Package travel terms and conditions

General terms and conditions for package travel under the Bulgarian Tourism Act. Effective from 12 October 2026.

Tour operator: Global Consult BG EOOD (Глобал Консулт БГ ЕООД), company identification number 200106758, trading as Global Tour. Contact: info@globaltour.bg; +359 2 868 0 500.

These terms apply to the operator’s travel packages. The programme, contract and pre-contract information specify the included services, price and special conditions. Private and individual journeys follow their agreed arrangements. These terms cannot restrict travellers’ mandatory statutory rights.

1. Documents and booking requirements

1.1. Bulgarian citizens travelling to Türkiye for tourism or transit may use a valid national identity card or passport under the applicable entry rules. Document validity and permitted stay must be checked for the full route, including transit countries. A passport is not universally required where identity cards are accepted.

1.2. Other destinations require a document recognised by the destination and transit countries, with the validity they prescribe. Six months of remaining validity is not a universal rule for every destination.

1.3. Children under 18 require their own valid travel document accepted for the route.

1.3.1. A child travelling without parents or with one parent must have the necessary consent of the absent parent, or both parents if both are absent, or an applicable replacement document. Where notarisation is required, carry the original and required copies. Specific rules and lawful exceptions must be checked in advance.

1.3.2. Translations, legalisation or further declarations are required where the countries on the route require them, including transit through Croatia.

1.4. A European Health Insurance Card, where applicable, does not replace travel medical insurance.

1.5. Visa requirements are covered in section 4.

1.6. The package travel contract is supplied on a durable medium; when signed in person, each party receives one of two copies.

1.7. Vouchers and other service documents are supplied in good time before travel, after amounts due have been paid. Paper vouchers are issued in three copies unless issued electronically.

1.8. Insurance is covered in section 9. Travellers must provide required personal documents and accurate information. This does not release the operator from its statutory information and assistance duties.

2. Booking period and contract

Travel may be requested from one year to one day before departure, subject to the programme, availability and supplier deadlines. Confirmation requires the relevant information and a deposit or full payment, depending on the departure date. An inquiry alone is not a confirmed booking.

3. Prices, payment methods and deadlines

3.1. Each programme specifies included and excluded services. Prices include VAT due under the applicable tax rules.

3.2. A contract price may change only where the contract expressly permits it and specifies the calculation method, following changes to transport costs caused by fuel or energy prices, third-party taxes and charges, or relevant exchange rates. The operator provides justification and calculations on a durable medium no later than 20 days before the start. An increase above 8% permits termination without a fee. Travellers are entitled to a reduction if the relevant costs fall. Other statutory rights remain regardless of the percentage increase.

3.3. Payment may be made in cash within current legal limits, by card or by bank transfer. Contracts or linked payments reaching the statutory threshold must be paid through a payment account. Payment and fiscal documents are issued as required by law.

3.4. Unless the programme states otherwise, instalment arrangements are as follows. Overdue payment may lead to cancellation after notification, with consequences governed by the contract and law.

3.4.1. Coach programmes in Central, Western and Northern Europe and the Mediterranean: 30% deposit; balance no later than 14 days before departure.

3.4.2. Coach programmes in the Balkans and Asia: 30% deposit no later than 14 days before departure; balance no later than 9 days before departure.

3.4.3. Coach programmes covering Easter, 1 May, 6 May, 24 May, 6 September, 22 September, Christmas or New Year: 30% deposit no later than 31 days before departure; balance no later than 15 days before departure.

3.5. A TOP or promotional price applies only to its stated dates, period and conditions.

3.6. Refunds due after cancellation are made within 10 days of termination through the original payment method, unless another lawful method is expressly agreed. No waiver of statutory rights is required.

3.7. Tips for drivers, local guides and hotel porters are customary in some countries, usually EUR 1–5 per traveller per day. Mandatory payments are listed separately in the programme.

4. Visas and health requirements

4.1. Pre-contract information sets out applicable passport, visa and health requirements. Rules for Bulgarian nationals do not automatically apply to other nationalities. Consular authorities decide visa applications and may require further documents. Submission does not guarantee a visa. A refusal is handled under lawful cancellation terms and any applicable insurance.

4.2. Other nationals must inform the operator and check requirements with the relevant consular authorities. The operator supplies the information required by law.

4.3. Specific health requirements are communicated before the contract or following changes. Absence of a statement in the programme does not mean that no health requirements exist.

5. Hotels

The programme specifies accommodation type and category. Local ratings from 1 to 5 stars may differ between countries. Television, air conditioning and other facilities vary; supplements are clarified in advance.

Usual check-in is after 14:00 and check-out by 11:00, unless the hotel states otherwise. Early check-in depends on availability. Hotel changes must respect agreed characteristics and statutory rights relating to significant changes.

5.1. Travellers requesting sole occupancy pay the stated single-room supplement.

5.2. A third bed may be an extra or folding bed or a sofa bed, reducing available space. It is recommended for children up to 12; the arrangement is clarified for the selected hotel.

5.3. Valuables, money and documents should be kept securely. Recovery and delivery of forgotten belongings are at the traveller’s cost unless the law provides otherwise.

6. Transport and luggage

6.1. Coach programmes use touring vehicles operated by licensed carriers.

6.2. Transfers from additional towns are available under the stated programme conditions, normally requested at least 21 days before departure unless otherwise agreed.

6.3. Coach seats are assigned in booking order. Where selection of a second- or third-row seat is offered, the supplement is approximately 5% of the basic price; the exact amount is confirmed beforehand.

6.4. The usual coach allowance is 20 kg of hold luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. The specific carrier’s and vehicle’s limits prevail and are communicated in advance. Luggage should be packed compactly.

7. Departure and arrival points

7.1. Departure towns, times and locations are stated in the programme and contract.

7.2. Return towns and locations are agreed when booking. Technical restrictions, demonstrations or strikes may require a change, with timely notification. Travellers must provide an up-to-date contact number.

8. Timing

Times are local. Arrival times are estimates. Delays may arise for reasons outside the parties’ control; their consequences are assessed under the law and do not automatically exclude travellers’ rights.

9. Insurance

9.1. For applicable foreign trips, Euroins Travel Assistance insurance is arranged for Bulgarian citizens and eligible foreign nationals temporarily resident in Bulgaria. The stated basic cover is EUR 2,000 and is not included in the price unless the programme says otherwise. Limits, premium, age restrictions and insured risks are confirmed by the policy and full conditions supplied with the booking.

Exclusions may concern dental treatment, chronic conditions, pregnancy, complications and other risks as specified by the policy. Travel during pregnancy requires written medical confirmation of fitness to travel. Bulgarian programmes do not include this insurance unless expressly stated.

9.2. Global Consult BG EOOD holds Tour Operator Liability insurance under Article 97 of the Tourism Act: policy No. 13052610000333/12.05.2026 with Lev Ins AD, valid until 31 May 2027. Contact: Sofia, 67A Simeonovsko Shose Boulevard; +359 2 404 94 92; 0800 15 333; info@lev-ins.com; https://www.lev-ins.com/.

9.3. Trip Cancellation insurance is optional and requested within 5 days of the contract and first payment, where permitted by the selected policy. Cover may include cancelled, missed, shortened or interrupted travel and delayed or cancelled flights arising from unforeseen medical or non-medical causes. Only insured risks and non-refundable costs are reimbursed under the policy; reimbursement is not automatic for every cancellation.

10. Special requirements

Accessibility, limited mobility, dietary requirements and other significant needs must be notified in writing before booking; later changes should be reported as early as possible. The operator confirms accepted requests. Extra costs are agreed beforehand. Rights under Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 and applicable accessibility rules remain.

11. Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances

These are circumstances beyond a party’s control whose consequences could not have been avoided even with all reasonable measures. Depending on the case, they may include severe natural events, disasters, armed conflict, major restrictions or strikes.

Road and border delays, changed opening hours, public holidays, public events and vehicle breakdowns do not automatically qualify. Itinerary order may be changed or alternatives offered while preserving statutory information, assistance, return and refund rights.

12. Minimum participant numbers

The minimum for standard group coach programmes is 34 booked travellers unless the programme specifies otherwise. This does not automatically apply to private or individual journeys.

Where numbers are insufficient, the operator may terminate and refund all payments without additional compensation if notification meets the contract deadline and occurs no later than 20 days before trips exceeding 6 days; 7 days before trips lasting 2–6 days; or 48 hours before trips under 2 days. These rules also apply to additional coaches. Refunds are not conditional on waiving rights or attending an office in person.

13. Price validity

Catalogue and online prices apply to stated periods and conditions. Advertised prices apply to contracts signed by 31 December of the current year, within the offer’s specific period and conditions. The contract confirms the price. Pre-contract information forms part of the agreement where required by law; changes are expressly agreed on a durable medium.

14. Government and tourist taxes

Government, port, airport and local tourist charges payable at the destination are described in the programme and pre-contract information. Their amount or the basis of the extra charge is stated where it cannot reasonably be calculated beforehand.

New or increased charges after the contract are governed by section 3.2 and the law. Undisclosed supplements are not payable where prohibited by law. Accommodation taxes are paid at hotel reception where agreed in advance.

15. Discounts

Programme-specific discounts apply; travellers choose one unless combining them is expressly permitted.

15.1. Members of the Bulgarian Association for Recreation and Tourism (BART) receive 3–10%, depending on the programme.

15.2. For 12 fully paying travellers on an eligible coach programme, the thirteenth pays no basic travel price. Other discounts do not combine with promotional prices unless stated otherwise.

16. Changes, withdrawal and cancellation

16.1. Requests must be made in writing on a durable medium to the booking office or info@globaltour.bg. Coach programmes offer contractual free cancellation until 10:00 on the operator’s first working day after the contract, except bookings made within the last 9 days before departure. This extra concession does not restrict statutory grounds for cancellation without a fee.

A traveller’s requested change of date or destination is treated as cancellation and a new booking unless otherwise agreed. Missing or inaccurate documents, failure to attend departure or a mandatory consular interview may lead to termination; any fee must be justifiable under the law.

16.2. Where a cancellation fee is due, the standard scale is: from the day after booking until 60 days before departure, 10% of the basic price; 59–45 days, 30% of the basic price; 44–15 days, 50% of the total price; 14 days until departure, 100% of the total price.

For Easter, 1 May, 6 May, 6 September, 22 September, Christmas and New Year: until 31 days before departure, 30% of the programme price plus actual non-refundable costs of requested extras; 30–15 days, 50% of the programme price plus those costs; 14 days until departure, 100% of the total price.

Fees apply only where appropriate and justifiable, taking account of saved costs and income from alternative provision. Justification is supplied on request. They do not apply where the law allows termination without a fee, including significant changes or unavoidable extraordinary circumstances substantially affecting the package or transport to the destination.

16.3. The contract may be transferred to someone meeting its requirements with reasonable notice on a durable medium; notice at least 7 days before the start is considered reasonable. Transfers until 61 days before departure incur no administrative fee. For later transfers, the stated administrative fee of up to 5% cannot exceed actual evidenced costs. Accommodation changes depend on availability and actual costs and are not automatically treated as cancellation. The original and replacement traveller are jointly liable for the balance and applicable transfer costs.

17. Traveller conduct

17.1. Before travel, a booking may be terminated for a substantiated safety risk or serious harm to other travellers, staff or partners, with notification and repayment of the amount paid, in accordance with the law.

17.2. Travellers must respect local laws, customs and safety instructions. Dangerous conduct, violence, serious breaches, alcohol or drug intoxication may require refusal of services or removal. Circumstances are documented with a report and witnesses; consequences follow the contract and law. Travellers are responsible for proven damage they cause.

17.3. Late travellers may not be awaited where this jeopardises the group’s programme. They must promptly notify the guide of a deviation or inability to meet the time. Services unused through the traveller’s fault are normally not refunded unless the law provides otherwise.

18. Physical and health condition

Trips involving physical exertion may require medical confirmation. Allergies and significant health needs must be recorded in writing; accepted requests are confirmed in writing. If a request cannot be fulfilled, the parties discuss an alternative or fee-free termination where the law allows. Pregnancy requires written medical confirmation for the specific trip.

19. Programme changes

Visit order may change for organisational reasons, weather, circumstances or transport schedules. Minor changes are communicated on a durable medium where required by law. Significant changes trigger statutory rights to accept, take an alternative, obtain a price reduction or terminate without a fee.

20. Liability and complaints

The operator is responsible for all included package services, whether supplied by it or another provider. Independently purchased services outside the package are governed by their supplier’s terms, without excluding any liability imposed on the operator by law.

Travellers must report non-conformity without undue delay to the guide, local representative or operator. The report is documented with its date and details. The operator assists with remedy, suitable alternatives, price reduction, return or compensation where applicable. Changes to flights or other transport do not automatically remove package liability or passenger rights.

Required assistance is provided for lost belongings or documents, illness or other difficulties. Personal expenses and damage attributable to the traveller are assessed case by case under the law. Medical insurance is not a general cap on the operator’s liability. Extraordinary circumstances do not automatically remove every duty.

Written complaints are recommended within 14 days of discovering the issue, with the contract, description and available evidence, to info@globaltour.bg or the booking office. This administrative period does not extinguish statutory claims. A reply is provided within 30 days of receipt. Claims under Article 91 of the Tourism Act are subject to its two-year limitation period; other rights follow applicable statutory time limits.

21. Attachments

1. The applicable standard information form under Article 82 of the Tourism Act: Annex No. 1 where hyperlinks can be used, or Annex No. 2 in other cases.
2. A form containing necessary traveller details.
3. Full medical travel insurance conditions where insurance is purchased.
4. The Lev Ins AD Tour Operator Liability insurance certificate.

Supply and receipt of documents are recorded when the contract is made or within the statutory period. Publication of this page is not a traveller’s signature or declaration that the documents have already been received.

22. Transitional and final provisions

1. Paper contracts are made in two identical copies, one per party; another durable medium may be used as permitted by law.
2. Time limits are calculated under applicable legal rules.
3. The programme, agreed services and pre-contract information form part of the contract as required by law.
4. Correspondence uses the traveller’s stated postal and email addresses; changes must be notified promptly.
5. Familiarisation with the programme, health requirements and insurance documents is recorded when they have actually been supplied.
6. Both parties arrange correspondence through agreed contacts. Proof of notification and receipt follows the applicable law and not merely the fact of sending.
7. Personal data is processed for bookings, service performance and applicable legal obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Providers receive only necessary data. Data protection, website use and cookie information: https://www.globaltour.bg/.
8. Extras must be requested at least 7 full working days before departure, subject to availability, unless otherwise agreed.

Effective from 12 October 2026. These terms do not retroactively change existing contracts. Mandatory law prevails in any conflict.

Official legal information: https://www.tourism.government.bg/bg/kategorii/zakoni/zakon-za-turizma https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32015L2302 Current country-specific travel requirements: https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassyinfo