TERMS, CONDITIONS & GENERAL INFORMATION

Please read the Terms, Conditions & General Information contained in these pages very carefully. They outline the terms under which your SITA tour will operate, and they limit our liability. Payment of deposit and/or final payment is an acknowledgment of receipt of these terms & conditions and constitutes acceptance of such as outlined.

 

RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS

Early reservations are essential to ensure availability of space. A deposit of US$1,000 per person is due to SITA at the time of reservation. For Canadian residents a CAN$ 1,000 deposit per person applies. (A higher deposit may be required for some tours and services). If the deposit is not received at our offices within 7 days of the date of reservations, booking/s is/are subject to cancellation. After receiving payments by SITA, any changes made to the reservations will incur a processing fee of US$75 per change (see also cancellation clause). Final payment is due to SITA 100 days prior to departure date, If the reservation is made within 100 days before departure (and if space is still available), the entire tour price must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

While most tours require a deposit of US$1,000 / CAN$1,000 per person there are some exceptions, which will be clearly indicated, for which a 35% non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of booking. It is recommended that travelers obtain insurance to help protect their valuable investment.

 

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT AGREEMENT

TRAVEL AGENT and the AGENCY represented, warrant and agree that:

•  TRAVEL AGENT and the AGENCY represented will exercise due diligence in verifying the Cardholder’s identity and signature and securing proper authorization from the Cardholder for the transaction. TRAVELAGENT may fill in and sign SITA’s CC authorization form as Cardholder only when TRAVEL AGENT receives written authority from the Cardholder to use his/her credit card for purchase(s), and only after identity has been verified by the TRAVEL AGENT. TRAVEL AGENT must provide SITA with a copy of the TRAVEL AGENT’S charge form or cardholder’s written authority upon request.

•  TRAVEL AGENT and AGENCY represented accept full responsibility for chargebacks, disputes and other non-payments by the Passenger, Cardholder or Credit Card Company. In this event, SITA will first present to the credit card company the charge form, signed by the Cardholder or the Cardholder’s (verified) written authority as provided to us by the TRAVEL AGENT. If the credit card company rejects the authorization for any reason, TRAVEL AGENT will pay SITA the full amount of the charge-back within 15 days of written notice.

 

PRICES, RATES & FARES

All tour prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers traveling together. Single Occupancy rates are applicable with a minimum of 2 people traveling together, each in a single room. In the case of just 1 passenger traveling, Single Traveling Alone (STA) prices will be applicable (quoted on a case-by-case basis). All price and rates shown are in United States Dollars or Canadian Dollars respectively (Canadian website) and are per person sharing a double-bedded hotel room. These prices are in effect currently and are subject to change at any time prior to departure. Quoted tour prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as applicable at the time of booking. SITA reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs of tariffs, taxes, park fees and fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Airfares (if shown) are from the gateways of JFK or LAX and should be used as a guideline only. Best available airfares will be quoted as applicable at time of departure, based on individual gateways for the complete air itinerary. Due to constant fluctuation in fuel surcharges and taxes SITA is unable to publish airfares. Competitive fares, matching the tour, are available upon request at the time of booking.

 

SCHEDULED TOURS / INDEPENDENT TOUR / JOIN IN TOURS

SITA has a variety of tour choices. Our scheduled departure tours are for exclusive SITA guests and operate with a minimum 2 – 10 passenger and maximum 15 passengers, based on the destination. Independent Tours operate daily with a minimum 2 passengers. Join in Tours are not SITA exclusive tours. These are pre-packaged itineraries, with guests joining the tours from around the world. Tour escorts are provided (where applicable) only with a minimum of 15 passengers.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passenger names reported to SITA for land and flight reservations must be based on the respective passport name of each traveler. All participants must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months beyond the re-entry date into the United States or Canada respectively. A visa or visas or an eTA (electronic travel authorization) may be required for some or all of the countries visited on the holiday or tour selected. It is the traveler’s responsibility to check visa and / or eTA requirements at the time of booking. SITA, if asked, will recommend a reliable visa service that will assist in obtaining visas for nominal fees. Non-U.S. Citizens and Non-Canadian citizens may have different requirements. Passengers are responsible for ensuring that all applicable visa or eTA documents and passport requirements are met. Visa fees or eTA fees are never included in any SITA-quoted tour-cost.

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Acknowledgement of booking will be sent immediately upon initiation of a reservation. Electronic receipt will be sent upon deposit. Final tour documents consisting of detailed tour itinerary, vouchers, hotel list, baggage tags, general information are dispatched from our offices approximately 10 days prior to departure. If documents are required / requested for earlier delivery, a handling fee of $75 will apply to cover expedited handling and processing.

 

CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

Due to the special nature of the programs, suppliers impose rigid cancellation fees; please be aware that SITA has no control over such fees and cannot make any exceptions to these charges.

 

Note:   All cancellations must be received by SITA in writing; cancellations will be effective when the written notice is received at SITA’s offices in Encino, California. If a cancellation is received after SITA is in possession of the initial deposit, but more than 100 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee incurred will be $500 per person (a higher cancellation fee may apply to some tours). If cancellation is received between 100 and 60 days prior to departure the fee incurred will be 50% of the entire tour price. NO REFUNDS whatsoever will be made for cancellations received within the last 60 days prior to departure.

 

Airfares are subject to different rules and cancellation fees; some may be non-refundable. Details can be provided at the time of booking, but it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure airfare conditions and cancellations are understood and adhered to.

 

UNUSED TOUR ITEMS

No refund will be made for any unused accommodation, missed meals, transportation segments, cruise portions, sightseeing tours or any other service. Such unused items are neither refundable nor exchangeable (no exceptions).

 

INSURANCE

SITA recommends the Travel Protection Program for guests on SITA tours, cruises and holidays and provided by Travel Insured International or Travelex. The plans protect you and your investment in the event of a covered medical emergency before or during your trip and offer an array of additional coverage. By reading this insurance clause and acknowledging you have read the terms & conditions, you acknowledge you have been made aware of the importance of travel insurance. If you elect not to purchase travel insurance, you agree to hold SITA World Tours and its subsidiaries and affiliates harmless from any damages resulting from the failure to carry travel insurance.

 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Health regulations for some countries visited on featured tours may require proof of inoculation and/or vaccination certificates; such certificates should be in your possession throughout the entire tour. It is the passenger’s responsibility to understand the required health regulations for each country he or she visits. SITA strongly recommends that you consult with your personal physician or nearest travel clinic as well as Passport Health at 888-499-7277 or via the web at www.passporthealthusa.com in regard to your itinerary and required inoculations. You may also visit the website of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) at www.cdc.gov.

 

REVISION FEES

A handling fee of $75 per transaction is charged for any alteration or revision made to an existing reservation. Spelling corrections to client’s names after tickets have been issued will be subject to airline revision fees. Courier delivery costs apply if any changes are made within five weeks prior to departure. A change of date or itinerary within 60 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and new booking; in this case regular cancellation fees apply.

 

CRUISE AND RAIL JOURNEYS

Deviations to the planned cruise or rail itineraries are possible, although every effort will be made to keep them as they are shown. All cruise or rail routes are subject to change without notice. Should conditions render cruise or rail routes unsafe for navigation, alternative services may apply, including but not limited to, accommodation on the docked ship (for cruise itineraries) and/or substitute ground arrangements.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodation on a double occupancy basis will be provided at the property specified or similar. Rooms will be assigned by the respective supplier/s on a run-of-the-house basis, in categories as specified in the itinerary. The hotels featured in the itinerary will be in accordance with the level of the program – First Class, Deluxe or Luxury – (this term may be defined by the hospitality industry in the region providing such accommodation or by trade custom). All per person rates are based on double occupancy of the respective accommodation units as described above. A tour member occupying a single room, either by choice or by circumstance, is required to pay the single room supplement. Quoted single room rate does not necessarily mean single occupancy of a double room, as some of the establishments and destinations featured in this website have specially designed single occupancy units.

 

MEALS

Meals for each tour are included as stated on the itinerary. A la Carte, Buffet meals and/or table d’hôte are offered. Special meals and entertainment are included as shown in the itinerary. In some rare instances, a meal may not be of a standard expected under the term of “deluxe” particularly in remote areas.

 

SIGHTSEEING & LAND TOUR SERVICES

The following services are included in your tour price unless otherwise noted: transportation between the airports and hotels, sightseeing with English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary and all entrance fees to attractions visited as described in the itinerary. Sightseeing will be via motor coach, private car and other modes of transportation (air conditioned where necessary and available), as determined by the nature of the terrain and as outlined in the itinerary. Transfers are not included when arriving or departing at the first/last destination gateway by means other than the scheduled tour flights but can be arranged at additional cost.

 

SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT

Cultural entertainment events, gala evenings and/or festivals are included as per the itinerary.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines used in conjunction with tours and holidays featured on this website are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passenger/s is not / are not on board their aircraft. The passenger tickets / confirmation in use by the airline, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and passengers. Airfares, where used, are subject to change without notice. Flight reservations can only be made and are only valid with the passenger’s correct cell phone number and email address recorded as part of the flight booking. Seat assignments are often at extra cost and are never included in the quoted airfare.

 

LATE BOOKING CHARGE

Bookings made within 30 days of departure incur a $75 handling fee.

 

NON REFUNDABLE AIR TICKETS

If you are purchasing a non-refundable air ticket, please make sure that your travel agent explains to you and/or you understand the difficulties associated with these airfares. SITA cannot be held responsible for any change/cancellation penalties associated with non-refundable airfares.

 

LUGGAGE WHILE ON LAND TOURING WITH SITA

Arrangements include transportation and transfer of one standard-sized suitcase per person. Please also see below the Airline Baggage rules, which may differ.

 

AIRLINE BAGGAGE REGULATIONS

Baggage allowance, size, and the cost to transport baggage vary by carrier and flight length. It can also vary by the mileage-status a passenger holds with a preferred air carrier. Travelers will need to check with their air-carrier regarding the specific baggage rules & regulations applicable to each of them. Baggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour and baggage insurance is recommended (see insurance clause). Carrier liability for tour members’ baggage is clearly stated in the passenger contract and in the airlines’ terms & conditions sections. Liability for checked and unchecked baggage shall in no event exceed the actual loss incurred by the passenger, subject to proof of the amount of loss. Please read all the conditions of your ticket. Federal law and treaties limit the amount of recovery for loss of or damage to your luggage or its contents.

 

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS

Your tour price does not include: Air transportation (unless specifically stated as included); costs and fees to obtain or extend your passport/s; visa fees and processing fees; eTA fees (electronic travel authorization); inoculations and vaccinations (if required); health certificate; airport taxes and country, city or destination arrival, departure and overnight taxes where applicable; all items of a personal nature including alcoholic beverages (except on certain occasions): meals not specified, tips to tour guides; excess baggage charges; cancellation, health, accident and baggage insurance; private, non-group transfers; and any items not specifically listed as included.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

SITA reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program and to use resulting photographs for promotional purposes. Any passengers who prefer that their images not be used are asked to notify their tour escort at the beginning of the program.

 

RESPONSIBILITY-LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

SITA World Travel, Inc. (dba SITA World Tours) of Encino, California and all affiliates (herein referred to as “SITA”) act only in the capacity as an agent for the hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines, and/or contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services to the client. The client is advised that SITA purchases such transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurants and other services from various independent suppliers who are not affiliated with SITA. SITA makes every effort to select the best suppliers of the services. However, SITA does not control the operations of these agents and as a result, CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR OTHER CLAIM which may occur as the result of any and/or all of the following: (1) the wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of the independent supplier, agent, its employees or others who are not under the direct control or supervision of SITA; (2) defects or failures of any vessel, aircraft, vehicle or other instrumentality which is under the control of an independent supplier; or (3) loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, resulting directly or indirectly from any Acts of God, dangers, incidents at sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, or wars (whether declared or not), acts of terrorism, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, medical epidemics, destination closures, quarantines, or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations or alterations in itinerary due to schedule changes, or from any causes beyond SITA’s control. Further, SITA is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas or other legal documents. All coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by SITA are issued subject to all tariffs, terms, and conditions under which any services are provided by such hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines or owners or contractors or by their person in employ.

 

Special COVID-19 Note:

Countries welcoming you and allowing open travel may have a Covid-19 rule set in place. Visitors must be familiar with these requirements and are expected to adhere to all rules. Requirements will differ from country to country and may also change over time. It is therefore important that all travelers are secure in their understanding of what will be expected of them before departing their home and upon entering a foreign destination or returning to their home destination. Please also refer to clause Health Requirements. COVID-19 may be present anywhere. The World Health Organization and medical experts have stated that guests with existing health challenges are exposed to heightened risks. It is important that travelers take personal responsibility for their well-being and strictly follow instructions, whether given verbally or through public announcements and signage. When traveling with SITA World Tours you agree to accept all risks associated with exposure to COVID-19.

 

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

SITA (when deemed necessary) reserves the right to: (1) cancel any itinerary or any part of it; (2) make any alterations to the itinerary (including, but not limited to, alterations to substitution of hotels); and (3) decline to accept or to retain any person as a tour passenger should such person’s health, mental or physical condition, in the sole opinion of SITA, impede the operation of the tour of the other passengers. Tour members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the tour. If a passenger is asked to leave while the tour is in progress, that person will be responsible for charges incurred on account of such departure from the tour and/or their return to the USA or Canada respectively. In such a case, SITA will refund any monies that can be recovered for the unused portion of the tour, considering additional charges incurred by SITA. Other than refunding such sum, SITA will accept no further liability or obligation toward that person or third party.

 

DISCLAIMER

SITA is not responsible for any errors, omissions or misquotes contained in brochures or on websites or any other promotional documentation.  The contents of brochures, websites or promotional documentation may be changed at any time (including, but not limited to rates and itinerary) without notice and at SITA’s sole discretion.

 

VENUE

It is specially agreed that this agreement is entered into in the district of Van Nuys, the county of Los Angeles, the state of California. In the event any legal or equitable action is brought against SITA concerning the interpretation, enforcement or breach of any term, obligation or duty as contained or related to the terms and conditions set forth in this website, or pursuant to federal law, statute or treaty to which the United States is a signatory, the venue of such action shall lie exclusively in the district of Van Nuys, county of  Los Angeles, state of California.

 

CHOICE OF LAW

It is specifically agreed and stipulated that the law of the state of California shall govern and apply to any legal or equitable action brought against SITA concerning the interpretation, enforcement or breach of any term, obligation or duty contained in this website, or pursuant to any federal law, statute or treaty to which the United States is a signatory.

 

HOW TO BOOK

Contact your travel agent for more information and further assistance with reservations on any tour. Your travel agent can also assist you with obtaining visas, travel insurance and can provide general destination information. You may also call SITA at 800.421.5643 in the USA or 877.689.7482 in Canada.