Can you get your money back for a ticket to a cancelled event?
Yes — if an event is cancelled you have the right to get back what you paid for the ticket, and the common 'tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable' clause does not apply in that case. When an event does not take place or is cancelled, the ticket-holder is entitled to a refund regardless of the reason. The money is refunded by the event organiser or by the ticket seller, if the seller offers a refund service. Money paid for a service not received must be returned as soon as possible, and no later than within 14 days. The key thing people miss: this is not the same as the 14-day right of withdrawal for online purchases — for tickets to an event on a specific date that right does not apply, so you cannot get a refund just for changing your mind; the right arises precisely when the organiser cancels or reschedules. A dispute can be referred to VVTAT.
📋 The rules
- If an event is cancelled or does not take place, the holder is entitled to a refund, whatever the reason
- The money is refunded by the organiser or the seller, if the seller offers a refund service
- The refund must be made as soon as possible, no later than 14 days
- A 'tickets are non-refundable' clause does not apply when the event is cancelled
- A dispute over an unrefunded ticket can be referred to VVTAT or a court
🔓 Exceptions
- The 14-day online right of withdrawal does not cover tickets for an event on a specific date — no refund for a change of mind
- If an event is rescheduled, you are often offered to keep the ticket for the new date; you can choose a refund or the new date
- Sellers sometimes limit the refund of a booking (service) fee, but you can claim back the full ticket price
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The main thing here is not to give up when told 'no refunds'. When an event is cancelled the organiser must refund the ticket price, and delaying or refusing can lead to a consumer dispute and claims for further losses. What people miss: if the organiser or seller fails to refund within 14 days, the consumer can turn to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, which resolves disputes out of court, or go to court. In practice it is important to keep the ticket, proof of payment and correspondence — without them a claim is hard to support. If the tickets were paid by card, it is sometimes possible to start a payment dispute at the bank. If the organiser goes bankrupt the money is hardest to recover, so it is better not to delay and to file the claim at once after the cancellation.
📎 Official sources
- VVTAT · resolving consumer disputes →
- e-seimas · Civil Code and Law on Consumer Protection →
- European Consumer Centre Lithuania · tickets to events →
❓ Frequently asked
Must they refund the money for a cancelled event?
Yes, if an event is cancelled or does not take place, the ticket-holder is entitled to a refund of what they paid, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. A clause that tickets are non-refundable does not apply here, because the service paid for was not provided.
How soon is the money refunded?
Money paid for a service not received must be returned as soon as possible, but no later than within 14 days. If the organiser states a specific refund deadline, they must keep to it, and delay counts as a breach of consumer rights.
Can I return a ticket just because I changed my mind?
No, if the event is going ahead, a mere change of mind gives no right to a refund. The 14-day online right of withdrawal does not apply to tickets for an event on a specific date, so refunds are only for a cancelled or rescheduled event.
What if the organiser will not refund?
First send a written demand to the organiser or seller, attaching the ticket and proof of payment. If they refuse or do not respond, the dispute can be referred to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority or to a court.
Is the booking fee refunded too?
When an event is cancelled, the consumer is entitled to claim back the full amount paid for the ticket, although sellers sometimes try to keep the booking fee. If a dispute arises over such fees, it can also be assessed by the consumer rights authority.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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