ATOR named the grounds for a full refund for the canceled tour

The tour operator may withhold the actual expenses incurred if the tourist refuses to travel, but in some cases the law provides for a full refund. On September 17, the press service of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) told when a traveler can expect to be compensated for the entire cost of the tour.

One of the reasons for a full refund is the threat to the life and health of tourists in the country or region of the holiday. This possibility is provided for in Article 14 of Federal Law No. 132-FZ "On the Basics of Tourism Activities in the Russian Federation." At the same time, a tourist's personal concerns, media reports, rumors, or statements by foreign authorities are not in themselves grounds for a full refund.

For foreign destinations, an official statement from Russian agencies about the security threat is required. Recommendations on suspending sales of tours or individual travel services should come from authorized bodies, including the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Economic Development. If such conditions are met, the tourist must be refunded the full cost of the trip before it starts.

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If an emergency has already occurred during the vacation, the refund is calculated for the unused part of the tour. In such cases, tour operators can also offer alternative options — rescheduling dates or changing destinations.

Another reason for a full refund is the tourist's conscription for military service on partial mobilization or the conclusion of a contract. This right also applies to his family members if they were included in the same booking agreement. To receive the money, you will need to provide the tour operator with an application and a supporting document, such as a summons, a mobilization order, or a certificate of contract. The refund must be made within 30 days.

At the same time, a regular conscription does not give the same right to a full refund. In this case, the money is refunded, taking into account the actual expenses incurred by the tour operator.

When changes in the tour occurred due to the fault of the tour operator

ATOR noted that a tourist can also expect a refund without deductions if the essential conditions of the trip have changed at the initiative of the tour operator. For example, we are talking about canceling or changing the flight program, which makes it impossible to travel within the previously agreed time frame. In such situations, the company may offer to reschedule dates, replace the tour, or refund funds.

However, force majeure circumstances that occur already during the trip do not always entitle you to a full refund. For example, flight cancellation or hotel closure during the trip are assessed separately.

Can I get a refund if I cancel the tour early?

If a tourist refuses to travel on their own, the tour operator usually returns the money after deducting the actual expenses incurred. However, if you cancel a trip early, it is sometimes possible to get the full amount back. It depends on the terms of the tour operator's contracts with airlines, hotels and other service providers.

The earlier the cancellation occurs, the higher the probability that there will be no significant fines from the partners. This is not a full refund guarantee: each case depends on the specific booking conditions.

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How does travel insurance work?

Another way to protect travel expenses is to purchase travel insurance. However, such a policy is valid only in certain situations. An insured event is usually not a situation where a tourist has changed his mind, lack of money, change of plans, or inability to get a vacation.

Most often, insurance can cover illnesses or injuries of a tourist and his relatives, refusal to issue a visa if all requirements are met, as well as certain exceptional circumstances.

However, the conditions of different insurance companies differ. Some programs may include additional risks, such as paperwork errors, conscription, job loss, or other circumstances. Before buying a policy, you must carefully study the conditions, especially the availability of a franchise. If it is stipulated in the contract, the tourist will not be able to return part of the amount.

Travel insurance covers not only foreign trips, but also trips within Russia. In some situations, for example, in difficult personal circumstances or the death of a tourist, the tour operator can meet the customer halfway and refund the money. However, this remains a matter for the individual decision of the company, and not its direct responsibility.