WhatsApp Chat with Us
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka is an exciting experience, and we want you to feel confident from the moment you book with us. This policy is designed to be straightforward and fair - giving you clarity upfront so there are no surprises along the way.
All refunds and cancellations are handled in full accordance with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Cancellation Fees

Because our Sri Lanka itineraries involve confirmed arrangements with carefully selected local hotels, transport providers, and guides, the following fees apply when a booking is cancelled:

Time Before Tour Departure Cancellation Fee
More than 45 days Full refund, minus a AUD 150 administration fee
31 to 45 days 25% of total tour cost
15 to 30 days 50% of total tour cost
14 days or less 100% of total tour cost (no refund)

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@sunriselankatours.com.

Non-Refundable Items

Regardless of when you cancel, the following costs are non-refundable once incurred:

  • Issued air tickets
  • Sri Lanka visa and entry fees
  • Travel insurance premiums
  • Special event or site entrance tickets
  • Non-refundable hotel or supplier bookings

Where possible, our team will work with our Sri Lanka partners on your behalf to pursue credits or alternative arrangements. Please note that supplier refund processing times are outside our control and can take several weeks.

No-Shows and Change-of-Mind Cancellations

We are unable to offer refunds or credits in the following circumstances:

  • You change your mind after confirming your booking
  • You do not join the tour or miss a scheduled activity without prior notice (no-show)

Force Majeure and Unexpected Disruptions

Sri Lanka, like all international destinations, can occasionally be affected by circumstances beyond anyone's control - including natural events, government travel advisories, airline disruptions, or other unforeseen situations. If this affects your tour, we will do everything we can to secure alternative dates or supplier credits on your behalf. Refunds in these situations depend on individual supplier policies, and administration fees may apply.

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds are returned to your original payment method unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  • Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Additional delays may occur depending on your bank or payment provider.
  • Credit card and merchant processing fees are non-refundable.

A Note on Travel Insurance

Travelling to Sri Lanka from Australia is a significant trip, and we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before confirming your booking. A good policy can cover costs outside our refund terms - including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and unexpected disruptions. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction if you need guidance.

Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made with Sunrise Lanka Tours. By confirming your reservation, you agree to the terms set out below.

We've written these in plain language so they're easy to understand. If anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to contact us directly - we're always happy to talk you through it.

Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law

Sunrise Lanka Tours is an Australian company, and we operate in full compliance with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Under the ACL, you are entitled to a remedy if the services we provide:

  • Are not delivered with due care and skill
  • Are not fit for their described purpose
  • Do not match the description provided at the time of booking
  • Involve a major failure that significantly affects your travel experience

These rights apply regardless of any other conditions listed here and cannot be excluded.

Booking and Payment

  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit (confirmed at the time of booking) is required to secure your place on a Sunrise Lanka Tours itinerary. Your booking is not confirmed until this deposit is received.
  • Final Payment: Full payment is due 45 days before your tour departs. If you book within 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • Pricing: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD) unless stated otherwise. Prices may vary due to currency fluctuations, supplier adjustments, or tax changes. Once your full payment has been received, your price is locked in.
  • Supplier Terms: Many of the services we arrange - including accommodation, transport, guides, and activities across Sri Lanka - are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Your booking with those suppliers is also subject to their own terms and conditions, which may include additional fees or cancellation rules specific to them.
  • Payment Surcharges: Credit card and merchant processing fees may apply at the time of payment and are non-refundable.

Your Responsibilities as a Traveller

To make the most of your Sri Lanka experience, you are responsible for:

  • Holding a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your travel dates
  • Obtaining your Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa before departure
  • Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before you travel
  • Providing accurate personal and contact information at the time of booking
  • Meeting all health and entry requirements for Sri Lanka and any transit countries

Review your travel documents carefully. Please check all documents - names, dates, passport details, and flight times - within 48 hours of receiving them from us. Errors not flagged within this window may result in amendment fees. Failure to meet entry requirements may result in denied boarding or entry, and no refund will be available in these circumstances.

Making Changes to Your Booking

We understand that circumstances change, and we'll always do our best to accommodate amendments to your booking. Please be aware that:

  • An administration fee of AUD 50 per change applies
  • Additional charges from our Sri Lanka suppliers may also apply
  • Changes requested within 14 days of departure may not always be possible

Eligibility

Bookings may only be made by individuals aged 18 or over. All travellers must provide accurate and complete information at the time of booking. These Terms and Conditions apply from the commencement of your tour until its official conclusion.

Our Role

Sunrise Lanka Tours acts as an agent connecting you with our trusted network of Sri Lankan hotels, transport providers, activity operators, and other independent suppliers. Your contract for each individual service is directly with the relevant supplier. While we select our partners carefully, we are not responsible for the acts, omissions, or performance of third-party suppliers.

We take care to ensure all information we share about our itineraries and partners is accurate, but details such as accommodation facilities and activity specifics may change from time to time. We are not liable for changes made by suppliers after your booking is confirmed.

Itinerary Changes

We craft our Sri Lanka itineraries with care and aim to deliver every tour as described. Occasionally, minor adjustments may be necessary due to local weather conditions, road access, safety considerations, or other operational factors. If accommodation requires substitution, we will always aim to match or exceed the original standard. We will notify you of any significant changes as early as possible.

Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by Australian law, Sunrise Lanka Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay, or expense arising from:

  • The acts or omissions of third-party suppliers in Sri Lanka or elsewhere
  • Natural events, severe weather, or force majeure circumstances
  • Changes to schedules or services made by suppliers
  • A traveller's own negligence or failure to follow instructions

Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law remain unaffected.

International travel by air, sea, or land may also be subject to international conventions - including the Montreal Convention - which limit the liability of carriers.

Travel Insurance

All travellers must hold comprehensive travel insurance that covers, at a minimum:

  • Medical expenses, injury, or death
  • Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings
  • Trip cancellations, delays, or disruptions
  • Emergency evacuation or repatriation back to Australia

Your insurance must be in place before your tour begins and remain valid throughout your trip. Sri Lanka is a wonderfully safe destination, but being properly covered means you can travel with complete peace of mind.

Government Travel Advisories

We encourage all travellers to check the Australian Government's Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au) before and during travel. Sunrise Lanka Tours is not liable for losses arising from travel to destinations with active government warnings or advisories.

Traveller Conduct

Sri Lanka is a country rich in culture and tradition, and we ask all travellers to respect local customs and laws, treat fellow travellers, guides, and staff with courtesy and respect, and follow all safety instructions provided throughout the tour. We reserve the right to remove any traveller who poses a safety risk or disrupts the experience for others. No refund will be provided in such cases.

Emergency Situations

In the event of an emergency during your trip, you authorise Sunrise Lanka Tours to share your itinerary and contact details with relevant authorities or emergency services as required for your safety.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New South Wales courts. Where services are delivered in Sri Lanka or elsewhere, local laws will apply to those specific services.

These Terms and Conditions represent the entire agreement between you and Sunrise Lanka Tours and supersede all prior communications. If any clause is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions continue in full force.

Plan Your Tour