Can I cancel a package holiday and get my money back?
It depends — you can cancel a package holiday at any time before departure, but you usually have to pay a termination fee, and the money is refunded in full only in certain cases. Under Article 6.750 of the Civil Code, a traveller has the right to terminate the contract before the trip by paying a reasonable termination fee that cannot exceed the price of the trip. The popular myth that "if you cancel, the money is always lost" is inaccurate. The key point people miss: no fee is due and everything is refunded if unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances arise at or near the destination (for example war or a natural disaster), if the essential terms are significantly changed, or if the price is raised by more than 8%. After termination, the organiser must refund the money paid within 14 days.
📋 The rules
- You can cancel any time before departure (Civil Code Art. 6.750)
- A reasonable termination fee usually applies, not exceeding the price of the trip
- No fee and a full refund if unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances arise at the destination
- No fee if the price is raised by more than 8% or essential terms are changed
- The organiser refunds the money paid within 14 days of termination
🔓 Exceptions
- The organiser sets the termination fee in advance in the contract by how long remains before the trip
- Separate (non-package) services, such as a flight ticket alone, are not covered by these rules
- If the organiser cancels the trip, the traveller is refunded everything paid
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The biggest mistake is thinking that cancelling a trip means getting nothing back. In fact the right to terminate before departure always exists; you just have to weigh the fee. The organiser normally applies a pre-set termination fee that grows the closer to departure you cancel, but it cannot exceed the price of the trip and must be justified. What people miss: in cases of force majeure or extraordinary circumstances (war, an epidemic, a natural disaster at the destination) no fee is due and the full amount is refunded, and the money must be returned within 14 days. If the organiser delays or refuses to refund, the traveller can turn to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT), and if the organiser becomes insolvent, its mandatory security (insurance or a guarantee) provides protection.
📎 Official sources
- e-seimas · Civil Code, Art. 6.750 (travel contract) →
- VVTAT · package travel and travellers' rights →
- e-seimas · Law on Tourism →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cancel a trip and get my money back?
Yes, you can cancel a package holiday at any time before departure, but you usually have to pay a reasonable termination fee. The full amount is refunded only in certain cases, such as extraordinary circumstances or when the organiser changes the essential terms.
When is no termination fee due?
No fee is due and all the money is refunded if unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances arise at or near the destination, such as war or a natural disaster. The same applies if the organiser significantly changes the essential terms or raises the price by more than 8 percent.
How soon is money refunded for a cancelled trip?
After a package travel contract is terminated, the organiser must refund the money paid no later than within 14 days. This deadline applies both when the traveller cancels without a fee and when the organiser itself cancels the trip.
Can the organiser keep all the money?
No, the termination fee must be justified and cannot exceed the price of the trip, so the organiser cannot keep the whole amount without a basis. The fee grows as departure approaches, but part of the money is usually refunded, and in extraordinary circumstances the full amount.
Where do I turn if the organiser does not refund the money?
If the organiser delays or refuses to refund the money, the traveller can turn to the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority (VVTAT). If the organiser becomes insolvent, travellers are protected by its mandatory security — insurance or a bank guarantee.
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