The following document concerns both the liability of Global Village Tours and the responsibilities of the customer.
We are Global Village Tours and we look forward to the opportunity to act as your tour operator for either your trip to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (hereafter used interchangeably with DPRK) or any other of our destinations. The following conditions describe your obligations as a customer when purchasing either an independent tour or a group tour through us. The terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Global Village Tours and The term “you” refers to the customer.
BOOKING POLICY
A 50% deposit is due upon booking confirmation and is non-refundable. The balance of payment is due 6 weeks before the tour commences. Following receipt of deposit customer is required to send relevant details for issuing of DPRK visa, Rason permit, or Tibet permit.
In the event that the visa or permit is refused and this refusal is not attributed to any fault on the part of the customer, customer shall receive a full refund minus associated transaction costs. In the event of a personal injury or bereavement which prevents the customer taking part on the tour, we reserve the right to increase the deposit minus associated fees.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of receipt by us. Tour refunds will be calculated based on the information contained in the following table:
| Days in Advance | Percentage Refunded |
|---|---|
| 42 days | 100% |
| 26-41 | 50% |
| 11-25 | 25% |
| 2-10 | 10% |
| 0-1 | 0% |
*Customer is liable for any transaction charges associated with the refund process
VISAS
As with all travel there is always a minor chance that a visa will be refused.
Our ability to obtain visas for our customers has been on the whole extremely successful and any inability to obtain a visa has always been for cause.
If the customer has provided accurate information and their visa is refused we will grant a full refund of any payments made to us minus associated transaction fees and costs. In addition we will not be held responsible for any costs incurred by the customer in traveling to the location from which their tour was scheduled to depart.
In the event customer intentionally misleads us in an attempt to enter the DPRK, any deposit paid will be forfeited.
FORCE MAJEURE
Force majeure is any event or circumstances which we could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include but are not limited to war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather or road conditions, fire, bureaucratic obstacles, changes in schedules or mode of transport by ferry companies, airlines, bus or train operators and all similar events outside our control.
If such an event or circumstance arises and said event or circumstance results in an inability to proceed with the tour, customer will be entitled to a full refund minus the transaction costs associated with this refund.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Global Village Tours expressly disclaim any and all liability for customer’s damages for emotional distress, mental suffering, or psychological injury of any kind, under any circumstances. We have no responsibility in whole or part and customer agrees we are not liable for any and all liability or claims for any occurrences including but not limited to any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, political unrest, sickness, medical expenses or property damage occurring on tour.
We therefore strongly advise customer to obtain sufficient insurance that, in the event of any possible risk, will provide sufficient cover for customer and if applicable, any dependents he or she is traveling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance coverage includes, but is not limited to, medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness while in DPRK, 24 hour emergency service and assistance (including repatriation if you become too ill to continue the tour), cancellation and curtailment, lost and stolen possessions cover, and personal liability cover. Any claims must be directed towards your insurers.
LOCAL LAWS
Customers are required to follow local laws and regulations at all times. In the result of a breach of local law, we will not be held in any way responsible and the customer will take responsibility for any consequences, financial or otherwise, that arise from their actions. Customers are required to follow the guidance and rules of your tour guide at all times. We reserve the right to expel without refund, those customers who refuse to abide by company policies.
TOUR ITINERARY
Due to the nature of travel/tourism in the DPRK, itineraries do not provide or imply a guarantee of the tour’s contents. Though we will make every effort to keep itineraries as described and to find suitable replacements, Young Pioneer Tours and/or KITC reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary in response to unforeseeable events.
TRAVEL EXCEPTIONS
By employing our services to travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, you confirm that you are not:
a) a citizen of the Republic of Korea;
b) a professional journalist or photographer; or
c) intending to publish any video or photographic material recorded during your trip.*
*This applies mostly to those intending to make documentary-style productions concerning the trip to DPRK. If you are unsure whether or not you fall into this category please inform us of your intentions and we will advise based on your specific situation.
We are subject to the laws of DPRK and any infringement on the aforementioned conditions will result in serious consequences for us, for the infringer, for the rest of the group and for our Korean tour guides. In the event that you fall under one of these categories and this fact is realized by the DPRK authorities while you are visiting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, you understand that we will be unable to offer any assistance. Further, customer agrees that with respect to the booking and visa application process, intentional withholding of personal information will result in a forfeiture of deposit if visa is denied as a result of customer falling under one or more of the aforementioned categories.
TRANSIT VISA
In the event the customer intends to travel to and from China using a transit visa they bear full responsibility for ensuring the transit visa is organised correctly. We will offer assistance in the event of issues arising with customer’s transit visa in Pyongyang, but will in no case be held liable for any costs incurred in arranging customer exits.
Please note that Pyongyang Airport will require a printed paper copy of customer flight confirmation in it’s entirety – it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure this is arranged prior to the trip.
NON-LIABILITY FOR CHANGES
Global Village Tours and/or our partner tour companies reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time and we will notify clients if such changes are made.
Price quotations are subject to change without notice and will not be binding until a booking has been confirmed.
We fully reserve the right to change or amend all itineraries on a case by case basis depending on the situation on the ground. In such cases we will always provide a suitable replacement.
Train, and flight tickets are subject to availability. We reserve the right to change the mode of transport depending on availability.
If for any reason a client does not complete any portion of their tour or abandons their scheduled tour after departure, no refund shall be given nor will any credit be given towards future travel.
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