Cancelling a tour you've already paid for almost never gets you the full amount back — and that's not the seller being difficult, it's the terms of the operator's contract. The closer to departure, the larger the penalty. Here's how a package-tour refund actually works and what you usually can't get back.
A refund is governed by your contract with the operator: the penalty grows as departure approaches. With 30+ days to go you often get most of it back; in the final days the charges are steep. Visas, insurance and non-refundable bookings usually aren't returned. Submit your cancellation in writing via my bookings or by phone at 8 800 1000-646.
01 / PrincipleWhat the refund amount depends on
A package tour is put together by the tour operator, and the cancellation terms are set out in its contract. Sales.Travel acts as an agent: we pass your cancellation on to the operator and see the refund through, but it's the operator that decides the penalty. The basic rule is simple — the closer to departure, the less you get back. A month or more out, the penalty is often minimal; in the final days before the trip it can amount to a sizeable share of the price.
02 / TimingHow time before departure affects the penalty
The exact percentages differ by operator and destination, so the table below is a general guide, not a guarantee. Always check the specific figures in your tour's terms and confirm them with us before you file.
03 / Non-refundableWhat usually isn't refunded
Even with an early cancellation, some costs are typically not refunded — these are services already rendered or booked on non-refundable terms.
- Visa fee and processing — once the visa has been filed or issued, the consular fee isn't returned
- Insurance — an issued policy usually isn't refundable, especially once its coverage period has begun
- Non-refundable bookings — hotel and airline special fares bought on no-refund terms
- Service fees — separate processing charges may be non-refundable under the contract
04 / How to fileThe cancellation and refund procedure
Open the booking
Go to my bookings and select the tour — the status and cancellation terms are shown there.
Request the penalty calculation
Click "Cancel" or message us — we'll ask the operator for the exact refundable amount as of today's date.
Confirm the cancellation in writing
The refund only starts on a written request. The date the operator receives it locks in the penalty amount.
Wait for the money to come back
Funds come back via your original payment method. The timing depends on the operator and the bank — track the status in your account.
05 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Can I get the full tour price back?
Usually not in full. The penalty is set by the operator's contract and grows as departure approaches. Exceptions are possible if the operator itself cancels the tour, or under certain insured events.
Will I get money back for the visa and insurance?
Usually not: the consular fee and an issued policy count as services already rendered. If you have a trip-cancellation policy, you can sometimes reclaim part of the cost from the insurer.
How quickly will the money arrive?
The timing depends on the operator and your bank, and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The refund goes back via your original payment method; you can see the status in your bookings.
What if the operator cancelled the tour?
In that case the refund is generally full, without the usual cancellation penalties. Contact us at 8 800 1000-646 and we'll process the return and, if needed, help you find an alternative.