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Emergency

Trip cancellation due to force majeure: rights and refund

If serious, unavoidable, and extraordinary circumstances occur at the destination, such as natural disasters, violent unrest, or severe health hazards, package travel law protects travelers. Then a free withdrawal is possible.

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Your chances of getting your money back

In case of unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances at the destination that significantly impair the performance of the package tour, you can withdraw free of charge before the start of the trip (§ 651h Abs. 3 BGB) and reclaim amounts already paid.
If the trip is only impaired on site by such circumstances, there are claims to remedy, reduction, and, if applicable, early return transport. Mere fears without a concrete danger, however, are not enough.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the situation

    Clarify whether concrete, significant extraordinary circumstances exist at the destination.

  2. 2

    2. Collect evidence

    Document official warnings and the situation on site.

  3. 3

    3. Declare withdrawal

    If the conditions are met, declare the free withdrawal.

  4. 4

    4. Demand a refund

    Demand the repayment of payments already made.

How to spot the scam

  • A withdrawal is based on mere fears without a concrete danger.
  • Official warnings are not documented.
  • Refund claims are not asserted in time.

Frequently asked questions

When can I withdraw free of charge due to force majeure?

If unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances occur at or near the destination that significantly impair the performance of the package tour or the transport there (§ 651h Abs. 3 BGB). Then withdrawal is possible without compensation and amounts paid are to be refunded.

Is general uncertainty enough?

No. There must be concrete, significant circumstances at the destination, not just a general unease or a distant danger. Official travel warnings and the actual situation on site are important indicators for the assessment.

What applies for purely individual bookings?

The special right of withdrawal applies to package tours. For individually booked services, the cancellation and refund rules follow the respective contracts and provider conditions. Here the protection is often weaker; check the cancellation and rebooking conditions.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.