Terms and Conditions

Website: https://beyondtheborderstours.com

1. Definitions & Interpretation

• “Tour” – any trip, expedition, or travel experience operated or arranged by us.
• “Participant” / “You” – any person who books or joins a tour.
• “Booking” – confirmed reservation once your deposit is received and we send written confirmation.
• “Force Majeure Event” – events beyond our reasonable control (e.g., war, terrorism, sanctions, civil unrest, epidemics/pandemics, government orders, border closures, quarantine, strikes, extreme weather, natural disasters).
• “Non-recoverable costs” – costs already paid to suppliers (e.g., flights, accommodation, permits, local ground services, taxes, guiding fees) that cannot be refunded to us.
• “Deposit” – the initial payment to secure a booking.

2. Booking, Deposits & Payments

• Your booking is confirmed when we receive your deposit and issue written confirmation.
• Final balance is due 8 weeks prior to departure unless otherwise specified.
• Payment methods: bank transfer or credit/debit card (participant covers any bank/card fees).
• If the final balance is not received by the due date, we may treat the booking as canceled.
• All prices are quoted in USD and may change due to exchange rates, fuel surcharges, taxes, or other cost changes.

3. Participant Responsibilities

• Provide accurate personal information.
• Be in suitable health and fitness for the chosen tour.
• Comply with laws and regulations of countries visited and follow instructions from our leaders/guides.
• Obtain necessary travel documents (passports, visas, permits, vaccinations) unless stated otherwise.
• Respect fellow travelers, local communities, and cultural norms.

4. Cancellation by Participant (Deposit Refunds)

• Cancellations must be made in writing.
• Refunds are processed within 30 business days.
• Once the final balance is paid (8 weeks prior to departure), the tour is strictly non-refundable.
• We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to protect against unexpected disruptions.

5. Changes or Cancellation by Us

• We may alter itineraries due to weather, safety, border restrictions, operational issues, or Force Majeure Events.
• We may substitute accommodations, transport, or activities with alternatives of equal or greater value.
• If we cancel a tour for safety/legal reasons:
  • We will offer either a full refund minus non-recoverable costs or a credit for a future tour.
  • We are not responsible for additional expenses you incur (e.g., flights, visas, insurance).
• Small Group Tour Leadership:
  • Our tours are typically accompanied by a Beyond The Borders Tours tour leader when group numbers allow. If the confirmed group size falls below the threshold required to assign a company tour leader, the tour may operate without a Beyond The Borders Tours tour leader.
  • In these cases, the tour will be conducted and managed by our trusted local guides and partners, who are fully qualified and experienced in leading smaller groups in their destination.
  • All itineraries, logistics, and services remain the same, and this adjustment does not affect the safety, quality, or overall experience of the tour.
  • As the tour itself continues to operate as planned, this does not constitute a material change to the tour and therefore does not give rise to refunds or compensation.

6. Force Majeure

• We are not liable for failure to perform our obligations due to a Force Majeure Event.
• We will make reasonable efforts to notify participants and offer alternatives.
• Obligations may be suspended, rescheduled, or modified; refunds/credits are at our discretion, minus non-recoverable costs.

7. Visas, Entry & Travel Documents

• You are responsible for valid passports, visas, permits, and any required vaccinations.
• We are not liable if you are refused entry or denied travel.
• If you cannot travel due to documentation or entry issues, standard cancellation terms apply.

8. Health, Medical & Insurance

• You must disclose any medical conditions relevant to safe participation.
• We may refuse participation or remove you from a tour if undisclosed conditions pose a risk.
• Travel insurance is mandatory only for tours to North Korea.
• For all other destinations, travel insurance is highly recommended. Consider options via IATA.
• You are responsible for any emergency medical, evacuation, or repatriation costs.

9. Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

By joining our tours, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of travel to remote or politically sensitive areas, which may include political unrest, sudden border closures, government restrictions, health hazards, disease outbreaks, limited medical facilities, natural disasters, extreme weather, and logistical disruptions. You release Beyond The Borders Tours, its employees, agents, and contractors from liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

10. Supplier & Third-Party Services

• We may engage local operators, guides, and subcontractors to deliver services.
• While we exercise due care in selection, we are not liable for their acts/omissions except as required by law.
• You are also subject to the terms of third-party providers.

11. Conduct & Removal

• We may remove participants whose behavior is unsafe, unlawful, or disruptive.
• No refunds will be issued in such cases, and all onward costs will be the participant’s responsibility.

12. Photography & Media

• We may take photographs or videos during tours for promotional use.
• By joining, you grant us usage rights unless you opt out in writing prior to departure.

13. Limitation of Liability

• Our total liability is capped at the total amount you paid for the tour.
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental losses.
• Nothing excludes liability for death or personal injury resulting from our gross negligence or fraud.

14. Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales.
• Disputes should first be referred to mediation in good faith.
• If unresolved, disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England & Wales.

15. Severability & Amendments

• If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder remains in force.
• We may amend these Terms periodically. Bookings confirmed before amendments remain subject to the version in effect at time of booking.

16. Privacy & Data Protection

• We handle personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
• By booking, you consent to the collection and use of your data for travel services.

17. Time Limits for Claims

• Claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour’s end.
• Legal proceedings must commence within 12 months of the tour’s conclusion.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and Beyond The Borders Tours and supersede any prior agreements or representations.