Visas nearly sink holiday Maisha Frost
COUPLE’S dreams of a £ 10,000 cruise seemed scuppered shortly after they booked when new visa restrictions had dire consequences for their plans. John and Sandra W paid almost £ 3,000 as a deposit last November for their holiday to Russia.
Departing this autumn, they had planned to travel the country’s waterways taking in the great sights from Moscow to St Petersburg. But just a few weeks ago the couple were warned by their tour firm, river specialist Viking, of some changes to the entry rules.
Previously operators and travel agencies were able to liaise with the authorities and organise visas for those tourists who wanted time to wander around independently and not just stick to escorted tours.
But now visitors coming from the UK must hold a biometric visa and to get one they need to attend in person at a centre either in London or Edinburgh with no timed appointment slots.
The prospect of all this inconvenience took the shine off the holiday for John and Sandra, from Lancashire, who are in their 70s and prefer not to queue for long periods. “Had we known about the changes, I doubt we would have gone ahead. A visa is necessary for this kind of holiday as you need free time on shore to see as much as possible,” said John. “We shared our concerns with Viking and said we wanted to cancel but they said all they can do is offer another cruise and transfer the deposit.
“But when you are ready to pay £ 10,000 for particular destinations, substitutes just will not do. Now we have 14 days to decide.”
While John accepted the situation was outside of the company’s control, he also pointed out “from our side, the conditions we originally agreed to have changed as well”.
AVISITING interesting, off- thebeaten- track places is hugely rewarding but the downside is they can be more prone to unforeseen disruption. That is the calculated risk both travel companies and their customers have to bear in mind and keep an eye on.
We highlighted John and Sandra’s concerns to Viking, which appeared to change its approach. The couple told us they received a call from the company in which John says: “Their attitude was far more helpful.”
“We were offered a full refund, which we appreciated but my wife’s heart is set on St Petersburg. After all, who knows when we might get another chance with the situation there, so after talking it through with the Viking man, we have decided to go for the biometric visa.
“It will involve an overnight stay any time three months before the holiday. Viking has offered to help with that and we are waiting to hear what exactly. We are pleased and thank everyone for their support.”
www. vikingrivercruises. co. uk
A SKI break with family and friends in the French Alps next month is making Charles R a bit twitchy.
He has read that French and some Italian resorts ban hosts from taking groups round the slopes, only permitting accredited instructors and mountain guides to operate.
Faced with legal uncertainties, some UK tour operators are now introducing alternative support arrangements for guests after reluctantly withdrawing the popular social hosting services that take holidaymakers around, pointing out the best runs and spots. But the dispute has also thrown up insurance cover issues for the many groups of holidaymakers who go skiing together, often led by one who is more proficient or knows the mountain better.
So where do those leaders and those they are taking round stand, Charles wants to know.
AIf an accident occurs, the leader could be liable, leaving them and their group vulnerable should legal action result.
Standard travel policies, even with special extreme sports protection, will not cover this situation.
Before you go ahead and take on the leader’s role, or join a group, check that insurance is in place.
Ski insurance specialist MPI B r o k e r s n o w includes liability cover in its policy for individuals who volunteer to lead, says managing director Michael Pettifer.
“Every single skier should hold personal liability insurance up to £ 5 million in case of accidental injury to another person or damage caused to property,” he says.
“Those accepting the role of leader should not do so unless they have adequate cover.”
Email crusader@ express. co. uk WHEN a holidaymaker has already made a booking and paid a deposit, what are their rights if subsequent visa rule changes pose difficulties for them?
According to leading travel industry body ABTA, Viking has now gone over and above its legal requirement in its offers to John and Sandra. “Unless there is a change to the visa that means the holiday cannot be provided, there are no legal requirements for companies to refund a customer after changes are announced,” ABTA explains.
“The changes are not within the company’s control and the holiday itself can still go ahead. Customers wanting to cancel in a situation like this could try to claim on insurance. However, any insurer would likely want to see proof that a visa could not be obtained.”
ABTA is calling for a review of changes to visas for India. From March 16 visitors must attend a face- to- face appointment to gain one, putting particular pressure on group family visits.