Payment & Cancellation Policy

Gem Explore Egypt

Last Updated: October 12, 2026

At Gem Explore Egypt, we believe that clear payment terms and transparent cancellation policies are essential to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Our goal is to ensure that every guest understands how bookings are confirmed, how payments are processed, and what happens if travel plans change.

This Payment & Cancellation Policy applies to private tours, day trips, shore excursions, multi-day Egypt travel packages, Nile cruises, domestic flight arrangements, customized itineraries, transfers, and other services booked directly through Gem Explore Egypt.

By confirming a booking and making a deposit or payment, guests acknowledge that they have read and accepted this policy, together with the confirmed quotation, itinerary, invoice, and any specific conditions communicated before booking confirmation.

1. Booking Confirmation

A booking is considered confirmed when the following requirements have been completed:

• The guest has approved the final itinerary, quotation, travel dates, inclusions, exclusions, and any applicable special conditions.
• Gem Explore Egypt has received the required deposit or agreed payment.
• Written booking confirmation has been issued by Gem Explore Egypt through email, an official invoice, or another authorized written communication channel.

Once a booking is confirmed, we begin arranging the services included in the itinerary. These may include tour guides, private air-conditioned vehicles, drivers, hotel accommodations, Nile cruises, domestic flights, restaurant reservations, admission tickets, permits, and other agreed arrangements.

A quotation or preliminary discussion does not guarantee availability or secure a price. Availability and applicable rates are confirmed in writing after the required payment and booking confirmation, subject to supplier availability.

2. Deposit Requirements

The deposit amount depends on the type of service, travel dates, number of guests, supplier requirements, and arrangements included in the booking.

The exact deposit requirement will be stated in the quotation or invoice before payment.

2.1. Egypt Travel Packages

Multi-day travel packages may require a deposit, commonly around 25% of the total booking value, or another amount specified in the confirmed quotation.

A higher deposit may be required when the package includes hotels, Nile cruises, domestic flights, peak-season arrangements, or services requiring advance payment.

2.2. Private Day Tours and Overland Tours

Private day tours and overland excursions may require a deposit to secure the guide, vehicle, admission arrangements, and other services.

The required amount and payment deadline will be communicated before confirmation.

2.3. Shore Excursions

Shore excursions may require an advance deposit to secure transportation, guiding services, port arrangements, permits, and other included services.

2.4. Tours Including Domestic Flights

Bookings that include domestic flights must be paid according to the applicable airline ticketing deadlines. Full payment for the flight component may be required before tickets are issued.

Once issued, flight tickets are subject to the airline’s fare conditions and may be non-refundable or subject to cancellation or amendment fees.

2.5. Luxury, Peak-Season, Group, and Special-Arrangement Bookings

Bookings involving luxury accommodation, Christmas, New Year, Easter, large groups, special events, or high-demand travel dates may require a higher deposit or full advance payment for particular services.

Any special payment requirements will be communicated before confirmation.

3. Final Payment

The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment schedule stated in the confirmed quotation or invoice.

Depending on the booking, accepted arrangements may include:

• Payment before arrival through an approved secure payment link.
• Card payment through an authorized payment gateway.
• Bank transfer, where available and approved.
• Cash payment upon arrival, only when agreed in writing in advance.

If the balance is not paid by the agreed deadline, Gem Explore Egypt may need to suspend arrangements, release supplier reservations, or cancel services in accordance with the applicable booking terms.

Any consequences of late payment will be communicated to the guest whenever reasonably possible.

4. Accepted Payment Methods

Gem Explore Egypt accepts the payment methods specifically made available or approved for the relevant booking. These may include:

• Secure online payment links.
• Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards.
• Bank transfers, where available and approved.
• Cash payments, where agreed in writing.
• Other payment methods expressly approved by Gem Explore Egypt.

For your security, never send complete card numbers, CVV codes, PINs, or other sensitive payment credentials through email, WhatsApp, or social media.

Online card payments must be completed through the secure payment link or authorized payment gateway provided for your booking.

5. Bank Fees, Card Fees, and Currency

Prices are quoted in the currency stated in the quotation, invoice, or booking confirmation.

Any applicable bank transfer charges, intermediary bank fees, currency conversion costs, or payment processing fees will be communicated before payment whenever applicable. Responsibility for these charges will be determined by the agreed payment terms and applicable law.

Where payment is made in a currency different from the quoted currency, the final amount may vary according to the exchange rate applied by the bank, card issuer, or payment gateway.

Guests should review the payment amount and any applicable fees before completing a transaction.

6. Price Stability

Once a booking has been confirmed in writing and the required payment has been received, the agreed price remains valid for the services and arrangements specifically confirmed in the booking.

The confirmed price may be affected by:

• Changes requested by the guest after confirmation.
• Hotel, cruise, or room-category upgrades.
• Additional tours, tickets, meals, transfers, or other optional services.
• Airline fare changes before tickets are issued.
• Government-imposed fee or tax changes, where legally applicable.
• Supplier changes or additional costs beyond our reasonable control.
• Currency fluctuations affecting services that have not yet been priced or confirmed.
• Services not included in the original confirmed itinerary.

Any necessary price adjustment will be explained to the guest before the additional charge is applied, except where an applicable third-party payment or legal requirement dictates otherwise.

7. Amendments Requested by the Guest

We understand that travel plans can change. Guests may request modifications to confirmed bookings, including travel dates, hotel categories, room arrangements, passenger numbers, flights, cruise schedules, activities, or tour itineraries.

All amendment requests must be submitted in writing.

Gem Explore Egypt will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests, subject to availability, supplier approval, airline and hotel conditions, operational feasibility, and local restrictions.

Additional charges may apply when amendments result in higher supplier costs, rebooking fees, revised transportation arrangements, or other expenses.

A requested amendment is not confirmed until Gem Explore Egypt provides written approval.

8. Non-Refundable Supplier Costs

Certain services may become non-refundable or subject to cancellation penalties after confirmation or payment.

These may include:

• Domestic or international flight tickets.
• Hotel reservations.
• Nile cruise cabins.
• Train tickets.
• Attraction admission tickets and special permits.
• Peak-season arrangements.
• Special events and private access arrangements.
• Group bookings and prepaid services.
• Last-minute reservations and other supplier-specific arrangements.

Where a cancellation or amendment results in non-refundable supplier costs, those costs may be deducted from any otherwise eligible refund, subject to the applicable cancellation terms and law.

9. Cancellation by the Guest

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing through an official Gem Explore Egypt communication channel.

The cancellation date is the date on which Gem Explore Egypt receives the written request. Requests received outside normal business hours may be processed on the next business day, where applicable.

Cancellation charges depend on the type of booking, the time remaining before the scheduled service, supplier conditions, and any specific terms agreed in writing.

9.1. Private Day Tours Without Flights or Accommodation Packages

For eligible private day tours that do not include domestic flights or non-refundable accommodation arrangements:

• 48 hours or more before the tour: A 100% refund of the amount paid for the eligible tour services.
• Less than 48 hours before the tour: Cancellation may be subject to charges of up to 100% of the booking value, depending on the confirmed booking terms and costs already committed.
• No-show: No refund will normally be provided for the missed service.

Any non-refundable tickets, prepaid services, or special arrangements will be handled according to their applicable conditions.

9.2. Multi-Day Packages and Bookings Including Flights

Unless a different cancellation schedule has been expressly stated in the confirmed quotation or invoice, the following standard schedule applies to eligible packages:

Cancellation timing Cancellation charge
61 days or more before arrival No cancellation charge, subject to non-refundable supplier costs
60–30 days before arrival 20% of the total booking value
29–15 days before arrival 50% of the total booking value
14–7 days before arrival 75% of the total booking value
6 days or fewer before arrival 100% of the total booking value
No-show 100% of the total booking value

These charges are subject to the specific conditions disclosed before confirmation and any applicable non-refundable supplier costs.

Flight tickets, Nile cruise reservations, special events, peak-season arrangements, and other prepaid services may have separate cancellation conditions. Where those costs exceed the amount otherwise recoverable under the standard schedule, the applicable supplier terms and the agreed booking conditions will be reviewed when calculating any refund.

9.3. Special Cancellation Conditions

Some bookings may require different cancellation terms because of airline restrictions, supplier contracts, seasonal demand, special events, or customized arrangements.

Any such conditions must be communicated to the guest before the booking is confirmed.

The applicable cancellation conditions stated in the confirmed quotation or invoice will govern the specific booking, subject to applicable law.

10. No-Show Policy

A no-show occurs when a guest fails to arrive at the agreed meeting point, misses a confirmed service, or does not join the scheduled tour without providing timely notice.

No-shows may include missed airport transfers, private tours, domestic flights, cruise departures, hotel reservations, shore excursions, train journeys, or prepaid activities.

In such circumstances, the missed service will generally be non-refundable, subject to the confirmed booking terms and any applicable supplier conditions.

If you anticipate being late, please contact Gem Explore Egypt as soon as possible. We will make reasonable efforts to assist, but changes may involve additional costs or may not be operationally possible.

11. Late Arrivals, Missed Flights, and Travel Delays

Guests are responsible for providing accurate flight details and notifying Gem Explore Egypt promptly of delays, cancellations, missed connections, or changes to arrival times.

We will make reasonable efforts to adjust arrangements where possible.

However, additional charges may apply for extended guide or driver waiting times, replacement transfers, new flight tickets, revised hotel arrangements, or other services affected by the delay.

If a guest misses a domestic flight, train, cruise departure, or scheduled tour due to a personal delay or late arrival, Gem Explore Egypt can assist with alternative arrangements where possible. The cost of replacement services will be communicated to the guest.

12. Refund Policy

Approved refunds will normally be returned through the original payment method whenever reasonably possible and permitted by the payment provider.

Refund eligibility and the amount payable depend on:

• The applicable cancellation policy.
• Supplier refund conditions.
• Non-refundable costs already incurred.
• Applicable bank and payment gateway procedures.
• Currency conversion and transfer costs, where applicable.

Refund processing times vary according to the bank, card issuer, payment gateway, supplier, and international payment procedures. Gem Explore Egypt cannot guarantee the processing time of third-party financial institutions.

Once a tour or package has started, unused services are generally non-refundable unless an exception is approved in writing by Gem Explore Egypt and, where required, the relevant supplier.

This may include unused hotel nights, missed meals, unused transfers, missed visits, or early departure.

Nothing in this policy removes any refund rights that cannot legally be excluded.

13. Postponement and Travel Credit

Guests may request to postpone a booking to a later date. All postponement requests must be submitted in writing and are subject to availability, supplier approval, revised travel dates, price differences, and the applicable booking conditions.

Airline, hotel, Nile cruise, seasonal, and other supplier charges may apply.

If a postponement is approved, amounts already paid may be transferred toward the new booking after deducting applicable non-refundable costs and amendment fees.

If the postponed booking is subsequently cancelled, the applicable cancellation policy and supplier conditions will determine any refund.

A postponement or travel credit is not confirmed until approved in writing by Gem Explore Egypt.

14. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

If a guest has a concern regarding a payment, cancellation, refund, or service delivery, we encourage them to contact Gem Explore Egypt directly so that the matter can be investigated and resolved professionally.

Where a payment dispute or chargeback is initiated, Gem Explore Egypt may provide relevant supporting documentation to the bank, payment processor, or card issuer. This documentation may include:

• Booking confirmations and invoices.
• The approved itinerary and quotation.
• Payment records.
• Written communications with the guest.
• Supplier confirmations.
• Evidence of service delivery or services made available.
• Acceptance of the applicable terms.
• Cancellation calculations and refund records.

Where legally permitted, Gem Explore Egypt reserves the right to seek recovery of legitimate losses and dispute-related costs resulting from an unjustified chargeback.

Nothing in this section restricts a guest’s lawful right to dispute an unauthorized transaction or exercise any consumer rights available under applicable law.

15. Travel Insurance

Gem Explore Egypt strongly recommends that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure.

Where available, coverage should include trip cancellation, medical emergencies, travel delays, missed connections, baggage loss, personal accidents, emergency evacuation, and unexpected travel disruptions.

Guests should review the policy carefully to understand the covered events, exclusions, deductibles, and claim requirements.

Gem Explore Egypt is not responsible for losses that would otherwise be covered by an insurance policy purchased by the guest, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

16. Passports, Visas, and Travel Documents

Guests are responsible for ensuring that they hold valid passports, visas, permits, and other travel documents required for entry into Egypt and any additional destination included in their itinerary.

Passport validity requirements and visa rules may vary according to nationality and travel circumstances. Guests should verify the latest requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, airline, or official authority before departure.

Gem Explore Egypt may provide general travel guidance, but the final responsibility for obtaining valid travel documents remains with the guest.

Refunds for denied boarding, denied entry, or inability to travel due to invalid, expired, incomplete, or incorrect documents are subject to the applicable cancellation policy and supplier conditions.

17. Health, Mobility, and Special Requirements

Guests should inform Gem Explore Egypt before confirmation of any relevant mobility limitations, allergies, dietary requirements, medical needs, pregnancy-related considerations, or requests for special assistance that may affect the itinerary.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed requirements, subject to availability, site accessibility, supplier capabilities, local conditions, and operational feasibility.

Some historical sites in Egypt involve extensive walking, uneven surfaces, stairs, heat exposure, crowds, or restricted accessibility.

Guests are encouraged to review the itinerary carefully and discuss any concerns before confirming their booking.

18. Children, Senior Travelers, and Guests Requiring Additional Assistance

Gem Explore Egypt welcomes families, senior travelers, and guests who may require additional assistance or a more relaxed sightseeing schedule.

Guests should communicate any relevant requirements in advance so that suitable arrangements can be considered.

Depending on availability, adjustments may be possible to the itinerary, transportation, accommodation, activity schedule, or pace of the tour.

Failure to disclose important requirements before confirmation may limit our ability to accommodate them later.

19. Changes Made by Gem Explore Egypt

Gem Explore Egypt makes reasonable efforts to deliver all services as confirmed. However, changes may occasionally be necessary due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

These circumstances may include:

• Domestic flight schedule changes.
• Nile cruise schedule or navigation changes.
• Hotel or supplier availability.
• Road conditions and traffic restrictions.
• Weather conditions or security requirements.
• Government decisions or new regulations.
• Attraction closures or changes to opening hours.
• Operational disruptions or force majeure events.

Where a change is necessary, Gem Explore Egypt will make reasonable efforts to arrange a suitable alternative while preserving the main sightseeing experiences and overall value of the confirmed itinerary wherever possible.

Any material change and its potential additional costs will be communicated to the guest as soon as reasonably practicable.

20. Domestic Flights and Nile Cruise Schedules

Domestic flights and Nile cruise schedules are subject to airline and cruise operator operations, availability, weather, navigation conditions, and local regulations.

The sequence of sightseeing activities may be adjusted to accommodate flight schedules, cruise departures, attraction opening hours, road conditions, or operational requirements.

Gem Explore Egypt will make reasonable efforts to preserve the visits included in the confirmed itinerary. If a significant change is necessary, we will communicate the available alternatives.

21. Hotels, Nile Cruises, and Accommodation

Hotels and Nile cruises listed in quotations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.

If a selected hotel or cruise becomes unavailable, Gem Explore Egypt may propose an alternative of comparable category, location, and service level, subject to availability and the applicable booking terms.

Hotel classifications and service standards in Egypt may differ from those in other countries.

Any material upgrade, downgrade, or price difference will be communicated to the guest for resolution in accordance with the confirmed booking terms and applicable law.

22. Meals and Beverages

Meals are included only when expressly stated in the confirmed itinerary or quotation.

Unless specifically included, beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices, tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, and beverages served aboard Nile cruises are not included.

Guests may communicate dietary requirements before travel. Gem Explore Egypt will pass these requests to restaurants, hotels, or cruise operators where possible, but special meals remain subject to supplier availability and capability.

23. Optional Tours and Additional Services

Optional tours, additional tickets, upgrades, extra meals, room upgrades, guide extensions, additional transfers, special events, and other services not listed as inclusions in the confirmed itinerary will be charged separately.

Optional services are subject to availability and may require advance booking or payment.

No optional service should be considered included unless it is expressly confirmed in writing.

24. Group Bookings

Group bookings may be subject to special payment, amendment, and cancellation conditions depending on group size, hotel allocations, flight arrangements, transportation, cruise reservations, restaurant bookings, and seasonal demand.

Deposits and payments for group arrangements may be partially or fully non-refundable where supplier agreements require this, provided the applicable conditions have been communicated before confirmation.

Group bookings may also require passport information, flight details, rooming lists, or other information by specified deadlines.

25. Third-Party Payments

Where a booking is paid for by someone other than the traveler, Gem Explore Egypt may request additional verification to protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions.

We reserve the right to delay confirmation or request further documentation where a payment appears suspicious, incomplete, inconsistent, or unrelated to the booking details.

Any verification will be handled in accordance with applicable requirements and reasonable security practices.

26. Fraud Prevention and Secure Transactions

Gem Explore Egypt may verify guest identity, billing information, payment details, and booking information where reasonably necessary to protect guests, suppliers, and the company.

Guests must complete online payments only through authorized payment channels.

We will not ask guests to transmit full payment card numbers, CVV codes, PINs, or other sensitive card credentials through ordinary email, WhatsApp, or social media messages.

If you receive a suspicious payment request claiming to be from Gem Explore Egypt, please verify it with us through our official communication channels before making payment.

27. Force Majeure

Gem Explore Egypt shall not be responsible for failure, delay, interruption, or changes caused by events beyond its reasonable control, subject to applicable law.

Such events may include natural disasters, severe weather, war, civil unrest, terrorism, government restrictions, epidemics, pandemics, airline disruption, airport or road closures, cruise navigation restrictions, strikes, supplier failures, or unexpected attraction closures.

In these circumstances, Gem Explore Egypt will make reasonable efforts to assist guests and rearrange services where possible.

Additional costs arising from alternative arrangements may be payable by the guest where permitted by the applicable booking terms and law. Refunds, credits, and cancellations will be handled in accordance with the relevant supplier conditions and applicable legal requirements.

28. Limitation of Responsibility

Gem Explore Egypt arranges tourism services in Egypt, including private tours, transportation, guides, accommodation, Nile cruises, domestic flights, restaurants, and other travel-related services.

We undertake to arrange confirmed services with reasonable care and professionalism.

Where services are delivered by independent third-party suppliers, their specific terms and operational conditions may apply. Gem Explore Egypt will make reasonable efforts to assist guests in addressing supplier-related concerns.

Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any responsibility or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.

29. Guest Conduct

Guests are expected to behave respectfully toward guides, drivers, hotel and cruise staff, restaurant employees, local communities, and other travelers.

Gem Explore Egypt reserves the right to take appropriate action, including refusing or ending participation in a service, where a guest’s behavior presents a serious safety risk, involves harassment or abuse, causes significant disruption, or threatens other people or property.

Any refund in such circumstances will be determined by the applicable booking terms, the circumstances of the incident, and applicable law.

30. Photography, Media, and Reviews

Guests are welcome to take photographs during their tours unless photography is prohibited or restricted by site regulations, security requirements, or local authorities.

Gem Explore Egypt values genuine guest feedback and reviews.

We may request permission to use a guest’s photographs, testimonials, reviews, or travel experiences for marketing or promotional purposes. Where consent is required, such material will be used only with the guest’s consent.

Guests are never required to provide a positive review as a condition of receiving a service or refund.

31. Acceptance of This Policy

By confirming a booking and making the required payment, the guest acknowledges acceptance of:

• The confirmed itinerary and travel dates.
• The agreed quotation and total price.
• The applicable deposit and final payment requirements.
• The cancellation and refund policy.
• The stated inclusions and exclusions.
• Any supplier-specific conditions communicated before confirmation.
• Any additional terms expressly agreed in writing for the booking.

Guests are encouraged to read this policy carefully and request clarification from Gem Explore Egypt before making payment if any provision is unclear.

Where a specific written agreement for a booking differs from this general policy, the specific terms agreed for that booking will apply to the extent permitted by applicable law.

32. Contact Gem Explore Egypt

For questions regarding payments, booking confirmation, cancellations, amendments, or refunds, please contact our team through the official communication channels listed on our website.

Website: www.gemexploregypt.com

Email: gemexploreegypt@gmail.com

Gem Explore Egypt — Discover Timeless Wonders.

We are committed to clear communication, professional service, and memorable travel experiences throughout Egypt.