Terms, Conditions & Refund Policy

1. Booking & Confirmation

• Quotes & Validity: Itineraries and price quotes issued by Ceylon Travel Buddy are valid for 14 days from the date of issue.
• Confirmation Voucher: A booking is finalized only upon receipt of the agreed deposit or full payment for short-notice bookings. A formal confirmation voucher will be issued via email or official messaging.
• Accuracy of Traveler Details: The lead traveler must ensure all names, passport numbers, arrival details, flight info, and dietary/special requests provided are accurate.

2. Payment Terms & Online Processing

• Deposit Requirement: A refundable deposit of 20% to 30% of the total tour price is required to secure hotel, train tickets, transport, and national park or permit reservations.
• Balance Payment: The remaining balance must be settled prior to or on the first day of the tour via our secure online payment portal, bank transfer, or cash (USD / EUR / LKR) upon arrival as agreed.
• Payment Security: Card payments processed via online payment gateways are end-to-end encrypted. Ceylon Travel Buddy does not store raw credit or debit card numbers.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official messaging channels. Cancellations are effective from the date written notice is received by Ceylon Travel Buddy.

Itinerary Changes & Force Majeure: If Ceylon Travel Buddy must modify or cancel a tour due to severe weather, natural disasters, political instability, or road closures, clients will be offered an alternative date, a modified itinerary, or a pro-rata refund for unused service components.

4. Travel Insurance & Health Responsibilities

• Mandatory Travel Insurance: Clients are strongly advised to secure comprehensive travel, medical, and cancellation insurance prior to arriving in Sri Lanka, covering emergencies, repatriation, luggage, and adventure activities.
• Health & Medical Conditions: Clients must inform us of pre-existing medical conditions, mobility restrictions, or severe allergies at booking. Activities such as trekking (e.g. Horton Plains) or wildlife safaris require reasonable physical fitness.

5. Passports, Visas & Entry Regulations

• Clients are solely responsible for obtaining a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay in Sri Lanka and securing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or valid visa prior to arrival.
• Ceylon Travel Buddy is not liable for entry refusals, delays, or costs caused by non-compliance with Sri Lankan immigration laws.

6. Tour Conduct, Safaris & Liability

• Punctuality: Departure times are carefully scheduled. Delays caused by clients may lead to adjusted itineraries without financial compensation.
• Wildlife Safaris: Sightings of wildlife at national parks (e.g. Minneriya, Yala) cannot be guaranteed as animals roam freely. Clients must follow park regulations and safety instructions given by park rangers and drivers.
• Limitation of Liability: Ceylon Travel Buddy acts as an independent tour manager and guide service. While all reasonable precautions are taken, we are not liable for personal injury, illness, property loss/damage, or delays caused by third-party vendor defaults or unforeseen events. Participation is at the client's own risk.

7. Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods for your convenience:

• Bank Transfers: Direct transfers to our designated bank accounts.
• Payment Links: Secure payment links sent directly to you for easy online transactions.
• Online Card Payments: Secure online credit and debit card processing.
• On Arrival Payments: Cash payments accepted upon your arrival.

8. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Any legal disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Sri Lanka.