currently impacting portions of Africa and the potential for future travel restrictions that could affect some of our Annual Conferences and delegates.
Please know that we are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to do so in the months leading up to General Conference. We remain in communication with trusted partners and leaders, and we have a team in place prepared to make any necessary adjustments to our plans should circumstances warrant changes. If decisions or updates become necessary, they will be communicated clearly and promptly.
At this time, no changes to General Conference plans have been made.
We ask the people of the Global Methodist Church to join us in prayer for all those impacted by this situation, for wisdom for leaders and health officials, and for the safety and well-being of our global connection as we continue preparing to gather together in Johannesburg in 2026.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership as we seek to faithfully steward this important gathering of the church.
General Conference 2026 Arrival Dates
General Conference 2026 will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 30-September 5, 2026. Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, our Hospitality Volunteers will greet guests and direct them to local transportation.
To facilitate your travel plans, please note the following arrival recommendations from the General Conference Commission, as well as the attendee type notes below:
- All attendees should arrive no later than Saturday, August 29, as the conference begins on Sunday morning, August 30.
- For those traveling from areas with a time difference of three or more hours from South Africa (GMT+2), we strongly recommend arriving two days prior to your first scheduled function. This will allow adequate time to acclimate to the time change.
Hotel blocks have been reserved with these guidelines in mind. Please remember that most intercontinental flights depart a day earlier than their arrival date. The General Conference Commission will provide opportunities to book through our travel partners when the registration platform launches.
General Conference Commission and Global Methodist Staff
Wednesday, August 26th for all arriving from 3+ time zones away
Thursday, August 27th for all others
Bishops
Wednesday, August 26th for all active bishops
Saturday, August 29th for all emeriti bishops
Volunteers
Wednesday, August 26th for all Hospitality, Registration, and Communications Volunteers, and the Head Marshall
Thursday, August 27th for all other volunteers arriving from 3+ time zones away
Friday, August 28th for all remaining volunteers
Council of Appeals
Thursday, August 27th for all arriving from 3+ time zones away
Friday, August 28th for all remaining members
Delegates and Alternates
Friday, August 28th for those arriving from the Americas and Asia
Saturday, August 29th for those arriving from Africa and Europe
Observers, Invited Guests, and Missions Participants
Saturday, August 29th unless desiring to arrive earlier for acclimation purposes
The Venue - The Sandton Convention Centre
The Sandton Convention Centre, located in the heart of Sandton’s dynamic business district in Johannesburg, is a world‐class venue built for moments like the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. With 22,000 m² of flexible event space, cutting‐edge audiovisual infrastructure, and contemporary Afro‐chic décor, it delivers both elegance and utility. Southern Sun From boardrooms for smaller gatherings to the grand Pavilion capable of hosting up to 4,500 guests, each space is designed for comfort, connection, and impact. Southern Sun Beyond the halls, the centre is seamlessly placed near Gautrain, O.R. Tambo International Airport, major hotels, shopping, and entertainment — making it both accessible and vibrant.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
South Africa Traveler Declaration Information for GC26 Attendees
(As of June 2, 2026)
As you prepare for your trip to Johannesburg, please be aware of South Africa's customs declaration requirements.
Do I need to complete a Traveler Declaration?
Most conference attendees traveling with normal personal luggage and belongings will simply follow the customs instructions provided upon arrival.
If you are carrying large amounts of cash, commercial goods, restricted items, or goods that exceed duty-free allowances, you may be required to complete a customs declaration.
South Africa also offers an online Traveler Declaration system that travelers may complete before travel (see link below). Some airlines require the Traveler Declaration be completed before travel begins. Check with your airline about this.
What is the Traveler Declaration for?
The declaration is used by South African Customs to record certain goods, currency, and other items entering or leaving the country. It is separate from your visa application, passport, and conference registration.
For the latest customs guidance and to access the online Traveler Declaration system, visit the South African Revenue Service (SARS) website:
https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/
Please use the following information in completing your Travel Declaration:
Global Methodist Church
3223 South Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79423
United States
+1.540.898.4960
If you are unsure whether you need to declare specific items, consult your airline or the South African customs authorities before departure.
Travel Update: Airline Routing and Flight Purchase
(As of March 5, 2026)
Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and evolving international airline routes, our travel partner, Uniglobe, has received an increased number of inquiries regarding flight itineraries, particularly requests to avoid layovers in the Middle East.
In addition, many U.S. and European airlines continue to suspend service to Russia. As a result, current airfare options for travelers departing from Russia are significantly more limited and, in some cases, nearly double the cost of previously available flights.
In response to these developments, the Global Methodist Church is taking several proactive steps to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and the safety and comfort of our delegates:
- Flight purchases for travelers departing from Russia are temporarily paused while we monitor the evolving airline landscape. We will revisit this situation in mid-March to determine whether additional airline routes become available.
- Our team is reviewing previously purchased itineraries to determine how many include layovers in the Middle East and assessing potential change options and associated costs.
- Going forward, GMC-funded travel will be routed to avoid Middle East layovers whenever possible. We have communicated this preference directly to Uniglobe for all future bookings.
We understand that international travel conditions can change quickly, and we are actively working with our travel partner to monitor the situation and identify the most practical and cost-effective solutions.
Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these developments.
Optional Tours in South Africa
Educational Opportunity Tours is pleased to offer a variety of optional excursions for members of the Global Methodist Church attending the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. These tours are designed to help you experience the beauty, culture, and history of South Africa during your time at General Conference.
Please note: All tours are optional and are offered solely through Educational Opportunity Tours. Educational Opportunity Tours is a separate organization and is not owned, operated, or managed by the Global Methodist Church. Participation in these tours is completely voluntary, and the Global Methodist Church assumes no responsibility or liability for these services. All travel arrangements, payments, and liabilities are the responsibility of the participant and Educational Opportunity Tours.