REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

We understand that plans change. Here’s everything you need to know about our cancellation and refund policy – written plainly, with no surprises.

Cancellation Timelines

Notice Given Before Arrival Refund You’ll Receive
60 days or more Full refund, less a 10% administrative fee
30 – 59 days 50% refund
Under 30 days No refund

 

The Booking Deposit

When you confirm your journey with us, a 20% deposit is required to secure your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances, because the moment your booking is confirmed, we begin working – arranging expert guides, securing accommodation, and reserving permits that cannot always be retrieved once made. We believe in being upfront about this from day one.

No-Shows & Early Departures

If you do not arrive for your tour, or choose to leave early once your journey has begun, we are unable to offer a refund for any unused portion of the trip. We strongly encourage getting in touch with us as early as possible if your circumstances change – we will always do our best to find a solution.

Force Majeure

In the event of circumstances entirely beyond anyone’s control – natural disasters, political instability, or similar extraordinary events – we are unable to offer direct refunds. In these situations, we will promptly provide you with full documentation to support a claim through your travel insurance provider. This is one of the most important reasons why we require comprehensive travel insurance for every booking.

Partial Refunds for Provider Cancellations

If a specific activity or experience within your itinerary is cancelled by the provider (for example, a particular park entrance or reserve is closed), we will arrange a pro-rata refund for that element. Please note that this applies to the specific cancelled component only – not to the overall tour cost once your journey is underway.

Prefer to Reschedule?

Life happens, and we would always rather help you experience your journey at a better time than lose it entirely. We actively encourage rescheduling. Any credit from a rescheduled booking will be held for 12 months from your original travel date, and can be applied to a future journey. Please note that seasonal pricing differences may apply.

To discuss a cancellation or rescheduling, please contact us at info@liviaceylontours.com as soon as possible.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

These terms exist to make sure your experience with Livia Ceylon Tours is safe, enjoyable, and fair for everyone – including the wildlife and communities we visit.

What We Do

Livia Ceylon Tours designs and operates bespoke, expert-led tours across Sri Lanka, specialising in birdwatching and wildlife photography, wilderness and nature experiences, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion journeys. Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted and personally guided.

Who Can Travel With Us

We welcome travellers of all backgrounds and experience levels, with a couple of important notes:

  • A minimum age of 12 applies to certain wildlife photography treks, due to the pace and nature of the terrain involved.
  • Guests should be in good general health for itineraries that include high-altitude regions such as Horton Plains National Park. If you have any health conditions that may be relevant, please disclose these at the time of booking so we can advise appropriately.

A Note on Wildlife

Our guides are among the most knowledgeable in Sri Lanka – the majority are members of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS). We will always give you the very best chance of extraordinary encounters.

However, we ask that all guests understand: wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Whether it is the elusive Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, a Sri Lanka Leopard, or a breeding pair of endemic birds, the natural world moves on its own terms. This is, in many ways, exactly what makes it worth seeking.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing

Livia Ceylon Tours is built on a deep respect for the natural environments we operate in. All guests are expected to uphold our standards at all times:

  • Leave No Trace – we ask that nothing is left behind in any natural area, and nothing is taken from it.
  • No flash photography in the presence of wildlife.
  • Maintain appropriate distances from all animals and birds at all times.
  • Follow guide instructions immediately and without question in wildlife areas – this is for your safety and the animals’ wellbeing.

These are not suggestions. Guests who are unable or unwilling to follow these protocols may be asked to withdraw from an activity.

Liability & Travel Insurance

Livia Ceylon Tours acts as an organising agent for third-party services including hotels, transport providers, and permit authorities. While we select every partner with exceptional care, we are not liable for personal injury, illness, loss or damage to personal property, or any experience that falls outside our direct operational control.

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory condition of booking with us. Your policy must cover medical evacuation, cancellation, and personal liability. If you have any questions about what level of cover is appropriate for your itinerary, we are happy to advise.

Our Commitment to Conservation

A portion of every booking fee is directed toward the conservation of the Columba livia and other vulnerable species across Sri Lanka. When you travel with Livia Ceylon Tours, your journey actively supports the regeneration of the very landscapes and wildlife you have come to experience. We call this our Regenerative Impact commitment – it is not a marketing footnote, it is central to who we are.

PRIVACY POLICY

We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains clearly what information we collect, why we collect it, and exactly how it is protected.

What Information We Collect

To plan and deliver your experience properly, we may collect the following:

  • Full name and contact details (email address, phone number)
  • Passport details – required for certain park permit applications made on your behalf
  • Dietary requirements and food preferences
  • Physical fitness levels and relevant health information – for itinerary planning in more demanding terrain

We collect only what we genuinely need. We will never ask for information that isn’t relevant to your journey.

How We Collect It

Your information is collected through two primary channels:

  1. Our secure website inquiry forms at www.liviaceylontours.com
  2. Direct email consultation with our travel team

How We Store & Protect Your Data

All client data is stored on encrypted cloud servers with access restricted to authorised Livia Ceylon Tours travel consultants only. We do not use unprotected devices, shared platforms, or third-party storage services for any sensitive client information.

Who We Share It With

Your information is shared only where operationally necessary to deliver your journey:

  • Accommodation partners – hotels and lodges require guest details for reservations
  • The Department of Wildlife Conservation – for national park and reserve permit applications made on your behalf

We do not sell, rent, lease, or share your personal information with any third-party marketers, data brokers, or commercial partners. Ever.

Your Rights

You are in full control of your data at any time. You may contact us to:

  • Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
  • Correct any information that is inaccurate
  • Request permanent deletion of your data from our records

To exercise any of these rights, simply email us at info@liviaceylontours.com and we will respond promptly.

A Final Note

Privacy, like the natural environments we operate in, is something we feel a genuine responsibility to protect. Your trust is not taken lightly – and the way we handle your information reflects the same care and integrity we bring to every single journey we design.

Last updated: 2026 Livia Ceylon Tours