Your contract with us
Your contract is ultimately with Tropical Sky Ltd (Company registration Number 5425418). Our acceptance of your deposit or payment forms a contract between us and the party leader (first named passenger) acting on behalf of all passengers in the party. These booking conditions apply. You are deemed to have accepted these conditions and, where applicable, the insurance details unless you write to us by return recorded delivery post to state otherwise. No other conditions will apply to this contract unless confirmed by us to you in writing.
Travel Insurance
Having the right travel insurance policy is absolutely essential on any Scuba Diving holiday, and not buying it or buying the wrong type can prove to be dangerous and very expensive. You must ensure that you have the correct type of policy BEFORE you leave the UK. Most standard travel insurance policies will not cover you to go scuba diving so check the small print on any existing policies.
To get a quotation go to www.sportscoverdirect.com
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!
Medical Form
In addition to having adequate scuba diving travel insurance you are also required to fill out a medical questionnaire to hand in to your chosen dive centre or liveaboard operator. The form consists of a series of questions to assess your suitability to go diving and is for your information and guidance. If you answer no to all of the questions then you are safe to dive, if you answer yes to any of the questions you may still be able to dive but you will have to consult your doctor and get written consent from them to confirm your suitability to dive. It is your responsibility to answer these questions accurately as no refunds can be given if you are refused to dive in resort. Tropical Sky will send you a copy of this medical questionnaire with your confirmation.
Dive Packs and Courses
Dive packs are for qualified divers only and usually include tanks, air and weights with any additional equipment you may need booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are generally inclusive of boat trips (where appropriate) to and from dive sites and will usually include two dives per day. All diving packages you see on our website must be pre-booked in the UK and cannot be changed by the resort nor the cost of any unused dives be refunded. Pre-booked dive packs must be on consecutive days. Additional diving may be booked and paid for locally. Any unlimited diving is to be taken on the same days as the boat / shore diving.
It is your responsibility to prove that you are medically fit to dive. Please ask us to send you a copy if you don't have one. If you are in any doubt, you should obtain a doctor's certificate before departure. You will be required to sign a liability release and medical form in resort.
Successful completion of any course is not guaranteed and is subject to completion of all requirements of the course.
Diving & Bad Weather
In most of our destinations diving is possible all year round. However, as weather conditions can vary from day to day, our diving centers may have to alter their diving schedule to alternative dive sites or cancel diving altogether if circumstances dictate. This is particularly relevant to liveaboard holidays where no refunds will be made is planned itinerary or dive site is substituted or suspended.
Diving Equipment on Airlines
All scuba diving equipment must be carried within the weight allowance permitted by the airline. BCDs and cylinders must be empty and put in the hold. Some depth gauges, content gauges and computers can be affected by low pressure, if possible, these should be carried as part of your hand luggage, as should cameras.
Diving On Liveaboards
Liveaboards are not recommended for non-divers or beginners. You must ensure that you have the appropriate experience for the liveaboard you choose. Itineraries can be dependant on a number of factors including weather conditions and the diving ability of guests on board. Although every effort will be made to follow a scheduled itinerary, the decision of the captain and dive guides is final.
Due to the nature of liveaboard diving, you should expect to forgo some of the usual comforts of shore based diving holidays and storage space and facilities may be limited on board.
Diving Qualifications
All the dive centers used by Tropical Sky Scuba Diving are approved by PADI. Only divers presenting an internationally recognized diving certification will be allowed to dive. Please ensure you take your logbook and certification card with you.
Some resorts may require divers to undertake a short orientation dive to familiarise themselves with local conditions and practices. If you have not been diving for 6 months or more you will be required to take a refresher dive in resort. All dive centers have the right to provide you with, and charge you for, a refresher course with an instructor if there is any doubt about safety or experience.
Diving Safety
You must not dive within 24 hours of your return flight and you should adhere to all stipulations included in your insurance policy. You should also ensure that you dive within the regulations set by PADI or another recognized diving authority. No recreational dives should be deeper than 30m; a depth strictly adhered to by Red Sea dive centers. If you are doing a course, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are at the correct training level required for entry. Tropical Sky Scuba Diving is happy to advise you but recommend contacting the relevant governing body: PADI 0117 3007234.
Extra Costs
Not included: Insurance, visas, optional excursion, transport or accommodation in the UK, overseas departure taxes, border taxes, National Park Fees, port fees (where applicable), local Red Sea diving taxes and charges, items of personal expenditure. Certain hotel facilities and sports may incur an extra charge, which is payable locally. Local sales tax may apply in resort.
Payment
The deposit required will depend on the components you choose. Hotels/Condos/Villas normally require a 35% deposit and car rental or campervan suppliers £75 per vehicle. All deposits received in respect of independent travel arrangements will normally be held by us on behalf of the service provider concerned. In the case of flight only arrangements we act as agents for the airline or tour operator not as a principal and require a deposit of £100 per person. Deposits are taken by Tropical Sky Ltd on behalf of the principal. Although a provisional reservation for a scheduled flight may be made on payment of a deposit a confirmed booking can not exist neither can the price be guaranteed until final payment for the ticket has been received and the ticket issued.
We cannot make refunds for unused car rental, hotel or other vouchers for packages or independent arrangements.
For packages and independent travel arrangements the balance must be paid before the date specified on the travel confirmation which is normally no later than 10 weeks before your departure date. If we do not receive final payment by the due date then we / the provider of the services in question reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and cancellation charges will be applicable as detailed in section 5 below.
Full payment will be required for all bookings made within 10 weeks of departure.
The price of your holiday
Unless otherwise stated, all prices on our web site are based on two people sharing a twin or double bedded room. There will normally be supplements for single travellers and sometimes there are reductions for three people sharing a room. For an accurate costing please phone one of our travel advisors for a tailor-made quote.
The price of your holiday is subject to surcharges on the following items: governmental action, currency, aircraft, fuel, overflying charges and airport charges. Even in this case we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be surcharged but where a surcharge is payable there will be an administration charge of 50p.
If this means paying more than 10% of the holiday price you will be entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all monies paid, except for any premium paid to us for holiday insurance and amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel because of this you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on the invoice. Any surcharges will be notified to you no later than 30 days prior to departure.
In exchange for this guarantee we will not make any refunds in the event of a favourable variation to currency rates. However, should the Government decide to impose a consumer levy this will not be covered by our guarantee and you will be advised of the amount payable. In the case of independent travel arrangements including flight only whilst every effort is made to avoid surcharges, service providers have the right to increase prices and to surcharge at any time and we reserve the right to pass these on to you in full.
Is your money safe?
Yes, we are a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and all packages are licensed and bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and protected under our ATOL Licence (9759).
What's included in the price of your holiday?
Can you make changes to your booking?
Should you wish to make any changes to your holiday booking after it has been confirmed, you must send your request to us in writing signed by the person who made the booking. This request must be accompanied by an amendment fee of £30 per person. Whilst we will endeavor to meet any such request, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. However in the event that you are wishing to vary your flight details, you must consult with us to establish the cost which varies according to airline, type of change and departure date.
Any request to make changes must be received not less than 8 weeks before departure. Any request for changes received less than 8 weeks before departure will be treated as a cancellation of the booking by you and the cancellation charges set out below will then apply. Any new arrangements subsequently made will be treated as a new booking.
Where the size of the party is changed, the price for the rest of the party members will be recalculated on the new party size if applicable. Providing a name change is provided to us before this will be treated as an amendment and carry the appropriate fee except in the case of scheduled flights where they will almost always levy 100% cancellation charge.
Please note that we cannot make any refunds for unused car hire or hotel vouchers etc irrespective of what you are told by the local car hire company or hotel management.
Car hire and hotel vouchers are only valid for the exact services for which they are issued. Please read carefully any vouchers sent to you as they contain useful information.
Changes by us
As your holiday/flight arrangements are made many months in advance, it is occasionally necessary to make changes to holiday/flight details both before and after booking and we reserve the right in our discretion to do so. Most changes will be minor ones. In the event of a significant change, we will inform you if there is time to do so before departure. A significant change is a change made before departure which involves a change of outward or return flight time by more than 12 hours, a change of UK airport (except between Luton, Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow) to one which is more inconvenient for you, or a change of resort airport, or a change of accommodation to one of a lower official classification, or in a different resort.
In the event of a significant change, you will be offered the choice of:-
In addition, if we are forced to make a significant change, we will pay you compensation on the scale set out below except where the change was made as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care which include but are not limited to those amounting to 'force majeure' as defined in the important note below.
Please note that no compensation is payable in respect of minor changes and no other claims for compensation or expenses will be considered.
Please further note we reserve the right to substitute alternative airlines and/or aircraft to those shown in our brochure and such a change will not be a significant one entitling you to cancel without payment of the normal cancellation charges.
Cancellations by you
Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify ourselves in writing signed by the person who made the booking as soon as possible. Any such notification must be sent by recorded delivery if posted. Notification of cancellation will only be effective on the date it is received at our offices. As we begin to incur costs from the date your booking is confirmed, we must levy cancellation charges to cover the charges passed onto us by our suppliers or the charges within the cancellation grid below, whichever is the highest. This is to compensate for the expense of processing your booking and for the risk that we may not be able to resell the flight/holiday. For scheduled flights the charge will almost always be the full amount paid except for regular full fare tickets with no cancellation restrictions where an administration fee will be charged.
| Period before departure within which written notification of cancellation is recieved by us | Cancellation charge per person cancelling |
|---|---|
| More than 70 days | Deposit only |
| 69 - 43 days | 60% of holiday cost |
| 42 - 29 days | 70% of holiday cost |
| 28 days or less | 100% of holiday cost |
NB You may be able to recover these cancellation charges from your insurance company if the reason for your cancellation falls within the terms of your insurance policy.
Cancellations by us
Occasionally, it is necessary to cancel holiday/flight arrangements and we reserve the right in our absolute discretion to do so. However, we will not cancel after the date the final balance of your holiday falls due unless you default in payment or we are forced to do so as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care such as those mentioned in the important note below. If we do cancel (other than due to your default in payment) we will offer you the choice of an alternative holiday/flight of comparable standard if available (with you paying or receiving a refund in respect of any price difference) or a full refund of all monies paid.
Important Note
We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where we are forced to cancel, curtail, delay or in any way change your holiday/flight or where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected in whole or part as a result of circumstances amounting to 'force majeure'. Such circumstances include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics or health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports, cancellations or changes of schedules by scheduled airlines, government action or advice and all similar circumstances outside our control.
Our liability to you
Quality
We accept responsibility should the services which we are contractually obliged to provide prove deficient or not of a reasonable standard expect where injury or illness results, dealt with below. So far as services provided by airlines or sea carriers are concerned, our liability is however limited as if we were carriers within the appropriate international conventions. This clause is subject to force majeure and the other terms of these booking conditions including the 'exceptions' listed in the next paragraph.
Personal injury connected with your holiday arrangements
We accept responsibility should you or any member of your party suffer death, injury or illness as a result of any failure to perform or improper performance of any part of our contract with you by any of our employees, agents, suppliers or sub-contractors providing they were at the time acting within the course of their employment; except where the failure to perform or improper performance was due to the 'exceptions' namely:-
In addition, please note that in the case of services provided by air or sea, our liability is limited as if we were carriers within the appropriate international conventions.
It is however a condition of our acceptance of liability that you notify us of any claim in writing within 28 days of your return from holiday and, where any payment is made, that you assign to ourselves and/or our insurers any rights you may have to pursue any third party. In addition, you must give ourselves and our insurers your full co-operation.
Personal injury not connected with your holiday arrangements
If, through misadventure, you suffer illness, personal injury or death from an activity which does not form part of your holiday arrangements, we shall still give every assistance including, at our absolute discretion, advice and initial financial assistance to take legal action against a third party up to a total maximum cost to ourselves of all assistance provided (whether monetary or otherwise) of £5,000 per booking form. Assistance must however be requested within 90 days of the date of misadventure. In the event of there being a successful claim for costs against a third party or a suitable insurance policy or policies in force, we will, however be entitled to recoup from you the costs we actually incur.
Although we may be stating the obvious, an unfortunate previous experience requires us to make the point that animals are not allowed in our accommodation.
Information accuracy
In the event of any conflict or inconsistencies between the Booking Conditions and anything stated elsewhere in a brochure or by a member of staff, or elsewhere, these conditions shall prevail.
We have made every effort to ensure that all the information we provide is correct at the time of giving it. However, you will appreciate that we do not own the accommodation, airlines and other facilities that you will be using. Although we have described these as accurately as possible we cannot be held responsible for any other subsequent alterations made.
There may be occasions, particularly in low season, when some facilities may temporarily be withdrawn. If we receive prior notification of these we will inform you. Services provided by staff in resort, if applicable, are subject to local regulations and staff availability.
Complaints procedure
We sincerely hope you will not experience any problems with our services. If you do however, you should contact the representative or agent immediately as it is likely they will be able to resolve any problem on the spot. If the problem cannot be resolved, your party leader should complete a report form which is normally available from the representative. You should then write to us quoting your booking reference and giving full details of your complaint within 28 days of your return from holiday. We will acknowledge your letter within 14 days with a full reply following within 28 days unless we have been unable to investigate your complaint within this time in which case a detailed explanation for the delay will be provided and a full reply sent in any event within 56 days.
We regret we cannot accept liability for any complaint of which we are not notified in accordance with the provisions of this clause.
Arbitration
In the unlikely event that we are unable to resolve any complaint amicably, you may if you wish refer the dispute to arbitration under a special scheme, which though devised by arrangement with the Association of British Travel Agents, is administered quite independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme, details of which can be supplied on request, provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. In addition, it does not apply to claims which are solely or mainly in respect of physical injury or illness or the consequences of such injury or illness, but claims with an element of injury not exceeding £1000 may be entertained. If you wish to make use of the scheme, written notice requesting arbitration under this scheme must be made within 9 months after the scheduled date of return from holiday but may in exceptional circumstances be offered outside this period. Full details are available from the Association of British Travel Agents, 68/71 Newman Street, London. W1P 4AH.
Is there any way my holiday can be terminated?
We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without notice the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it is likely, in our opinion or that of any airline pilot or any other person in authority, to cause distress, danger, damage or annoyance to any of our other clients, employees, any third party or to property or if you are or appear to be unfit to travel by reason of intoxicating liquor, misuse of drugs or otherwise. In these circumstances, our responsibility for your journey or holiday, including any return flights thereupon ceases. Full cancellation charges will apply and no refunds will be given. Furthermore, we shall then be under no obligation whatsoever to pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you may incur as a result.
Special requests
If you have any special requests, please inform us as soon as possible in writing. Although we will endeavour to meet any such requests, we regret we cannot guarantee to do so. Special requests cannot be accepted for late offer holidays.
Disabled Clients
We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to honour any special requirements you may have. Before making a booking we will need to know if you have any medical/physical/mobility needs which might affect how and if we can deliver all your chosen holiday services. These needs may affect your flight, transfers or the suitability of your chosen accommodation or other aspects of your holiday. We would ask therefore that you advise us of any special needs/requirements to us in writing before making a reservation. Please note that this will not guarantee your needs will be met. It will however enable us to check the suitability of your chosen holiday based on the information supplied by you. We cannot be held liable if you fail to tell us about any special requirements that may affect the quality of your holiday.
What about flight timings?
The flight timings quoted are for general guidance only and are subject to change. Latest timings will be shown on your confirmation invoice but updated information will if necessary be provided by way of the ticket or itinerary or by way of further confirmation or notification and you must read these very carefully to ensure you have the correct flight times.
You must in addition ensure you read and observe the instructions sent with your tickets for reconfirming your return flight. Generally, you will need to reconfirm by telephoning the airline or the airport two working days before the date of your return flight.
When do I check in?
Generally, you will need to check in at least three hours before departure. If you fail to do so, you are likely to be refused admission to the flight. In the event of your being refused admission to any flight or destination, country, or U.K. on return by the airline or any government authority, we will not be under any liability to you and will not be able to assist you. In the event of our being able to make alternative travel arrangements for you, you will be responsible for meeting all costs involved.
Carrier's Conditions
Please note that the relevant carrier's conditions of carriage will apply in the case of all air or sea travel some of which may limit or exclude the Carrier's liability to you, often in accordance with international conventions. Copies of these conditions of carriage are available for inspection at our offices. Please further note that, by our contract with you, we do not enter into an agreement for carriage by air but rather we only undertake to reserve seats on board one of the airlines mentioned in our brochure or such other airlines as may be substituted.
Outward and return tickets
Both the outward and return portions of your ticket must be used. If you do not use the outward portion, you will not be allowed to utilise the return portion.
Outward and return tickets
Both the outward and return portions of your ticket must be used. If you do not use the outward portion, you will not be allowed to utilise the return portion.
Infants
To be classed as an infant in accordance with the Air Navigation Regulations, a child must be under 2 at the date of return travel. At present, an infant is permitted to travel on an adult's lap or, if between 6 months and 2 years old at the date of return travel, in a car seat. If travelling in a car seat, the infant will occupy its own seat and will therefore be liable to pay a child's price for that seat. Any car seat used must be approved by the airline and it is your responsibility to ensure that your particular seat is acceptable. Please therefore check this point with us at the time of booking.
Passports, Visas and health requirements
While we provide basic advice to UK citizens regarding passports and visa requirements clients not holding passports marked British Citizen should check with their Embassy or Consulate. You must make sure you have all the necessary valid travel and health documents to comply with the requirements of the country you are visiting.
Luggage
We cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage or delay to your luggage unless directly caused by the negligence of one of our employees.
This contract
This contract shall be deemed to be made at the Registered Office of Tropical Sky Ltd, 1 Kings Court, Harwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5UR and is subject to English Law and the jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.
Notes
Data Protection
We comply with all legislation currently applicable for the Data Protection Act. However should you wish not to receive promotional material from us, please email Tropical Sky or telephone 0845 5432 184.
Advice to international passengers on limitation of liability
Passengers on a journey involving an ultimate destination or a stop in a country other than the country of origin are advised that the provision of a treaty known as the Warsaw Convention may be applicable to the entire journey, including any portion entirely within the country of origin or destination. For such passengers on a journey to, from or with an agreed stopping place in the United States of America, the Convention and special contracts, for death or personal injury to passengers is limited in most cases to proven damages not to exceed US$75,000 per passenger, and that this liability up to such limit shall not depend on negligence on the part of the carrier. For such passengers travelling by carrier not a party to such special contracts or on a journey not to, from, or having an agreed stopping place in the United States of America, liability of the carrier for death or personal injury to passengers is limited in most cases to approximately US$10,000 or US$20,000.
The names of carriers, parties to such special contract, are available at all ticket offices of such carriers and may be examined on request. Additional protection can usually be obtained by purchasing insurance from a private company. Such insurance is not affected by any limitation of the carrier's liability under the Warsaw Convention or such special contracts of carriers. For further information please consult your airline or insurance company representative.
Note: the limit of liability of US$75,000 above is inclusive of legal fees and costs except that in the case of a claim brought in a state where provision is made for separate award of legal fees and costs, the limit shall be the sum of US$58,000 exclusive of legal fees and costs. This is a notice required by order 69-2-65 of the US DOT. It does not reflect the provisions of the Montreal Convention 1999 which may apply to your journey. No representation is made as to the accuracy or its contents.
Notice of baggage liability limitations
Liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. For most international travel (including domestic portions of international journeys) the liability limit is approximately US$20.00 per kilo for checked baggage and US$400.00 per passenger for unchecked baggage. For travel wholly between US points. Federal rules require any limit on an airline's baggage liability to be at least US$1,250.00 per passenger. Excess valuation may be declared on certain types of articles. Some carriers obtained from the carrier.
Notice
If the passenger's journey involves an ultimate destination or stop in a country other than the country of departure the Warsaw or Montreal Conventions may be applicable and the Conventions govern and may limit the liability of carriers for death or personal injury and in respect of loss of or damage to baggage. See also notices headed 'Advice to International Passengers on Limitation of Liability' and ' Notice of Baggage Liability Limitations'
Conditions of contract
Notice of Government and Airport imposed taxes, fees and changes
The price of this ticket may include taxes, fees and charges which are imposed on air transportation by government authorities and airports. They may represent a significant portion of the cost of air travel and are included in the fare. You may also be required to pay taxes or fees or charges not already collected.
Overbooking of Flights
Airline flights may be overbooked, and there is a slight chance that a seat will not be available on a flight for which a person has a confirmed reservation. If the flight is overbooked, no one will be denied a seat until airline personnel first ask volunteers willing to give up their reservation in exchange for a payment of the airline's choosing. If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will deny boarding to other persons in accordance with its particular boarding priority. With few exceptions, persons denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to compensation. The complete rules for the payment of compensation and each airline's boarding priorities, are available at all airport ticket counters and boarding locations. Some airlines do not apply these consumer protections to travel from some countries although other consumer protections may be available. Check with your airline or travel agent.
Check-in Times
Generally, you will need to check in at least three hours before departure or where you can, check in online to secure the best seat. If you fail to do so, you are likely to be refused admission to the flight. In the event of your being refused admission to any flight or destination, country, or U.K. on return by the airline or any government authority, we will not be under any liability to you and will not be able to assist you. In the event of our being able to make alternative travel arrangements for you, you will be responsible for meeting all costs involved.
Dangerous Articles in Baggage
For safety reasons, dangerous articles must not be packed in checked or carry-on baggage. Restricted articles include but are not limited to: compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids and solids, radioactive materials, oxidising materials, poisons, infectious substances, and briefcases with installed alarm devices EU notice requirement (for EU countries only) Regulation (EC) No.889/ 2002 NOTICE
Limits of Liability
The applicable limits of liability for your journey operated by your contracted air carriers, are as follows:
Passports
British citizens require a full passport for overseas travel which must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from this country. Furthermore, if you are travelling on an E-ticket, you must take your Travel itinerary with you.
Avoid stressful, last-minute panics by making sure that your passport and any visas required, are valid well in advance. Failure to obtain and present correct travel documentation at check-in may result in the airline being unable to allow you to travel. Customers are encouraged to keep a photocopy of their passport separate from their passport. This will assist in the issue of a temporary passport in the event of the passport being lost whilst on holiday.
For further details contact the Passport Office, Clive House, 70 Petty France, London SW1H 9HD tel: 0870 5210 410 or your regional Passport Office or visit www.ukpa.gov.uk.
25 Passports, Visas and health requirements
While we provide basic advice to UK citizens regarding passports and visa requirements clients not holding passports marked British Citizen should check with their Embassy or Consulate. You must make sure you have all the necessary valid travel and health documents to comply with the requirements of the country you are visiting. For reference please see www.ukpa.gov.uk.
Passports For Children (Excludes USA - see Travel to USA section)
All children who are not already included on a valid ten-year passport need to hold their own passport if they are to travel abroad. This includes new-born babies.
Children who are already included on an existing passport may continue to travel with the passport holder until one of the following occurs;
Please note: Children cannot be re-added to passports which are submitted for amendment. In these circumstances, you will need to apply for separate passports for any children who were previously included on your passport.
Most airlines do not accept anyone under the age of 16 travelling alone.
Some countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period beyond the date of entry to the country. If your passport is in its final year of validity, you should check with your travel agent or the authorities of the countries you intend to visit before making any travel plans.
Name changes
The initial and surname on your ticket must match those on your passport or you may not be allowed to travel and insurance cover may be invalid. Any member of your party who has changed his or her name between booking and departure (eg, newly-weds) must notify us immediately so that a ticket can be issued in a new name. If thereÕs no time to amend the passport, please carry the marriage certificate or deed poll for presentation with the passport.
Visas
As visa requirements may change at any time, it is important to check, within six weeks of departure, the visa requirements for the countries you are travelling to or via with the relevant Consulate or Embassy or refer to www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
Please allow enough time prior to departure for the documentation to be processed by the Consulate.
Travel to the USA (or via and including transits)
All airlines that operate to the USA are now legally required to provide the US border control agencies (specifically the US Customs Service) with access to passenger information held by the airline. Any British citizen who was born in the US should contact the US embassy before travel as additional documentation may be required.
Many British citizens are eligible to enter (or transit via) the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) provided they meet certain criteria. A US Visa is required however, for stays over 90 days. Please refer to usembassy.state.gov for full details of the programme.
The US Visa Waiver Programme requires adults and children and infants to hold individual machine-readable passports or obtain a non-immigrant visa in advance. For further details contact the US Embassy, or either consult the US State Dept website www.travel.state.gov or the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.
Passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will need to contain biometric data (fingerprints etc) to qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme. British passports will not contain biometric data until 2006 at the earliest. You can check your passport with the UK Passport Office Advice Line which is 0870-521-0410.
Note Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme. In addition some travellers are not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Programme. These include, but are not limited to, persons who have been arrested and those with criminal convictions. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to US visa law. Contact the Embassy before travelling for further information. Arriving visitors will have to providean accurate address of the place that they intend to stay on their first night in America and it is not acceptable to show 'touring' if on a fly drive holiday, or' staying with relatives'.
Foreign Office Information
There may be information from the Foreign Office relating to the country(ies) you are visiting or travelling via. For details you can either check on CEEFAX BBC2 Pages 470 onwards or by phoning the Foreign Office on 0870-606-0290 or visit their web site at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
Generally, you will need to check in at least two hours before departure. If you fail to do so, you are likely to be refused admission to the flight. In the event of your being refused admission to any flight or destination, country, or U.K. on return by the airline or any government authority, we will not be under any liability to you and will not be able to assist you. In the event of our being able to make alternative travel arrangements for you, you will be responsible for meeting all costs involved. You must reconfirm your return flight with the local office of the flight supplier or airline 72hours before departure.
If you are travelling on an E-ticket, you must take your Travel Itinerary with you.
Baggage Allowance
You are entitled to a Free Checked Baggage Allowance for your journey, which will depend on the airline, destination and class of travel. This allowance will be either based on the weight of your baggage or the number of pieces. You will be subject to Excess Baggage charges by the airline if you exceed the stated allowance. Children and infants may have a reduced allowance for checked baggage. Restrictions also apply to the amount of Cabin Baggage you can take onboard the aircraft. Please contact your sales consultant if you are in doubt about your baggage allowances.
Please Note: Many airports are introducing weight limits for individual items of baggage, checked in for carriage in the aircraft hold. This single item maximum weight is 32kg (70lbs). This policy relates only to single items and does not affect the overall baggage allowance for individual airlines. Passengers will be required to re-pack baggage to achieve the single item limit of 32kg. If you need to carry items which exceed the 32kg weight limit such as sporting equipment, musical instruments, electric wheelchairs or TV news cameras, you should make special arrangements with your airline in advance.
Foreign nationals
Passport, Visa and Health information is for British citizens only. Foreign nationals should check with their consulate which travel documents are required for departure and return to the UK.
Need help choosing a diving holiday?
We have put together a guide with useful information for choosing your ideal holiday.
Have a question?
Why not call our diving holiday specialists at Tropical Sky on:
0870 9079 605
Alternatively complete our no obligation online enquiry form: