✈️ Can I cancel a package holiday without a fee?

With conditions

Quick answer

You can — but only in unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. Under Act 170/2018, a traveller may withdraw from a package travel contract before the package begins without paying a cancellation fee where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at the destination or in its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to it. What counts: for example war, terrorism and other serious security problems, or significant risks to human health, such as the outbreak of a serious disease. You get everything back: the travel agency must refund all payments within 14 days at the latest of receiving the notice of withdrawal.

📋 The rules

Governed by Act 170/2018
No fee where extraordinary circumstances arise
They must arise at the destination or nearby
And significantly affect the package or the journey
Refund of all payments within 14 days

🔓 Exceptions

Extraordinary circumstances: war, terrorism, significant risks to health
The agency may also withdraw where such circumstances prevent performance
It must then notify the traveller without delay before the package begins

⚠️ Penalties & fines

"I no longer feel like going" is not an extraordinary circumstance. The right to withdraw without a fee arises only where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the destination or in its immediate vicinity and significantly affect the package or the journey to it. It is not enough that something is happening in another part of the country, or that you are anxious. Where the condition is met, the travel agency must refund all the payments it received from you, without delay and within 14 days at the latest of receiving the notice. It cuts both ways: the agency may also withdraw before the package begins without owing you damages where such circumstances prevent it performing — but it must notify you without delay.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

When can I cancel without a fee?

Where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at the destination or in its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to it.

What counts as extraordinary circumstances?

For example war, terrorism and other serious security problems, or significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of a serious disease. Personal anxiety or a change of plan does not qualify.

How soon must they refund me?

The travel agency must refund all payments received from you or on your behalf without delay — and within 14 days at the latest of the day it receives your notice of withdrawal.

Can the agency cancel the package?

Yes, and without owing you damages, where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances prevent it from performing the contract. It must, however, notify you of the withdrawal without delay before the package begins.

Is trouble elsewhere in the country enough?

No. The circumstances must arise at the destination or in its immediate vicinity and must significantly affect the package. An event hundreds of kilometres away will generally not support free cancellation.

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