Terms & Conditions

IBMT TOURS – GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY. By booking any travel services, making a deposit, or submitting payment to IBMT Tours (“IBMT,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you (“Passenger,” “Client,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

1. RESERVATIONS & BOOKING

• Booking Procedures: Reservations may be made online at ibmttours.com, by phone at (877) 977-4268, or through a registered travel agent.
• Deposits: A non-refundable deposit ranging from $250 USD to $450 USD per person (depending on the tour type) is required at the time of booking to secure a reservation.

2. PAYMENTS & PRICING

• Pricing Basis: All prices are per person based on double/twin room occupancy unless otherwise noted. Single room occupancy requires payment of a Single Supplement.
• Price Modifications & Currency Fluctuations: Prices are based on tariffs, airfares, exchange rates, and fuel costs in effect at the time of publication. IBMT reserves the right to adjust prices at any time prior to final payment without notice.
  • If the US Dollar devalues by 5% or more relative to local tour currencies, IBMT reserves the right to pass this increase on to the Passenger.
  • If IBMT notifies you of a price increase exceeding 10% of the total land tour price, you may cancel in writing within five (5) calendar days of notification for a full refund of payments made. Failure to cancel in writing within 5 days constitutes acceptance of the price increase.
• Exclusions: Prices do not include airfare (unless specified), passport/visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses (laundry, beverages, meals not specified), phone/internet fees, excess baggage fees, tips/gratuities, foreign port taxes, or local bed/tourist taxes payable directly to hotels.
• Errors: In the event of human, typographical, or technical pricing errors, IBMT reserves the right to correct the error and re-invoice at the correct price or cancel the booking with a full refund.
• Payment Deadlines:
  • Final Payment: Due as specified on your official booking invoice (typically 60 to 90 days prior to departure depending on the package/cruise).
  • Last-Minute Bookings: Bookings made within 30 days of departure must be paid in full immediately via credit card, certified check, or wire transfer. All bookings must be fully paid no later than 15 days prior to departure.
• Late Payments: Failure to make final payment by the due date will result in automatic cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of all non-refundable deposits. A $50 USD service reinstatement fee applies to reconfirm cancelled services, subject to availability.
• Forms of Payment & Fees:
  • We accept major credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, direct deposits, and checks (US/Canadian funds).
  • Processing Fees: A 3% merchant fee may apply to credit card transactions where permitted by law.
  • Wire Transfers: Must include an additional $25 USD wire transfer fee.
  • Returned Checks: A $50 USD service fee applies to any returned check.

3. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to info@ibmtours.com and must include the reservation number, full name, and departure date. Cancellations are effective on the business day received by IBMT. If you do not receive a written confirmation from IBMT within 48 hours, you must call (877) 977-4268 to confirm receipt.

A. General Land Packages & Escorted Tours

• Deposits: 100% NON-REFUNDABLE upon receipt. (Deposits may be applied as a future travel credit for up to 12 months from the original booking date for a new tour).
• 61+ Days Prior to Departure: Payments exceeding the non-refundable deposit will be refunded. Date changes requested 61+ days prior are subject to a $75 USD per person administrative fee plus supplier costs.
• 60 Days or Fewer Prior to Departure: 100% NON-REFUNDABLE. All land services, transfers, and packages are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.

B. Group Bookings, Cruises, & Special Events

• Groups & Cruises: Payments become 100% NON-REFUNDABLE between 60 and 90 days prior to departure (as stated on your specific invoice).
• Special Events / Holiday Sailings: Final payment and cancellation terms may be accelerated and will be explicitly stated on your invoice.

C. Airline Tickets

• All airfares booked through IBMT are subject to the strict rules, terms, and cancellation policies of the issuing airline. Once issued, airline tickets are 100% NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.

D. Specific Policy Update – Israel Tour Programs

Due to regional security conditions, the following terms apply specifically to IBMT Israel tour programs:

1. Weekly / Guaranteed Departure Tours: Passengers may elect to:
   • Transfer 100% of monies paid to a future departure date valid through December 31, 2027; OR
   • Receive a full refund of monies paid, less a $300 USD per person administrative fee.
2. Group Bookings: Clients may transfer monies paid to a future departure date through December 31, 2027, or contact IBMT directly. Specific group contracts may dictate alternative terms.

4. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, PASSPORTS, AND VISAS

• Passenger Responsibility: Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your travel. It is the Passenger's sole responsibility to obtain all required visas, permits, entry/exit clearances, and health certificates prior to departure.
• Disclaimer: Information provided by IBMT regarding passport/visa requirements applies solely to US and Canadian citizens unless otherwise stated. IBMT is not liable for boarding denials, entry delays, or deportation caused by improper documentation. No refunds will be provided for unused services due to documentation issues.

5. TRAVEL INSURANCE

IBMT TOURS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALL TRAVELLERS PURCHASE COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE. Insurance should cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. IBMT is not liable for costs, medical fees, or cancellation losses incurred by uninsured passengers.

6. REVISION FEES & AMENDMENTS

Any change requested on a confirmed reservation (including name updates, date shifts, or service removals) will incur a $75 USD per person fee, plus any supplier penalty charges.

• Name Changes: Name changes on airline reservations are generally treated as full cancellations and re-bookings by airlines, subject to current availability and airfare rates.
• Deviations: Any custom itinerary change from the published tour program incurs a $150 USD per person deviation fee, plus applicable air and land cost adjustments.

7. AIR TRANSPORTATION

• Independent Carrier Rules: Air transportation is provided by independent commercial airlines. Flight schedules, routings, and seat assignments are under the sole control of the carrier and subject to change without notice.
• Schedule Changes & Missed Connections: IBMT is not responsible for airline schedule changes, flight delays, cancelled flights, lost baggage, or missed connections. Any fees or replacement airfare costs are the sole responsibility of the Passenger.
• Baggage Fees: Checked baggage policies and fees are set directly by each airline and are not included in IBMT package prices unless specified.

8. ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS

• Hotels: Standard rooms (twin or double bedding) are provided unless an upgrade is purchased. Hotel check-in is typically after 4:00 PM and check-out is before 12:00 PM. Air conditioning in international properties may differ from North American standards and is controlled by local property policies.
• Substitutions: IBMT reserves the right to substitute hotels or cruise vessels with properties of equal or higher standard without notice or price adjustment.
• Meals: Included meals are specified in each itinerary (set menu or buffet). Beverages are generally not included. Special dietary requests must be submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure; IBMT will make reasonable attempts to notify suppliers, but special requests cannot be guaranteed.

9. TRANSFERS, SIGHTSEEING, & UNUSED SERVICES

• Airport Transfers: Guaranteed up to one (1) hour past the scheduled flight arrival time. If delays occur due to flight interruptions, customs, or lost baggage, the Passenger must arrange independent local transport at their own expense. Transfer fees are non-refundable.
• Unused Services: No refunds, credits, or exchanges will be given for any unused tour features, including missed transfers, unused hotel nights, meals, rail passes, or sightseeing tours, regardless of the reason for non-participation.

10. PASSENGER CONDUCT, ACCESSIBILITY, & SAFETY

• Group Harmony & Removal: IBMT reserves the absolute right to decline, accept, or remove any individual whose behavior is deemed disruptive, aggressive, dangerous, or incompatible with the safety and enjoyment of the group. All costs associated with removal and early return travel will be borne entirely by the Passenger, without refund.
• Passengers with Disabilities / Special Needs: Escorted tours are fast-paced and require significant walking over uneven terrain. International facilities, transportation, and buses are not subject to the US ADA and may lack ramps or accessibility equipment.
  • Passengers requiring physical assistance must disclose their needs in writing prior to booking and must travel with a qualified companion capable of providing all necessary aid. Tour staff (guides, drivers) are strictly prohibited from providing personal physical assistance.
  • Service animals cannot be accommodated on international escorted tours.
• Minor Travelers: Passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for escorted tours/cruises is 4 years old. Minors traveling with one parent or a legal guardian should carry a notarized letter of consent.

11. TOUR CANCELLATION BY IBMT

• Minimum Group Numbers: Escorted tours rely on a minimum number of participants. IBMT reserves the right to cancel any under-subscribed tour up to 60 days prior to departure.
• Remedies for IBMT Cancellation: If IBMT cancels a tour due to low enrollment, IBMT will offer an alternative travel date or a full refund of the land package price only. IBMT is not liable for non-refundable airline tickets, visa fees, or independent travel expenses incurred by the passenger.

12. FORCE MAJEURE & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

• Force Majeure: IBMT shall not be liable, nor deemed in breach of these terms, for failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: Acts of God, war, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, strikes, government restrictions, epidemics/pandemics, regional conflicts, extreme weather, or natural disasters.
• Independent Suppliers: IBMT acts solely as an agent in booking accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, and other travel services provided by independent third-party suppliers. IBMT does not own, manage, or operate these suppliers and assumes NO LIABILITY for personal injury, property damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity caused by any act, omission, or negligence of any third-party supplier.
• Maximum Liability: Under no circumstances shall IBMT’s total liability to any passenger exceed the total amount paid by the passenger to IBMT for the land tour package.

13. CLAIMS & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• Notice of Claims: Any claim, dispute, or customer service complaint regarding a tour must be submitted in writing to IBMT within 30 days of the completed travel date (15 days for river cruises). Claims submitted after this window will be deemed waived and time-barred.
• Governing Law & Jurisdiction: These Terms & Conditions and any disputes arising hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where IBMT Tours maintains its principal place of business, without regard to conflict of law principles. All legal actions must be brought in the courts of that jurisdiction.

Acceptance of Terms

Payment of a deposit or full balance serves as your explicit legal confirmation that you have read, understood, and unconditionally accepted all terms, conditions, disclaimers, and policies outlined above.