Binding Travel Agreement
These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding contract between the traveler (“Client”, “You”) and SAPPHIRE JOURNEY ESCAPES LL (operating under the registered brand Sapphire Journeys, GSTIN: 19AFZFS2449K1ZY). By placing a deposit or confirming an itinerary, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and consented to these provisions.
1. Booking Confirmation & Payment Schedules
A booking is confirmed only once the required initial booking deposit has been processed and acknowledged via our official electronic booking confirmation voucher:
A non-refundable reservation deposit (typically 30% to 50% of the package total, depending on international airline block rules) secures your dates.
For high-demand holiday departures and group tours, a second installment is due 30 days prior to departure.
Full payment must be settled at least 15 to 21 days before departure to ensure hotel vouchers, flight tickets, and visa clearance documents are released.
2. Taxes, Statutory Levies & TCS Regulations
All prices quoted are in Indian Rupees (INR) unless explicitly stated otherwise:
- Goods & Services Tax (GST): In accordance with Indian tax laws, GST is levied on tour packages as mandated by the Government of India.
- Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Under Section 206C(1G) of the Income Tax Act, TCS applies to overseas tour packages remittances under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Clients must provide a valid PAN card. The TCS remitted is fully creditable against your income tax filings.
- Foreign Exchange Fluctuations: International package components quoted in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, AED, THB) are pegged to prevailing interbank rates at the time of invoice generation.
3. Inclusions & Exclusions
Every verified itinerary includes an explicit breakdown of services:
Standard Inclusions
- Confirmed accommodations in verified 4★/5★ or boutique stays
- Daily breakfast and specified meals as detailed in the voucher
- Airport pick-up, drop-off, and air-conditioned private transfers
- Pre-arranged sightseeing permits, entrance fees, and English-speaking captains
Standard Exclusions
- Personal expenses (laundry, room service, alcoholic beverages, phone bills)
- Airline excess baggage charges and seat selection fees
- Optional excursions, adventure activities, and personal gratuities/tips
- Costs arising due to unforeseen weather delays or medical emergencies
4. Passports, Visas & Traveler Responsibilities
Passport Validity: It is the sole responsibility of each traveler to ensure their passport is valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled date of return and possesses at least two blank consecutive pages.
Visa Approvals: Sapphire Journeys provides professional visa assistance, including document checking, appointment booking, and submission guidance. However, the granting, delaying, or rejection of any visa or transit permit is the exclusive sovereign discretion of the respective embassy, consulate, or high commission. Sapphire Journeys cannot be held liable for any expenses or losses incurred due to visa refusals or processing delays.
5. Travel Insurance & Health Declarations
Comprehensive international travel insurance covering medical hospitalization, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage is strongly mandated for all overseas packages. Travelers must inform our consultants of any pre-existing medical conditions, mobility constraints, or special dietary requirements prior to booking.
6. Itinerary Amendments & Force Majeure
While we make every effort to execute itineraries as published, circumstances beyond our reasonable control—including adverse weather, road closures, airline schedule changes, civil unrest, or government advisories (“Force Majeure”)—may necessitate adjustments. In such events, our team will provide suitable alternative arrangements of comparable value. Any additional costs arising from extended stays or unplanned flights due to Force Majeure shall be borne by the traveler.
7. Traveler Conduct & Group Harmony
To ensure a delightful travel experience for all participants on group journeys, travelers are expected to conduct themselves respectfully toward fellow guests, tour guides, and local communities, and observe local customs and dress codes (particularly at sacred religious sites in Makkah, Madinah, Southeast Asia, and India). Sapphire Journeys reserves the right to decline or remove any participant whose conduct causes endangerment, distress, or significant disruption, without liability for refunds.
8. Governing Law & Exclusive Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any disputes arising out of or related to travel services provided by Sapphire Journeys shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the Republic of India.
Any legal claims, suits, or proceedings shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.